Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates

Send us Fan Mail

Note: This episode was recorded before the recent passing of Solomon Choi. He was a dear friend to Zack and the Ovation team, and though we are saddened and shocked by his passing, we were grateful to share this conversation with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

In this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack Oates sits down with the remarkable Solomon Choi, founder of 16 Handles and CEO of Jabba Brands. Solomon shares his journey of building and scaling 16 Handles, insights on the importance of customer obsession, and innovative strategies like the Oatly partnership that revitalized his brand during the pandemic. This episode is a tribute to Solomon's enduring legacy his invaluable contributions to the restaurant industry, and his bright mind.

Today's Ovation goes to you, Solomon!

Send us Fan Mail

In this special episode of Give an Ovation, host Zack Oates chats with Andrew Smith, Managing Director and Co-Founder of the Savory Fund. Andrew shares invaluable insights into building a successful team, the importance of decisive action, and the current state of the restaurant industry. Tune in to learn how Andrew and his team have navigated turbulent times and emerged stronger than ever. From personal anecdotes to professional strategies, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice for anyone in the restaurant business.

Thanks, Andrew!

Send us Fan Mail

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Tom Gordon, CEO of Slim Chickens. With nearly 22 years at the helm, Tom has been instrumental in transforming Slim Chickens into a beloved brand known for its innovative LTOs and consistently delicious offerings. We discuss how Tom balances staying true to the core menu while continuously introducing exciting new options. He shares his philosophy on creating a frictionless guest experience, from the moment customers drive onto the lot to the time they leave.

Thanks, Tom!

Send us Fan Mail

In this Crispy episode of "Give an Ovation," Zack Oates sits down with Jeremy Carlson, founder and CEO of Crispy Cones, to talk about the rollercoaster journey from starting a business to appearing on Shark Tank and beyond. Jeremy shares the highs and lows of building his brand, the importance of guest experience, and the innovative strategies that have helped Crispy Cones thrive. Tune in to hear firsthand insights from an entrepreneur who went from the tank to the bank, landing a deal with Barbara Corcoran and expanding to 50 franchise units.

Thanks, Jeremy!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of "Give an Ovation," Zack Oates welcomes Jim Mizes, a restaurant industry legend with an impressive track record, including roles as VP of PepsiCo, President of brands like Einstein Bros and Blaze Pizza, and various advisory roles. Jim shares his insights on scaling restaurant brands, the importance of aligning founders and financial partners, and the timeless principles of guest experience. Learn how to eliminate operational boulders and focus on what truly matters—developing people and serving guests.

Thanks, Jim!

Send us Fan Mail

In this 300th episode of "Give an Ovation," host Zack Oates welcomes back Olga Lopategui, a seasoned restaurant marketing consultant and the Founder of Restaurant Loyalty Specialists. Olga shares her expertise in setting up and optimizing loyalty programs for restaurant chains, offering insights into the importance of process optimization and the role of technology in enhancing guest experiences. Tune in to learn about the best practices for maintaining customer loyalty, the impact of effective guest communication, and the strategies Olga recommends for improving guest satisfaction.

Thanks, Olga!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of "Give an Ovation," host Zack Oates sits down with Seth Cohen, President and Co-founder of Sweetfin. Seth shares the inspiring journey of Sweetfin's inception, its innovative approach to fast-casual dining, and the emphasis on guest experience that has driven their success. From mastering the art of poke in a market that had never heard of it to building a robust digital ordering and loyalty platform, Seth has some pretty sweet takes.

Thanks, Seth!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of "Give an Ovation," Zack Oates sits down with Natalie Green, the dynamic COO of Nekter Juice Bar. With over 200 locations, Natalie shares insights from her 12-year journey at Nekter, focusing on the importance of supply chain management, consistency in guest experience, and leveraging technology to enhance customer loyalty. Discover how Natalie's strategic approach to operations and her dedication to a transparent and guest-centric philosophy have propelled Nekter Juice Bar to success.

Thanks, Natalie!

Send us Fan Mail

Today we're joined by Emily Cole, the visionary owner of the viral sensation, the Savannah Bananas. Emily shares her journey of transforming the traditional baseball experience into a lively, fun-filled event that captivates fans of all ages. From introducing all-you-can-eat tickets to choreographed player entrances, Emily discusses the innovative strategies that set the Savannah Bananas apart in the sports world. 

Restaurant owners will gain valuable insights into adopting a fan-first mentality, the importance of constant innovation, and how embracing uniqueness can drive a brand to success. Tune in to discover how Emily Cole is redefining baseball and creating unforgettable experiences for her fans.

Send us Fan Mail

Susie Sarich created SusieCakes for two reasons: 1) to make it easier for women to work in hospitality, and 2) to bring back classic desserts recipes to the culinary wild west she was witnessing in San Francisco. With her Grandmas' timeless recipes and a focus on each guest, SusieCakes has grown to 26 locations and is poised to continue rising. 

Thanks, Susie! 

Sponsored by Ovation - Actionable Guest Feedback. Visit ovationup.com.