Closed Monday

By Kyle InserraBusiness

Closed Monday episodes

March 12, 2024 Building a Scalable Team: Leadership Lessons from The Taco Project
Summary
This week I sit down with Nick, Carmelo and Sebastian, the neighbohood friends and co-founders of The Taco Project, a taqueria with multiple locations in Westchester & Fairfield County. They discuss their background, how they started the business, the challenges they faced, and their plans for expansion. They also touch on the difficulties of finding new locations and adapting their model. Additionally, they share insights on how they balance work and family life. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges and successes of running a business while balancing family life. They emphasize the importance of supporting each other and trusting their employees.
Takeaways
Starting a successful business requires a combination of passion, market research, and understanding customer needs.
Expanding to multiple locations involves learning from each location and continuously improving the business model.
Finding new locations can be challenging, especially in a competitive market with high rent prices.
Balancing work and family life requires setting priorities, delegating tasks, and valuing employees. Balancing family and business is a challenge, but with support and trust, it can be managed effectively.
Empowering employees and building a strong team are key to running a successful business.
Financial responsibility and strategic partnerships are important considerations for growth and expansion.
Letting go and thinking ahead are crucial for long-term success in entrepreneurship.
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DAVO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for FREE!
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.
Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
52 min
March 05, 2024How Not To Handle Negative Reviews, NRA Show Preview, And How To Properly Pay Your Sales Tax w/ Shawn Walchef & Troy Hooper
Summary
In this episode, the Kyle is joined by Shawn Walchef & Troy Hooper and, this is one of those episodes that really gets into the nitty-gritty of the restaurant business: from real estate to the process for getting locations, down to the last comma in Letters of Intent, and relationships with landlords. They talk current events- including a restaurateur's who managed the negative reviews like a maniac, the operational challenges that are facing restaurants and the trends in the digital space how hospitality is key and how Ozempic craze is affecting what is offered on the menus. They discussed the dynamics of the NRA show: "What the show is supposed to look like," "How to make an educational show," "Recycle content," and "What it takes to produce a video. The show sums up with insights on marketing strategies for franchises, adoption of the latest technologies, potentials in artificial intelligence, and benefits from automation in sales tax.
Takeaways
Hospitality is crucial in handling negative situations and public call-outs may not be the best approach.

Cancellation fees for restaurant reservations can vary and are common in certain areas.

Capturing and repurposing content from events like trade shows can provide long-term value.

Investing in storytelling and content creation can have a significant impact on brand awareness and customer engagement.

The demand for videographers is high, and pricing can vary based on expertise and production quality. Effective communication and collaboration between corporate and local franchise groups are crucial for successful marketing strategies.

Franchise brands should prioritize the financial success of their franchisees, as it directly impacts the brand's profitability.

Restaurant technology, including artificial intelligence, is constantly evolving and can provide valuable insights and efficiencies for businesses.

Sales tax automation solutions, like DAVO, can help restaurant owners avoid fines and penalties by ensuring accurate and timely tax payments.

Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DAVO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for FREE!

Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Check out that TikTok on Birthday Party Invitations.
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
58 min
February 12, 2024Should You Lease of Buy Your Restaurant's Real Estate?
In this episode, the Kyle apologizes and promises to be more transparent and consistent in the future. We also discuss the restaurant industry's projected sales reaching $1 trillion in 2024, new regulations in New York for passing credit card fees to customers, and a debate over who should pay for a birthday dinner. Lastly, we explore the pros and cons of owning vs leasing restaurant real estate.

Takeaways
The restaurant industry is projected to reach $1 trillion in sales in 2024.

New regulations in New York require restaurants to disclose credit card fees on menus.

There is a debate over who should pay for a birthday dinner at a restaurant.

The decision to own or lease restaurant real estate depends on individual goals and financial situations.

Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DAVO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for FREE!

Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Check out that TikTok on Birthday Party Invitations.
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
31 min
January 23, 2024Feeding the Future: Voosh.ai's Impact on Restaurant Growth and Innovation w/ Co-Founder, Priyam Saraswat
Priyam Saraswat, co-founder of Vosh.ai, dives into the journey of starting Vosh.ai and how they help independent restaurants thrive. He explains their pivot to a SaaS product and the importance of technology in the restaurant industry. Priyam also highlights their dispute management and review response services, which help restaurants improve their online reputation and profitability. He concludes by sharing their plans for the future and their focus on working with both mid-market and enterprise chains. In this conversation Kyle & Priyam, discusses the changing perception and adoption of technology in the restaurant industry. They highlight how leaders in the industry are becoming more open to adopting new technologies and how technology can give restaurants a competitive edge. Priyam also shares his approach to social media and content, focusing on adding value and bringing a smile to people's faces. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of connecting with others in the industry and helping them overcome challenges.
Takeaways
Vosh.ai helps independent restaurants thrive by providing a technology-enabled virtual franchise model.

Their dispute management service helps restaurants contest and win disputes with third-party delivery platforms, resulting in increased revenue.

Vosh.ai's review response service uses AI to automatically respond to reviews, improving online reputation and customer satisfaction.

The restaurant industry is slowly adopting technology, and Vosh.ai aims to equip restaurants with the tools they need to compete in the digital landscape. Restaurant leaders are becoming more open to adopting new technologies to gain a competitive edge.

Social media is a powerful platform for building connections and receiving feedback from customers and industry professionals.

Adding value and bringing a smile to people's faces through content can help create a positive brand image.

Connecting with others in the industry and helping them overcome challenges is essential for the overall growth and success of the restaurant industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New York Trip
03:00 Starting Vosh.ai and Helping Independent Restaurants
09:00 Pivoting to a SaaS Product
13:00 Working with Restaurant Chains
17:00 Dispute Management and Review Response
26:00 The Importance of Technology in the Restaurant Industry
29:00 Future Plans and Expansion
30:19 Changing Perception and Adoption of Technology
33:02 Social Media and Content Strategy
36:27 Connecting with the Industry and Helping Others
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try ⁠⁠⁠⁠DAVO⁠⁠⁠⁠ for FREE!

Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
47 min
January 12, 2024The State of the Independent Restaurant Industry w/ Dr. Anne McBride from the James Beard Foundation
Dr. Anne McBride, Vice President of Programs at the James Beard Foundation, discusses the findings of a comprehensive survey conducted by the foundation. The survey gathered responses from chefs across 44 states and highlighted the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, including rising food costs and fluctuating customer numbers. McBride emphasizes the importance of digital presence and content creation for restaurants to connect with customers beyond their physical locations. She also discusses the impact of increased consumer education and the focus on customer experience. McBride highlights the advocacy work of the James Beard Foundation and the resources available to support independent restaurants.
Takeaways
The James Beard Foundation conducted an in-depth study that gathered responses from chefs across 44 states, highlighting the challenges faced by the restaurant industry.
Restaurants can cope with rising food costs by adopting strategies such as selling products like salad dressings and leaning into content creation and social media presence.
Increased consumer education plays a significant role in shaping the future of the industry, as customers become more aware of the factors impacting prices and operations.
Operators should prioritize the customer experience to create a loyal customer base and increase revenue.
The James Beard Foundation provides resources and advocacy for independent restaurants, including webinars, events, and initiatives focused on mental health, financial literacy, and wellness.
Chapters
00:00. Introduction and Overview
01:04. In-depth Study by James Beard Foundation
02:04 Challenges Faced by Restaurants
03:36 Importance of Digital Presence
04:50 Trends in the Restaurant Industry
05:36 Fluctuating Customer Numbers
06:38 Coping with Rising Food Costs
07:20 Increased Consumer Education
08:17 Focus on Customer Experience
09:25 Importance of Self-Care for Operators
12:48 Key Takeaways from the Report
18:21 Adapting to Rising Rents
20:23 Advocacy Work by James Beard Foundation
23:39 Upcoming Events and Initiatives
29:08 Importance of Resources for Independent Restaurants
29:31 Final Thoughts and Closing

Download the JBF Industry Report here.
JBF's Industry Support Page
JBF Industry Support Newsletter
JBF's Virtual Education Library
Upcoming events/initiatives, including:
1/16-1/17: Financial Literacy Workshop for Women

1/22-2/19: Winter Wellness series
Additional programs
Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL)Winter Wellness series

Opportunities to advocate for industry change

Scholarship, Grant, and Tuition Waiver offerings
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try ⁠⁠⁠DAVO⁠⁠⁠ for FREE!

Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
39 min
December 18, 2023Navigating The Restaurant Real Estate Market in 2024
Summary
In this episode, Kyle discusses the current state of the restaurant market and provides tactical advice on finding opportunities for restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of considering market dynamics, economic factors, consumer preferences, and emerging markets. He also highlights the shift from malls to lifestyle centers as a trend to watch. Kyle encourages restaurant owners to be adaptable and strategic in their approach to finding new locations.
Takeaways
Consider market dynamics and demand when looking for restaurant opportunities.

When forecasting and planning, evaluate economic factors, such as stabilized material costs.

Pay attention to consumer preferences and emerging markets to identify potential areas of growth.

Explore the shift from malls to lifestyle centers as a trend in real estate development.

Be adaptable and strategic in your approach to finding new locations.

Stay optimistic and take advantage of the opportunities available in the market.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Finding Opportunities for Restaurants
03:22 Market Dynamics
06:58 Economic Factors
10:14 Consumer Preferences and Emerging Markets
12:20 Shift from Malls to Lifestyle Centers
17:06 Expanding Your Concept
18:10 Taking Advantage of Opportunities
19:10 Conclusion

Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try ⁠⁠DAVO⁠⁠ for FREE!

Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
30 min
December 08, 2023Keith Lee Takes on NYC, CosMc's Open First Location and Self Care As A Restaurant Entrepreneur
In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the world of self-care tailored for the busy restaurant entrepreneur. Join us as we explore how prioritizing personal well-being isn't just a luxury, but a necessity for sustained business success.
Me Time: Discover the art of unwinding effectively, whether through solo relaxation, cherished moments with loved ones, immersing in a book, or picking up a new hobby.

Exercise: Learn why incorporating daily physical activity isn't just good for your health, but also a powerful mood booster and a catalyst for entrepreneurial creativity.

Eat Healthy: We'll discuss how the right food choices can skyrocket your energy and sharpen your cognitive abilities, directly impacting decision-making and leadership.

Stay Hydrated: Understand the critical role of water in maintaining optimal body functions and how it can subtly yet significantly influence your professional performance.

Practice Mindfulness: Journey with us into the practices of mindfulness, focusing on the here and now to not only appreciate your achievements but also to keep entrepreneurial anxieties at bay.

Saying No: Master the art of declining gracefully. Learn how avoiding overcommitment is essential in preventing burnout and maintaining peak performance.

Reduce Stress: Identifying and tackling stressors head-on can revolutionize the way you handle business challenges. We'll share effective strategies for stress management.

Take Breaks: Discover how regular breaks aren't just a pause from work, but a strategic tool for enhancing problem-solving abilities and preventing burnout.

Set Working Hours: We discuss the importance of defining specific work hours to create a healthy boundary between your personal and professional life.

Getting Enough Sleep: Lastly, we emphasize the non-negotiable necessity of sufficient sleep for recovery, productivity, and maintaining a sharp entrepreneurial mind.

Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try ⁠DAVO⁠ for FREE!

Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Connect with Connecteam!
Connecteam simplifies everyday work with "desk-less" teams and keeps them connected, so you can focus on growing the business. Click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
39 min
November 28, 2023Raising Canes Owner is Worth Billions, 2024 Restaurant Trends, A Return to Stability PLUS Understanding The SNDA Clause
Welcome back to Closed Monday! In this post-Thanksgiving episode, join host Kyle Inserra as he unpacks a blend of news, trends, and essential insights tailored for restaurant enthusiasts and professionals alike. Fresh from the holiday, Kyle shares his own Thanksgiving experiences, including a special shout-out to porchetta for stealing the show.
What's in this episode:
A Dive into Current News: Kyle discusses a unique customer complaint scenario involving a waitress in the South and a lesson in cultural differences.

Wealth in the Chicken Industry: Insights into Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves' impressive financial success, exploring the profitability of chicken-focused restaurants.

Exploring Industry Trends: Kyle delves into five significant trends shaping the restaurant industry, from the growth of delivery services and ghost kitchens to the increasing role of technology and automation.

Leasing Tips for Restaurateurs: An in-depth look at the SNDA clause in leases, its importance, and how to effectively negotiate it.

Listener Engagement: A call for listener reviews and a chance to win Closed Monday merch.

Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try DAVO for FREE!

Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Connect with Connecteam!
Connecteam simplifies everyday work with "desk-less" teams and keeps them connected, so you can focus on growing the business. Click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to learn more.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
37 min
November 15, 2023Reviews to Revenue: Ovation's Game-Changing Approach to Feedback/ Zack Oates, CEO of OVation
This week I sit down with Zack Oates the CEO of We talk about getting results in customer experience and discuss how to cut through the noise. Think your customer feedback game is strong? Wait until you hear Zack's strategies. We're tackling everything head-on: from turning online reviews into your secret weapon to mastering the art of juggling family life with a thriving business. If you're serious about making a mark in the restaurant business, missing this episode isn’t an option - Zack drops some real gems that you can easily implement immediately.

Exclusive Partner
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠here,⁠⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.

Connect with Zack & Ovation!
⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ -

⁠⁠Ovation Up Podcast
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Connect with Connecteam!
Connecteam simplifies everyday work with "desk-less" teams and keeps them connected, so you can focus on growing the business. Click ⁠here⁠ to learn more.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
54 min
November 06, 2023Leading the Charge: How Strong Leaders Shape Top-Performing Restaurants w/ Executive Hospitality Coach, Andy Jones
Andy Jones is a Certified Hospitality Leadership Coach focusing on creating people-centric organizations that deliver exceptional, memorable experiences for their guests. Andy improves both individual and organizational performance by focusing on the human side of any business.
Andy hosts The Hospitality Leadership Podcast and has over a decade of leadership experience across hospitality, retail, construction and public service. The variety of experience in multiple sectors gives Andy a unique perspective on leadership and an understanding that people and relationships are the bedrock of success in any business in any industry.
Andy came to hospitality business ownership in 2019, applying everything he knows about leadership to building and developing a high-performance team and culture that boasted an employee turnover of only 10% over three years.
Now, working in partnership with hospitality businesses to do the same, Andy helps executives, leadership teams, and aspirational future leaders develop the skills and strategies to transform their guest and employee experience for a sustainable and strong future for any business.
Exclusive Partner
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠here,⁠ and instantly level up your digital presence.

Connect with Andy!
⁠Instagram⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Podcast
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Connect with Connecteam!
Connecteam simplifies everyday work with deskless teams and keeps them connected, so you can focus on growing the business. Click ⁠here⁠ to learn more.

Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
44 min

About Closed Monday

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Ever wonder what it really takes to go from one location to ten? Every Monday, top restaurant operators share their actual playbooks for scaling - from site selection and systems to funding and team…

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