Restaurant Influencers

Gourmet Foods, founder/CEO of Cookie Jar Bakery, and creator of gourmet Nigerian restaurants, including iLÉ EROS.

Listen now to learn about becoming “The Billionaire Chef”, his collaboration with Michael B. Jordan and Chase Sapphire, and the differences between West Africa and the US.

Sponsored by: 

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

• WALMART BUSINESS: https://business.walmart.com/

Celebrity Chef Eddie Jackson, known for his appearances on the Food Network, has successfully transitioned his culinary talents into a thriving business model that blends creativity, mentorship, and efficient operations. Listen now to learn about the advantage of food trucks, being mentored by Bobby Flay, and streamlining operations with restaurant technology like Toast. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • WALMART BUSINESS: https://business.walmart.com/

Sam Oches, editorial director at Informa Connect’s Restaurant & Food Group, shares insights into the role new media plays in the restaurant industry in this interview live from the 2024 National Restaurant Show. As the largest event management company in the world, Informa has become an invaluable host of major industry happenings and content.

Listen now to learn about hosting the National Restaurant Show, social media strategy, and creating a podcast network for the hospitality industry.

Sponsored by:

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

If there’s one commonality among restaurant operators, it’s that there is just too much to do with too little time. That’s why Popmenu is using AI and other new technologies to help restaurants get back more of life’s most precious resource: hours in the day.

Listen now to this interview with Popmenu co-founders Brendan Sweeney and Tony Roy about buying into restaurant tech, the benefits of industry events, and AI tools.

Sponsored by:

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

San Pedro Fish Market became famous thanks to storytelling. Michael Ungaro and Henry Ungaro Jr. from the fish market are guests on this episode to talk about how the family business has persisted across multiple generations and leaned into video content to grow their brand.

Listen now to learn about creating the Kings of Fish reality show on Amazon Prime Video, going viral, and running a profitable family business

Sponsored by: 

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Sebastien Silvestri's journey is a testament to the power of experience and effort. The Dinex Group CEO received formal education in finance and P&L management. Still, Silvestri attributes his most significant learning to his time in Las Vegas.

Listen now to learn about development in the restaurant industry, diversification in business, and true hospitality.

Sponsored by: 

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

• OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn

Kelly Esten, Chief Marketing Officer at Toast, has a customer-centric marketing approach. She believes in the importance of understanding and engaging with customers to ensure that marketing efforts are not only impactful, but also authentic.

Listen now to learn about her marketing journey, the importance of mentors, and the launch of the popular Toast Now app.

Sponsored by: 

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

• OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn

Sulhee Jessica Woo — known as the Bento Box Queen — catapulted to viral fame by sharing her simple, yet beautifully crafted, DIY bento-style lunches on TikTok, capturing the hearts of millions with her loving and creative touch.

Listen now to learn about creating content with her children, using TikTok, and building a community in the creator economy.

Sponsored by: 

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

• OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn

7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to improve performance for restaurants. Founded in the back office of a sandwich shop in 2014, 7shifts was born out of CEO Jordan Boesch's desire to create simple solutions for complex team management challenges.

Listen now to learn about engaging employees, simplifying product development, and why now is the best time to be a restaurant operator.

Sponsored by: 

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

• OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn

Chef Joe Flamm is the culinary director of Day Off Group, which runs popular Chicago restaurants Rose Mary and BLVD Steakhouse. He is also the winner of Top Chef. Early on, he learned the importance of telling stories whether on TV or social media.

Listen now to learn about becoming a celebrity chef, perfecting Balkan cuisine, and keeping it real on social media.

Sponsored by: 

• TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

• OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn