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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Joe Sample, President of Crave Management Group, the multi-unit, multi-brand operator behind top-performing Taco Bell locations and Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. With over 22 years of experience, Joe shares his proven strategies for creating high-performing teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Zack and Joe discuss:

• The key question every GM should ask to drive operational excellence
• Why having one standard is critical for consistency
• How autonomy and trust improve both team and guest experiences
• Hiring tactics to identify top-performing restaurant leaders
• Simple changes that elevate the guest experience, like redefining roles

Tune in to hear how Joe’s leadership style and operational insights have helped Crave Management Group thrive in a competitive industry!

Thanks, Joe!

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea and Just Ice Tea, chairman of Beyond Meat, and co-founder of PLNT Burger. Seth’s journey from government and activism to launching purpose-driven brands showcases his commitment to health, sustainability, and creating positive social impact.

Zack and Seth discuss:

• How Seth transitioned from politics to entrepreneurship to drive lasting change
• The story behind Honest Tea, its evolution into Just Ice Tea, and the focus on transparency and quality
• Why PLNT Burger empowers customers to invest and participate in its growth
• The importance of offering inclusive menu options to delight diverse guests
• How purpose-driven brands can make a real impact on health and the planet

Tune in to hear how Seth’s vision and leadership continue to inspire and transform the food and beverage industry!

Thanks, Seth!

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Food and Beverage at Square and a restaurateur with over a decade of experience through Cambridge Street Hospitality Group. Ming brings a unique perspective, blending his deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge restaurant technology to help operators thrive in an ever-evolving market.

Zack and Ming discuss:

• The intersection of hospitality and technology—how to use tech without losing the human touch
• Key lessons from the restaurant world that translate into successful tech leadership
• How to approach restaurant technology with a problem-first mindset rather than a solution-first approach
• The importance of feedback loops in creating an exceptional guest experience
• Strategies to balance expansion and maintaining quality across multiple locations

Tune in to hear Ming’s insights on how restaurants can leverage technology while staying true to their hospitality roots and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

Thanks, Ming!

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Andrew Dana, founder of Call Your Mother Deli and Timber Pizza Company. Andrew’s journey from the corporate world to building thriving restaurant brands is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Zack and Andrew discuss:

• The transition from corporate life to launching a food business
• How authenticity and community drive brand success
• The key elements of delivering a memorable guest experience
• Why employee happiness is crucial for customer satisfaction
• The strategies behind scaling without losing brand identity

Tune in to hear how Andrew’s bold moves and dedication to hospitality have turned his dream into a growing culinary empire!

Thanks, Andrew!

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack welcomes Amir Mostafavi, the Founder and CEO of South Block, a mission-driven smoothie and juice bar brand based in the DC area. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Amir shares his journey of creating a brand that’s not just about great products, but also about fostering connections and building better communities on every block they serve.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

•   From Passion to Purpose: How Amir turned his love for fruits and smoothies into a thriving 17-location brand with a purpose-driven mission.
•  The Power of Guest Experience: Why focusing on guest feedback is Amir’s number one KPI and how it drives South Block’s success.
• Quality Without Compromise: How South Block maintains authenticity and premium quality in their açaí bowls and juices while scaling operations.
• Using Feedback to Innovate: The role of technology, pre-ordering systems, and smart workflows in improving guest experience.
• Leadership Through Culture: Amir’s commitment to creating meaningful career paths and fostering a supportive company culture.

Tune in to discover how Amir Mostafavi is blending community-building, exceptional products, and heartfelt hospitality to redefine what it means to be a mission-driven brand.

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we’re joined by Abney Harper, CEO and Founder of Prima Après, a unique fast-casual concept combining fresh pasta and pavlovas with a focus on thoughtful design, quality ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality. Abney shares her journey from fine dining and fashion retail to creating a chef-driven brand that delivers a luxury dining experience in a fast-casual setting.

Zack and Abney discuss:

• Transforming Fine Dining Into Fast-Casual Excellence
  How Abney turned a $50 pasta dish into an accessible yet premium quick-service experience.
• The Magic of Details in Guest Experience
  Why everything from custom bronze-cut pasta to perfect table heights makes a difference in how guests experience a restaurant.
• Hospitality Rooted in Human Connection
  How kindness, warmth, and personal interactions build lasting customer loyalty.
• Design That Enhances the Brand
  How Abney’s background in fashion and interior design inspired Prima Après' stylish, inviting spaces.
• Lessons in Restaurant Innovation and Growth
  What it takes to blend creativity with operational excellence while scaling a restaurant concept.

Tune in to learn how Abney Harper is redefining fast-casual dining by blending exceptional cuisine with intentional design and genuine hospitality!

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we’re joined by Jason Sobocinski and Etkin Tekin, the co-founders of Haven Hot Chicken, who are on a mission to redefine the fast-casual dining space. From their roots as winners of the Perfect Pitch competition to expanding to nine locations, Jason and Etkin share the secrets behind their explosive growth and the passion for exceptional food that drives their brand.

Zack, Jason, and Etkin discuss:

• Why training and empowering teams are the cornerstone of their success
• The importance of pride in food quality and culture-building
• How they use guest feedback to maintain consistency and create unforgettable experiences
• Tactics for handling guest recovery and exceeding expectations

Tune in to learn how Haven Hot Chicken is bringing the heat and redefining the fast-casual dining experience!

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, Rick Malir, founder of City Barbeque, shares his journey from selling John Deere tractors to building a nationally recognized barbecue brand. With 25 years in the business and 75 locations, Rick dives into what it takes to deliver top-notch barbecue and create unforgettable guest experiences.

Zack and Rick discuss:

• How a love for barbecue sparked a fast-casual empire
• The key role emotional connection plays in guest loyalty
• Why investing in your team leads to better guest experiences
• Balancing technology with genuine hospitality
• Lessons from scaling a bootstrapped business to 75 locations

Tune in to hear how Rick turned his backyard barbecue passion into a thriving brand loved by guests across the country!

Thanks, Rick!

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Austin Titus, president of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza and a seasoned expert in the franchise industry. Growing up in a family of franchise entrepreneurs, Austin has developed a unique eye for brands that stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Zack and Austin discuss:

• The story behind Cannoli Kitchen and how it differentiates itself in the pizza space
• What Austin looks for in franchise brands and the value of a proven category
• How Cannoli Kitchen combines traditional flavors with a fresh approach to hospitality
• Strategies for scaling and maintaining brand integrity across locations

Tune in to hear Austin's insights on building a memorable brand that keeps guests coming back!

Thanks, Austin!

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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Jim Knight, a former executive at Hard Rock Cafe who has transformed his experiences into a dynamic career as a speaker and author. Known for his engaging style, Jim blends the charisma of Guy Fieri with the motivational prowess of Tony Robbins.

Zack and Jim discuss:

• The importance of building a rockstar team and cultivating a vibrant culture
• How to create a guest experience that truly resonates
• The significance of accountability and setting clear expectations for team members
• Why investing in talent leads to sustained success over time

Tune in to discover how Jim's unique insights can help elevate your restaurant's guest experience!

Thanks, Jim!