Restaurant Leaders Unplugged

What makes a profitable and unforgettable bar program? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, I sit down with Ben Potts, co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality and co-owner of The Sylvester in Miami. Ben’s journey is a masterclass in persistence and innovation, from starting as a bar back to becoming one of the most sought-after beverage program consultants in the industry.

We dive into:

• How Unfiltered Hospitality helps restaurants build profitable, guest-focused bar programs.
• The key metrics every restaurant owner should track for bar success.
• How to recruit and train a bar team that shares your vision and values.
• Why creative cocktails and efficient systems go hand-in-hand in today’s market.
• The trends shaping the future of bars, from performative elements to multisensory experiences.

Whether you're a restaurant owner, a budding bartender, or a seasoned operator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your hospitality game.

Connect with our guest:
Social Media: @benbenpottspotts
Website: www.unfilteredhospo.com

Don’t miss this deep dive into the art and science of creating a standout bar experience!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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Rakesh Chandiramani, Co-Founder & Owner of Vin sur Vingt Wine Bars, Jack’s Coffee, and Il Fiorista in NYC, shares how he transformed a $52,000 investment into 17 successful locations. From scaling with purpose to crafting unforgettable guest experiences, Rakesh dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of the restaurant industry. Learn why authentic leadership, team loyalty, and a human-centered approach are at the heart of his success. This episode is a masterclass in building a lasting legacy in hospitality.

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we’re thrilled to host Christin Marvin, influential leadership coach, author of The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap, and founder of Solutions by Christin. Christin opens up about her transformative journey in the hospitality industry—from her early days as a line cook to scaling restaurant groups, facing burnout, and becoming a sought-after coach for independent restaurant owners.

Christin shares:

• The emotional toll of burnout and how to overcome it
• The crucial difference between management and leadership
• Practical tools to create a positive, mentally fit work culture
• How to balance personal growth while leading a team
• Insights into navigating the future of restaurants in a changing industry

Packed with real-life stories, valuable leadership lessons, and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for restaurant leaders looking to empower their teams and themselves.

Her podcast: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/podcast
Her book: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/book
Social media links: Instagram, LinkedIn
https://www.instagram.com/solutionsbychristin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christin-marvin/
Website: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we welcome restaurant expert and coach David Scott Peters, who shares his journey from working in his family’s restaurant to becoming a leading coach for independent operators across the U.S. David reveals the #1 mistake he sees in the industry—a lack of leadership—and explains how restaurant owners can transform their operations through proven systems and strategies.

Tune in as David discusses the importance of having the right systems in place, the power of a growth mindset, and his Restaurant Prosperity Formula, a framework designed to help restaurant owners achieve financial success and freedom. David also dives into topics like effective team management, crafting a powerful company culture, and how to navigate the ups and downs of restaurant ownership.

If you’re ready to take control of your restaurant and lead it to prosperity, this episode is packed with insights to guide you there.

Connect with our guest:

His podcast: https://www.davidscottpeters.com/podcast
His book: https://a.co/d/f315EXE
Social media links: Instagram, LinkedIn
https://www.instagram.com/davidscottpeters/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidscottpeters/
Website: https://www.davidscottpeters.com/

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this captivating episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we’re joined by Victor Chan, founder of Suteishi Japanese Restaurant in New York City. With a fascinating journey that began as an aircraft mechanic and led through cigar shops and cafés before opening his celebrated sushi restaurant, Victor’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and leadership.

Victor shares his approach to transforming the dining experience—every scent, taste, and sound thoughtfully curated to take guests on a memorable journey. We dive into his experience navigating major challenges like Hurricane Sandy and the pandemic, the pivotal lessons from joining the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and his core leadership philosophy that prioritizes culture and empowers his team.

Get ready to learn from Victor’s unique take on restaurant marketing, his process for staying relevant in a competitive market, and his insights on building a brand with lasting impact. Don’t miss this conversation packed with wisdom for restaurateurs and leaders alike.

Tune in and discover:

• The art of crafting a holistic dining experience
• Overcoming adversity in the restaurant industry
• Building a loyal, empowered team culture
• Staying relevant and innovative in NYC’s food scene

Listen now and be inspired by Victor Chan’s story of resilience, adaptability, and dedication to excellence!

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Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we dive into the inspiring journey of Henry Roberts, founder of Two Hands, a thriving café and restaurant brand that started in New York City and has since expanded across the U.S. Henry shares the origins of his career in hospitality, driven by a love for community, culture, and high-quality, accessible food.

Listen as Henry discusses the strategic growth of Two Hands, his decision-making process in selecting new markets like Austin and Nashville, and the importance of creating a strong brand presence. He opens up about his commitment to sustainable farming, challenges in team-building, and his philosophy of resilience—especially through the ups and downs brought by the pandemic. Henry’s candid insights into balancing family life, running a multi-location business, and creating a culture-first brand make this episode a must-listen for any restaurant owner looking to grow with intention and adaptability.

Key Topics:

• The initial inspiration behind Two Hands and its unique brand identity
• Challenges and triumphs of expanding into new cities
• Building a resilient, people-focused culture that attracts and retains talent
• Why patience and adaptability are essential for sustainable growth
• Insights into sustainable farming and integrating it into a restaurant brand

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of the Restaurant Leaders Unplugged Podcast, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Katie Rooney, co-owner of Sushi Lounge in San Diego. Katie shares her inspiring journey, from starting in the hospitality industry as a teenager to building a thriving sushi restaurant brand. She opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of community involvement, and the leadership lessons she's learned along the way. Tune in to hear how Katie balances business growth with staying true to her values and creating a lasting impact in her community.

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, Sebastian Stahl sits down with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America and the driving force behind Pepper Lunch’s expansion in North America. With 30 years in hospitality, Troy shares his hard-earned insights on what it really takes to build successful restaurant brands.

From transforming distressed assets to leading high-growth franchises, Troy breaks down his approach to leadership, team-building, and scaling without losing control of your business. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for restaurant owners looking to grow their operations while maintaining quality and culture.

🔥 What you’ll learn:

• How to scale a restaurant brand while keeping your standards intact
• The importance of empowering teams to run the business effectively
• Key leadership traits that drive long-term success in the industry
• Why building a brand people can connect with is your biggest asset

If you're looking to learn from someone who's been in the trenches and scaled businesses the right way, this episode is a goldmine.

🎧 Listen now and get ready to level up your restaurant strategy.

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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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, join Sebastian Stahl as he interviews Eric Fenster, co-founder of Gather Restaurant in Berkeley, CA. Eric shares his journey from outdoor education to sustainable dining, discussing Gather's unique 50/50 vegan-omnivore menu balance, their award-winning vegan charcuterie, and navigating the challenges of the pandemic. 

Learn how Gather's commitment to sustainability and community has driven its success for 15 years, and get a glimpse into Eric's exciting vision for the future of hospitality. 

This episode offers invaluable insights for restaurateurs on menu innovation, sustainability, creating meaningful dining experiences, and building a resilient business through challenging times.

Chapters with Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction to Eric Fenster and Gather Restaurant 

2:51 - Eric's journey from outdoor education to hospitality 

5:36 - The concept and philosophy behind Gather Restaurant 

9:52 - Balancing sustainability, creativity, and business success 

15:29 - The story of Gather's award-winning vegan charcuterie 

19:11 - Pandemic pivots: Creating an innovative outdoor dining space 

22:02 - Overcoming challenges during the pandemic 

26:30 - The current state of the restaurant industry and Gather's approach 

28:43 - Eric's proudest moments with Gather 

30:25 - Lessons learned from working with Highwind One Hospitality 

32:47 - Future plans for Gather and community engagement 

34:37 - Eric's vision for integrating hospitality, agriculture, and community 

38:00 - Closing thoughts and the importance of bringing people together

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Curt Skallerup, a leader in the family entertainment industry and the visionary behind Larks Entertainment. Curt’s transition from the corporate world to opening and managing over 100 entertainment centers across the U.S. is packed with lessons for aspiring business owners and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

Join us as Curt discusses:

• His journey from corporate boardrooms to expanding multiple franchise concepts.
• The key to selecting the right franchise partners for long-term success.
• Why focusing on customer experience and volume can drive substantial business growth.
• Insights on leadership and how he motivates his team while scaling operations.
• The story behind Larks Entertainment, a modular franchise concept tailored to bring affordable family fun to communities nationwide.

Curt's experience in franchising, team leadership, and maintaining growth amidst challenges makes this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to expand their business. Learn from Curt’s approach to growth, leadership, and the future of family entertainment in this insightful 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!