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

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Scott Landers is the Co-Founder of Figure 8 Logistics, a digital service that is helping to pioneer the world's leading food delivery experts of tomorrow. From workshops and industry insights to on-demand support, Figure 8 Logistics truly lends a helping hand to those look to commandeer food delivery systems. Tune in to hear Scott's expertise and first hand experience pertaining digital systems!

On this episode, Scott and Zack discuss: 

-Similarities between the digital and literal table touch
-Improvements in delivery systems
-Effect of third party delivery
-More

Thanks, Scott!

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Lauren Fernandez understands what it means to hustle. Whether it's paving the way as a first generation Cuban American, starting her own business, or helping restaurant brands grow from 1 to 2 units, to 10, and then to 20 and beyond. Lauren is the Founder and CEO of Full Course. Full Course partners with restaurants to optimize existing operations, develop sustainable growth strategies, and bring the right investor partners to the table. What drives her to invest and grow? The people.

On this episode, Lauren and Zack discuss: 

-Representing diversity
-Fair and ethical capital
-Bringing staff together
-Putting the emphasis on the people
-More

Thanks, Lauren!

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Tanvir Bhangoo is truly a jack of all trades. As a digital executive and advisor working with global brands, member of the Forbes Technology Council, former VP of Tech at Freshii, AND Director at Restaurant Brands International, Tanvir understands the tech and tools needed to meet consumers in their space. The list could go on and on but now, Tanvir is the Owner of TBX Digital, a brand that helps executives accelerate digital growth and boost operational efficiencies through value-driven consulting and advisory offerings.

On this episode, Tanvir and Zack discuss: 

-Switching out tech stacks
-Timing innovation
-Walking a mile in your consumer's shoes
-Executing the customer experience
-More

Thanks, Tanvir!

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James Passafaro is the Co-Founder of Opsi, a daily management tool built to progress the way modern operators manage their restaurant. James channeled his experience as a chef and the issues he saw with tech and employees into restaurant tech. His hands on experience and initiative, James understands what it means to truly help the heart - back of house employees - of restaurants. 

On this episode, James and Zack discuss: 

-How tech can be optimized for employee use
-How tech doesn't detract from the heart and is personable
-What it truly means to fail
-Resilience
-More

Thanks, James!

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There may not be anyone with a more impressive hospitality marketing pedigree than Erin Levzow! We can't list it all here, but she has experience marketing for Caesars, MGM, Palms Casino, Wingstop, and is now the VP of Marketing Technology at Del Taco. She is also the recipient of many awards, such as 40 under 40 Brand Innovators, Top Women in Retail, and CMO of the year. 

On this episode, Erin and Zack discuss: 
-Bringing Tortas to life and the customer research that went into it
-How Del Taco stays relevant
-Erin's success in restaurant marketing
-Going where the customers are
-Common marketing mistakes restaurants make
-More

Thanks, Erin!

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Carl Starkey is the Co-Founder of AWSM Sauce, the world's first sustainability focused sauce and condiment company. If that doesn't scream innovation, I don't know what does! Carl is an expert in all things CPG (consumer packaged goods). Carl provides an interesting perspective to the podcast as his expertise is in sending the consumer home with an excellent customer experience. Tune in and "ketchup" as we tap into this incredible company and venture!

On this episode, Carl and Zack discuss: 

• Delivering excellent customer service when the provider is not present
• Giving the brand a voice
• Allowing the guest to "fail"
• Understanding shelf life
• Product innovations
• More

Thanks, Carl!

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Kathleen Wood! She has 30 years of restaurant leadership experience, she was the Co-founder and President of the Leadership Institute at Elliot Group, President and COO of Rasing Cane's Chicken Fingers, Founder of Suzy's Swirl, and for 14 years has served as Founder and CEO of Kathleen Wood Partners. And she is the author of Founderology - wow!

On this episode, Kathleen and Zack discuss: 

• Her book, Founderology
• How Kathleen Wood Partners helps restaurant execs
• The role of a GM
• Using tech to help employees
• Phy-gital hospitality
• More

Thanks, Kathleen!

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With a stack of credentials, Marie Smith has established herself as a leader inside and out of the restaurant industry. As the CIO and Co-Founder of Data360, Smith has dedicated herself to helping the non-tech savvy individuals conquer tech and data.

Marie and host Zack Oates discuss: 

• Optimizing the use of tech
• Helping individuals to normalize data
• Curating online relationships
• More

Thanks, Marie!

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Xavier Jackson is a former D1 basketball player turned entrepreneur, and the President of Coinlete. Coinlete's mission is to create a community of brands and athletes that recognize the power that each one holds in the relationship + continue giving athletes the resources they need to be successful.

Xavier and host Zack Oates discuss: 

• How restaurants can use local and national celebrity endorsements
• The logistics of endorsements
• More

Thanks, Xavier!

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Arne Saupe is the  VP of  technology at Farmer's Fridge. Farmer's Fridge started out offering smart fridges but have grown into at home delivery. Farmer's Fridge's goal? To provide fresh healthy meals whether you’re on the go or at home. Given his experience in tech, Arne understands all aspects of system design and development. Tune in to hear how his expertise can help your operations and systems.

On this episode, Arne and Zack discuss: 

• Leveraging data
• Using tech to bring food to consumers
• Surpassing expectations
• Developing delivery

Thanks, Arne!