What if the secret to scaling your business wasn’t just about great food or strong margins but about creating real relationships—with your team, your customers, and your community? Andrew Kim has flipped the script on what it means to run a franchise operation. As CEO of Waba Grill, Andrew went from legal advisor to visionary leader, crafting a brand where franchisees aren’t just partners—they’re family. In today’s episode, we explore how Andrew is bringing humanity back to franchising, the unconventional strategies that turned struggling locations into top performers, and what independent restaurant operators can steal from the franchise playbook to thrive in today’s market. If you’re ready to rethink how you support your team and grow your business, this conversation is a must. For more on Waba Grill’s bold flavors and innovative franchise model, visit https://www.wabagrill.com.

Takeaways

• Andrew's bicultural background provided an advantage in law.
• Waba Grill's founders had a vision for franchise growth.
• Transitioning from consultant to chief legal officer was a significant decision.
• Building strong franchisee relationships is crucial for success.
• The pandemic required a focus on franchisee support and resilience.
• Leadership transition can come from unexpected backgrounds.
• Investing in team support leads to better outcomes.
• Menu innovation is driven by customer resonance and team collaboration.
• Value is defined by customer experience, not just price.
• Anticipating customer needs enhances overall satisfaction.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Law and Business Consulting
05:56 Navigating Franchise Relationships and Challenges
12:13 Leadership Transition: From Chief Legal Officer to CEO
17:55 Menu Innovation and Customer Experience
24:09 Defining Value in a Post-Pandemic World
29:57 Anticipating Customer Needs and Enhancing Experience
35:54 Key Takeaways for Business Success
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

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What does it take to leave a stable career, move across the world, and start fresh in an industry where failure is the norm? For Shawn Uldridge, the answer lies in a combination of entrepreneurial grit, risk management, and a deep passion for creating meaningful experiences. From transitioning out of finance to building the Publishing House B&B in Chicago, Shawn has rewritten the rules of success in hospitality. In today’s episode, we explore his journey, how he balances risk with opportunity, and why perseverance—and a little fun—are the keys to thriving in business and life. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a bold dream into reality, this conversation is for you.  For more information on the Publishing House B&B and Chapel Street Café, visit https://publishinghousebnb.com.

Takeaways

• Quitting can be a positive step towards fulfillment.
• Entrepreneurs must balance vision with the ability to pivot.
• Evaluating opportunities should prioritize enjoyment and interest.
• Risk management is crucial for long-term success.
• Avoiding mediocrity requires proactive decision-making.
• Product market fit is essential for business success.
• Creating a supportive team environment enhances productivity.
• Cultural sharing can elevate a business's appeal.
• Work-life balance is vital for personal happiness.
• Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges in business.

Chapters
00:00 From Finance to Hospitality: A New Beginning
05:45 Evaluating Opportunities: Fun vs. Profit
11:48 Navigating the Middle Ground: Avoiding Mediocrity
18:00 The Journey into Solar Energy
23:50 Creating a Supportive Team Environment
30:00 The Importance of Family and Work-Life Balance
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

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Check out DUER’s flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP.

Most restaurants don’t fail—they just get stuck. They struggle with slim margins, unpredictable cash flow, and the constant grind of staying afloat. But what if there was a way to break the cycle? In this episode, we reveal the overlooked strategies that separate struggling restaurants from thriving ones. Whether you’re ready to scale or just need more breathing room, this conversation is for you.

Visit www.joshkopel.com today to get free access to the upcoming 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge: 5 Days to a 15% Net Profit.

In an industry where culture can make or break a business, Chris Hall has set a gold standard for what it means to lead with purpose. As co-owner of Unsukay Restaurant Group in Atlanta, Chris has turned his restaurants into more than just places to eat—they’re community hubs rooted in generosity, connection, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Today, we discuss how Chris and his partners have built thriving businesses by focusing on values-driven leadership, the transformative power of philanthropy, and the strategies they use to ensure both their team and their guests feel like they truly belong. For more information on Local Three and their community initiatives, visit https://unsukay.com/.

Takeaways

• At the time Atlanta was still growing, and Mus and Turner's filled a gap.
• Curiosity and humility are essential in learning and growth.
• Partnerships require commitment and open communication, similar to marriage.
• An abundance mindset fosters human connection in business.
• Creating a positive atmosphere for staff leads to better hospitality.
• You can't teach someone to care; it's an inherent quality.
• Purpose and values should guide business decisions, not just profit.
• Engaging advisors can provide valuable insights and support.
• Continuous improvement is key to success in any business.
• A strong partnership is built on complementary skills and trust. We talk about our values every day.
• Culture is defined by what you tolerate.
• What you say no to is more defining than yes.
• Growth is about people, not just opportunity.
• You need systems to standardize operations.
• Profitability is essential for sustainability.
• Great customer experiences drive word-of-mouth.
• Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
• The Giving Kitchen started as a response to need.
• Every day is an opportunity to make a difference.

Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Mus and Turner's
05:11 Navigating Partnerships in the Restaurant Industry
12:28 Purpose, Values, and Mission in Hospitality
17:30 Continuous Improvement and Learning in Business
23:52 Intentional Growth and Leadership
29:13 Profitability: A Necessary Conversation
34:53 The Journey Over the Destination
40:52 Adopting an Abundance Mentality

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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Reinvention is at the heart of every great success story, and few embody that better than Brian Smith and Robert Hagopian. Starting as franchisees of The Meat House, they faced the collapse of their franchisor and emerged stronger, founding The Butchery, a boutique butcher shop and kitchen that has redefined premium meat retail. Today, we sit down to discuss their transition from franchisees to independent operators, the lessons they learned from the School of Hard Knocks, and how they’ve built a brand rooted in quality, community, and uncompromising service. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to turn challenges into opportunities. For more information on The Butchery and their premium offerings, visit https://www.butcherymeats.com.

Takeaways

• The journey to opening the Meat House began with a shared passion for cooking.
• There is a notable absence of intimate retail grocery markets in Southern California.
• Identifying market gaps can lead to successful business opportunities.
• Strong partnerships are built on mutual respect and understanding.
• Navigating the retail food industry is challenging and requires resilience.
• Having a shared vision and standards is crucial for business success.
• Finding engaged employees in the restaurant industry is increasingly difficult.
• Quality ingredients are essential for creating exceptional meals.
• Listening to each other during disagreements strengthens partnerships.
• Building a knowledgeable team enhances customer experience. 

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Meat House
03:00 Identifying Market Gaps
06:01 Navigating Business Partnerships
08:54 Building a Strong Team
12:02 Overcoming Industry Challenges
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Check out DUER’s flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP.

Here's what you have to look forward to in 2025!

In this conversation, Savneet Singh shares his journey as the CEO of PAR Technologies, detailing the challenges he faced when he took over a struggling company. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, making difficult decisions, and fostering a strong company culture. Through transparent communication and a focus on values, Singh transformed PAR from a failing business into a thriving enterprise, highlighting the role of innovation and teamwork in achieving success. In this conversation, Josh Kopel and Savneet Singh discuss the challenges faced by restaurant operators in today's rapidly changing industry. They explore the importance of technology and data in enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency. Savneet emphasizes the need for a culture of risk-taking and innovation at PAR Technologies, while also highlighting the significance of staying true to a brand's promise. The discussion concludes with encouraging words for restaurant owners to never give up and to invest in their teams.

Takeaways

• The only genius in entrepreneurship is not giving up.
• Business is fundamentally about solving problems.
• Difficult conversations are essential for leadership.
• Cultural values must be lived, not just stated.
• Ownership and accountability drive success.
• Innovation in technology is crucial for the restaurant industry.
• A transparent environment fosters trust and collaboration.
• Defining clear values can reshape company culture.
• Hard work and dedication lead to significant outcomes.
• Success requires a commitment to customer satisfaction. The restaurant industry is facing unfair expectations from customers.
• Technology is essential for restaurant operators to survive.
• PAR Technologies embraces change and innovation.
• Data must be actionable for restaurant owners to benefit.
• Personalized customer experiences are the future of dining.
• Unifying data across platforms is crucial for efficiency.
• Risk-taking is a cultural norm at PAR Technologies.
• Staying true to a brand promise is key to success.
• Investing in people leads to better outcomes.
• Work-life balance is important in the restaurant industry.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Perseverance in Entrepreneurship
06:09 The Journey to Leadership at PAR Technologies
11:53 Cultural Revolution: Building a Winning Team
18:07 The Road to Success: Hard Work and Transparency
25:10 Adapting to Change in the Restaurant Industry
35:39 The Culture of Risk-Taking at PAR
43:11 The Excitement of Team and Mission
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Family businesses are the backbone of the restaurant industry, but they come with unique challenges and opportunities. Eldredge and Tyler Ropolo of Washington Street Hospitality have taken their family’s vision to new heights, blending timeless Italian traditions with modern hospitality innovation. In today’s conversation, we explore their unconventional journey from Italy to Newport and beyond, the lessons learned from balancing personal passions with business practicality, and how they’ve created restaurant concepts that feel as personal as their own homes. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow without losing authenticity, this episode is a masterclass. For more information on Washington Street Hospitality and their concepts, visit https://www.washingtonstreethospitality.com.
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Success in the restaurant industry is as much about grit as it is about vision, and few people embody both quite like Peter Newlin. As Chief Vision Officer of the Gastamo Group, Peter has transformed small neighborhood restaurants into a multi-concept hospitality group, all while championing the power of focus and community-driven dining. In today’s conversation, we explore Peter’s journey from outdoor enthusiast to restaurant innovator, his vision for disrupting suburban dining, and the critical role of AI and intentionality in shaping the future of hospitality. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a thriving business while staying grounded, this episode is for you. For more information on the Gastamo Group and their innovative concepts, visit https://www.gastamogroup.com.

____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

What does it take to evolve from an ambitious young chef to a seasoned restaurateur and CPG innovator? Harold Jurado’s journey is a masterclass in risk, resilience, and reimagination. From working at culinary institutions like Charlie Trotter’s to leading high-pressure kitchens and corporate dining at Google, Harold’s path has been anything but ordinary. Today, we dive into how he balances creativity and practicality, his leap into the world of consumer packaged goods, and his vision for building a business that takes care of both staff and customers. If you’re looking for inspiration to rethink your own path to success, this episode is for you. For more information on Harold and his restaurant, Ramenwell, visit https://www.ramenwell.com

____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars