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

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Brandon and Zane Hunt are brothers who have shaken and shaped the pizza industry since they opened Via313 in 2011. Brandon and Zane began Via313 out of a trailer in Detroit determined to expand and serve everyone up a slice. Now as a multi-unit brand, Via313 continue to serve delicious deep dish pizza all while perfecting their guest experience.

On this episode you'll learn from Brandon and Zane about:

• Unique in-house hospitality tactics
• Transparency around the realities of starting your own business
• Connection and consistency
• More!

Thanks, Brandon and Zane!

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Patrick Pleiss is the Co-Founder and Head of Operations at Hyperlocology. Hyperlocology is a a marketing platform that enables franchise brands to centrally control local advertising, across the most powerful digital channels, for their hundreds or thousands of locations.

On this episode you'll learn more about: 

• Helping locations help themselves
• First impressions (digital and face-to-face)
• Localized advertising
• More!

Thanks, Patrick!

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This week's episode welcomes on Matt Wampler, CEO and Co-Founder of ClearCOGS, a company utilizing AI to automate demand planning. If you've ever wondered how to balance profitability and the guest experience, tune in to Matt's expertise on predictive analytics. 

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

• Forecasting and customer satisfaction
• Welcoming change back of house
• Wonders of AI
• More!

Thanks, Matt!

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Julie Wade is the Senior Director of Marketing at Taziki's, a cafe with a fresh take on the Mediterranean diet. On this week's episode of Give an Ovation, Julie brings her extensive marketing expertise (strategy, product development, brand, etc.) to the table. Tune in to hear how her marketing utility belt has helped her master the food and beverage industry. 

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

• Loyalty programs
• Ordering experience
• consistent strategy (from menu to decor)
• More! 

Thanks, Julie!

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Mike Snow is a 14 year entrepreneur whose most recent venture, Ocavu, is shaking up the restaurant industry. Ocavu has changed the way we approach ordering a menu item in a restaurant by placing a true to life size, high-fidelity scan in the consumer's life. This creates a better experience for the customers by aligning their expectations with reality. Tune it to learn more about this groundbreaking innovation!

On this episode, you'll learn rom Mike about:

• Augmented reality
• Meeting guest expectations
• Consistency is key
• More!

Thanks, Mike!

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This week's episode of Give An Ovation welcomes on Nick Petrocci, current Director of Off Premise for the fast-casual brand, Zaxby’s. Nick lead an Off Premise Growth team focused on the health of digital ordering channels including the custom-built, proprietary Zaxby’s mobile apps and website alongside the 3rd party delivery marketplaces. 

On this episode you'll learn from Nick about: 

• Managing third party dynamics
• Future of off-prem
• Where off-prem goes wrong
• More!

Thanks, Nick!

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Many of you know him from the wrestling ring, but whether he's delivering a total smackdown or instructing a DDP Yoga course, Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) is a prime example of  transforming and chasing your passions. Now as the Founder and CEO of DDPY (Diamond Dallas Page Yoga), Diamond continues who help others achieve their true potential and rebound from life's blows. 

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

• Importance of believing in yourself
• Taking care of your wellness
• Transitioning from the ring to the studio
• More!

Thanks, Diamond!

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Dan Posner is the VP of business development at Big Leap. Big Leap is an award-winning digital marketing agency founded on trust, focused on relationships, and motivated by your long-term success. While Dan is unarguably well versed in SEO and reputation management, his passion for sales and connection is evident throughout this week's episode. Tune in to learn how it can benefit your brand.

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

• Trusted connection
• Digital marketing tactics
• SEO expertise 
• More!

Thanks, Dan!

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Gary Chaglasyan is a restaurateur and serial entrepreneur with over 25 years experience launching 65+ hospitality projects. Gary is an expert in automation and helping businesses becomes more efficient while still maintaining a sense of control over those critical tech touchpoints.

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

• The evolution of off-prem
• Utilizing ghost/dark kitchens
• Importance of post-service checkins
• More!

Thanks, Gary!

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Tim McIntyre is the former EVP of Domino's and current Founder of T/M Communications LLC. McIntyre has 35 years of experience under his belt in communications and public relations. His expertise in communications enables him to advise on optimizing internal and strengthen external communications. 

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

• How to humanize a brand
• Establishing positive culture across franchise locations
• Benefits of employees who love the company/work environment
• More!

Thanks, Tim!