Restaurant Leaders Unplugged

What does it really take to build restaurants that last? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Tracy Rathbun—restaurateur, co-founder of Dallas gems like Shinsei and Lover’s Seafood—joins host Sebastian Stahl for a raw and insightful conversation.

With over 30 years of experience spanning hospitality, luxury automotive, and entrepreneurial leadership, Tracy shares how her people-first philosophy, relentless adaptability, and creative vision have kept her restaurants not just surviving—but thriving.

Discover:

• Why self-policing teams outperform rulebooks
  
  
  
• How to scale without losing your soul (or your values)
  
  
  
• Lessons from missteps, including what COVID taught her
  
  
  
• The surprising secret behind her back-of-house longevity
  
  
  
• Why independence still has an edge in today’s market
  
  
  

Whether you’re an aspiring restaurateur, a seasoned operator, or just hungry for real talk about building something that matters—this one’s for you.

Connect with our guest:
 Her Restaurants: https://shinseirestaurant.com/ , https://www.loversseafoodmarket.com/ , Perch, Rathbun Curbside BBQ
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/loversseafoodmarket/
Website: www.shinseirestaurant.com

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Brian Nasajon, chef and restaurateur, shares his journey from a philosophy student to the helm of Beaker & Gray, and now Avenue Gray. Discover his leadership philosophy, the importance of humility in running a restaurant, and why he believes in leading without hierarchy. Brian also discusses the future of the restaurant industry, key mistakes owners make, and what it takes to create a sustainable business in today’s challenging market.

Connect with our guest:
 🔹 Website: https://avenuegray.com/
🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannasajon/

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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What makes a restaurant truly unforgettable? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Arjun Sen—former VP of Marketing at Papa John’s and branding expert—reveals the secret to making your restaurant a one-of-one brand. From his journey through iconic brands like Pizza Hut, Boston Market, and Einstein Bros. Bagels to founding Zen Mango, Arjun shares invaluable insights on customer experience, leadership, and marketing strategies that create lasting success.

Discover how to craft a brand that stands out, engage customers on an emotional level, and build a culture that drives loyalty. Plus, Arjun shares personal lessons from his book Unquit Forever and how challenges have shaped his approach to business and life.

🎧 Don't miss this game-changing conversation!

Connect with our guest:
📌 His website: https://unquit.com/

📌 Social media:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenmangoarjunsen/

https://www.instagram.com/arjunsen.brandzen/?hl=en

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

Is your restaurant leaving money on the table? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, I sit down with Roger Beaudoin, founder of Restaurant Rockstars, to uncover proven strategies for boosting restaurant profitability, improving leadership, and creating a winning guest experience.

💡 What you'll learn in this episode:
✔️ The key difference between management vs. leadership – and why it matters
✔️ Menu profit strategies: How to maximize margins without losing customers
✔️ Labor & staffing solutions: The secret to hiring, training, and retaining top talent
✔️ How to create accountability systems that transform restaurant operations
✔️ The biggest marketing mistakes restaurant owners make (and how to fix them)
✔️ Technology in hospitality – what enhances the guest experience vs. what hurts it

With over 30 years of experience, Roger has helped countless restaurants streamline operations, cut costs, and scale profitably. Whether you’re a new restaurateur or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you run a more successful business.

🎧 Tune in now and take your restaurant to the next level!

👇 Connect with Roger Beaudoin:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-beaudoin-21590016/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantrockstars/
🌍 Website: https://restaurantrockstars.com/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RestaurantRockstars

🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and subscribe for more expert insights!

#RestaurantLeadership #RestaurantProfit #RestaurantRockstars #HospitalitySuccess #RestaurantMarketing

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Chip Klose, a seasoned restaurant consultant and expert with over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Chip shares valuable insights on how restaurant owners can tackle rising costs, enhance marketing strategies, and create sustainable business models. He discusses the importance of building customer loyalty without relying on discounts, navigating the challenges of increasing labor and food costs, and providing actionable tips on how to set your restaurant apart in a competitive market.

Chip also dives deep into leadership, sharing his thoughts on how owners can balance both leading and managing teams to ensure long-term success. Whether you're struggling with operational efficiency, customer retention, or pricing strategies, Chip offers practical advice to help your restaurant thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape.

