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

This week, we're excited to host Andy Rebhun, CEO  of Cava, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain. You don't want to miss out on Andy's expertise in creating game-changing strategies in the marketing world. Tune in as he unfurls the importance of staying true to a brand's roots and the magic of curiosity in marketing.

This week, you'll learn from Andy about:

• Guest feedback s a catalyst for change
• Adapting to new trends
• Navigating the Marketing Landscape
• More!

Thanks, Andy!

Send us Fan Mail

Uncover the secrets behind the scenes of the restaurant world with David Doty, the financier turned hospitality expert. Our conversation peels back the curtain on the meticulous craft of curating a five-star guest experience, revealing the heart and soul that transform a meal into an enduring memory. David imparts his unique perspective on steering iconic establishments to new heights. 

On this episode you'll learn from David about:

• Turning customer interactions into loyalty
• Personalized service
• Empowering staff
• More!

Thanks, David!

Send us Fan Mail

Unlock the secrets behind the fast-food revolution with Eric Knott, COO of PDQ, as we discuss the art of enhancing the guest experience in the bustling restaurant industry. Learn how PDQ's dedication to quality goes beyond mouthwatering meals, delving into the heart of their team dynamics and community engagement. As we examine the ripple effects of business practices on both community and industry, you'll grasp how PDQ is setting a new standard for fostering lasting relationships and exceptional service.

In this episode, you'll learn from Eric about:

• Daring operational choices
• Pivotal role of feedback
• Impact of guest engagement
• More!

Thanks, Eric!

Send us Fan Mail

Discover the secret sauce behind creating an unforgettable guest experience with Laura Ray Dickey, the CEO of Dickey's BBQ Pit. Dickey's BBQ is a legacy brand that began in 1941. In this episode, Laura pulls back the curtain on what it takes to serve up mouthwatering barbecue and lays bare the critical decisions that shape a beloved brand.

On this episode, you'll learn from Laura about: 

• Innovative metrics of success
• Turning feedback into stepping stones
• The importance of trust
• More!

Thanks, Laura!

Send us Fan Mail

Unlock the secrets of social media stardom with Cereal Killerz Kitchen Owner, Chris Burns.  Chris dishes out the recipe for creating content that not only tickles the taste buds but also captures the hearts of over a million followers. Step into the vibrant hustle of Las Vegas Strip marketing, where Chris Burns navigates the transient tides of customers with a shrewd social media strategy.

On this episode you'll learn from Chris about:

• Authenticity and relatability
• Advertising in budget
• Correcting content misconceptions
• Social media tactics
• More!

Thanks, Chris!

Send us Fan Mail

Step into the dynamic world of hospitality as Jordan Cusner shares how he transitioned from musician to lawyer, and now guest insights as he executes enhanced dining experiences with data-driven creativity. Jordan reveals his philosophy on cultivating ideas and reflects on the industry's most mouth-watering advancements, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

On this episode you'll learn from Jordan about: 

• Guest centricity
• Sharing objectives across organizations
• Innovating connecting with guests
• More!

Thanks, Jordan!

Send us Fan Mail

Get ready because this week's episode dives into the booming industry of fast casual fried-chicken as we chat with Dave's Hot Chicken's powerhouse duo: Co-Founder/CBO Arman Oganesyan and CEO Bill Phelps. Arman's marketing ingenuity and Bill's strategic eye have catapulted Dave's Hot Chicken from a local curiosity to a national sensation. 

On this episode, you'll learn from Arman and Bill about:

• Vision that guides branding
• Operational wisdom and simplicity
• Staying true to core identity
• Quality and authenticity
• More!

Thanks, Bill and Arman!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to our milestone 250th episode of the Give an Ovation podcast, where we have assembled an all-star panel of industry experts:

🎙 Kelly MacPherson, Union Square Hospitality Group
🎙 Shawn P. Walchef, Cali BBQ Media
🎙 David "Rev" Ciancio, Handcraft Burgers and Brew, Branded Hospitality Ventures, and... everywhere else basically
🎙 Geoff Alexander, Wow Bao
🎙 Christopher J. Ramirez, Dog Haus & The Absolute Brands

This episode features more than just a panel of experts discussing ideas. We're actually out there on the restaurant floor, engaging with our guests, learning, experimenting, and evolving. Join us as we navigate the path between preserving tradition and embracing innovation, the relevance of technology, and the importance of two-way guest feedback. So, pull up a chair and tune in for our ground breaking episode of Give an Ovation!

Thanks, everyone!

Send us Fan Mail

Strap in as we journey through an insightful conversation with Dan Simons, Founder and Co-owner of Farmers Restaurant Group. As a leader in the business world, he underlines the importance of striking a balance – pushing employees to achieve their goals while also ensuring their mental well-being is prioritized. 

On this episode, you'll learn from Dan about:

• Mental health in the workplace
• Effective leadership and employee advocacy
• Farm-to-table concepts
• More!

Thanks, Dan!

Send us Fan Mail

Imagine dining in a world-class restaurant and, as an added bonus, enjoying a lively game of bowling or bocce right there. That's the winning recipe Dale Schwartz, Founder and CEO of Pinstripes, brings to the table. From his journey as a visionary entrepreneur to the inception of Pinstripes, Dale shares the ups and downs of his business adventure.

On this episode, you'll learn from Dale about: 

• Crucial role of feedback 
• Cueing the guest
• Entrepreneurial success 
• More!

Thanks, Dale!