Connect with our guest:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipklose/
• Social Media Links: https://www.instagram.com/chipklosecoaching/
• Website: https://www.chipklose.com/

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed the conversation!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

Are you ready to transform your restaurant's financial health? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Kasey Anton, founder of Spark Business Consulting and author of Profit First for Restaurants. Kasey shares her journey from restaurateur to financial consultant, revealing the strategies behind her Profit First system that have helped countless restaurants thrive.

Learn how to:
✔️ Build a business that runs without you
✔️ Manage food, labor, and operating costs effectively
✔️ Turn financial struggles into sustainable profit
✔️ Uncover hidden expenses and reinvest in growth

From practical tips to inspiring success stories, this episode is packed with actionable insights for restaurateurs who want to thrive, not just survive.

Connect with Kasey Anton:
🌟 Book: Profit First for Restaurants
🌟 Instagram: @kaseyanton
🌟 Website: https://sparkbusinessconsulting.com/

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Ignacio Garcia-Menocal, Co-Founder and CEO of World Bay Hospitality Group, shares his remarkable journey from a CPA to leading a Michelin-starred restaurant group. Discover how he balances core values, innovation, and trust to build successful concepts like Stubborn Seed and navigate challenges in the restaurant industry. Ignacio dives into leadership strategies, scaling businesses, and the importance of branding and financial health for restaurateurs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable insights for restaurant leaders.

Connect with our guest:
📚 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-garcia-menocal-71aa5814/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iggygarciamenocal/
🌐 Website: https://www.grovebaygroup.com

#RestaurantLeadership #HospitalityInsights #LeadershipPodcast #RestaurateurJourney

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl chats with Christy LoPresto, a dynamic restaurateur and wellness entrepreneur redefining leadership in the hospitality industry. Christy takes us on a journey through her 20+ years in the restaurant business, sharing her evolution from server to owner of several acclaimed New York City eateries, including Kin, a fast-casual Thai concept, and Babbalucci, a Harlem favorite.

Dive into her experiences of navigating challenges like the pandemic, creating a thriving team culture, and balancing multiple ventures, including her wellness brand, Soakwell. Discover how Christy’s focus on mental health and self-care fuels her ability to lead with empathy, inspire her teams, and deliver exceptional dining experiences.

This episode is packed with actionable insights on scaling a business, embracing change, and building a strong community—perfect for seasoned restaurateurs and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

Connect with Christy LoPresto:

• Instagram: @christy_lopresto728
• Restaurants and Brands:
  • Kin NYC: @eatkinn.nyc | Website
  • Soakwell: @soakwell | Website

Get inspired by Christy’s passion for culinary innovation, wellness, and the art of leadership. Tune in to discover the recipe for success in today’s restaurant landscape!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Randy Burks, the founder of Randy’s Steakhouse in Frisco, Texas. With over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Randy shares the journey of building his iconic steakhouse, navigating challenges like sky-high food costs, labor shortages, and even pandemic shutdowns. From starting as a dishwasher with a notebook of solutions to becoming a revered restaurateur in a historic 1869 house, Randy’s story is packed with insights, resilience, and some unforgettable tales (like the time he had to remove a pool due to skinny-dipping staff!).

Discover how Randy turned mistakes into loyal customer relationships, the secrets to leading a dedicated team for over 20 years, and his unique perspective on the future of the restaurant industry. Whether you're an aspiring restaurateur, seasoned pro, or just love a great story, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice you don’t want to miss.

Connect with our guest:
Website: www.randysteakhouse.com

Follow Randy’s Steakhouse on Social Media:
Instagram: @RandysSteakhouse
Facebook: Randy's Steakhouse

Listen now to dive into the world of steak, hospitality, and leadership!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Mathieu Giraud, the visionary owner of Garçons de Café and L’Appart in downtown Los Angeles. Mathieu shares his incredible journey from training in hospitality in France to managing world-class establishments in LA and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship.

Discover Mathieu’s candid insights on:

• The realities of transitioning from corporate restaurant management to ownership.
• Building a lean, guest-focused team in the evolving restaurant landscape.
• Strategies for balancing creativity, guest experience, and profitability.
• How to navigate leadership challenges and maintain resilience in a highly competitive industry.

Mathieu also dives into the unique challenges of owning a restaurant post-pandemic and offers invaluable advice for aspiring restaurateurs, including the sacrifices, rewards, and mindset required for long-term success.

If you’re ready to learn what it takes to thrive in the restaurant business, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

Connect with our guest:
Social Media:
Garçons de Café
L’Appart

Website:
Garçons de Café
Air Food

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and gain insights to elevate your restaurant business!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!