Restaurant Leadership Podcast: Overcome Burnout, Embrace Freedom, and Drive Growth

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This is how restaurants can prepare for the event of the year that has the 2nd largest impact on the city of Tucson.

Discover how the legendary Snoop Dogg's headline performance on December 28th is set to electrify the city's restaurant scene. As the only bowl that donates all proceeds to charity, the Arizona Bowl has contributed $5 million to over 70 local organizations, and Eric is here to unpack the ripple effect on local hotels, eateries, and the broader community. We also spill the beans on the best culinary hotspots for visiting fans looking to taste the essence of Tucson.

Chapters:
00:00:08 - Southern Arizona Bowl Impact on Restaurants

00:09:17 - Tucson Restaurant Promotion for National Event

00:22:31 - Restaurant Industry Excitement for Future Bowls

But that's not all—Tucson's unique festivities are drawing national attention, and we're here to celebrate! From the viral Taco Touchdown to the much-anticipated Taco Bell New Year's Eve Bowl Bash, there's no shortage of excitement. Eric and I chat about how the restaurant industry is gearing up for a stellar bowl season, with plans that make 2024 a standout year. With silent discos and family-friendly events on the horizon, you'll want to be part of this unforgettable experience. Tune in to hear how Tucson is transforming into a culinary and entertainment hub, ensuring a bowl season that leaves a lasting impression.

Resources
Snoop Dogg
Arizona Bowl
Gin & Juice
Martha Stewart
Dr. Dre
McDonald's
Hospitality Leader's Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary

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Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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This is how you prepare for a restaurant opening.

Rocco De Grazia, the passionate owner of Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria, brings his Chicago roots to Tucson as he shares his exciting plans to expand and relocate his beloved pizzeria after 26 years of success. Listen as Rocco opens up about his journey from a pizza-rich neighborhood in Chicago to becoming a local legend in Tucson. Discover how his unique culinary vision and lifelong experience in the restaurant industry are setting the stage for a thriving new chapter.

Chapters:
00:00:07 - Rocco's Pizzeria Expansion

00:11:15 - Preparing for Restaurant Opening Day

00:26:48 - Staffing Plan for Restaurant Expansion

00:32:27 - Planning Restaurant Opening and Training

00:42:52 - Restaurant Expansion Strategy

We promise you'll gain insights into the meticulous process of planning a restaurant's grand opening. From crafting a clear vision to navigating challenges with a backward planning approach, we break down the essential strategies that ensure success. Rocco’s hands-on leadership style comes to light as he prepares his team for the big day, focusing on comprehensive training and seamless operations across all facets of the restaurant. Get ready to learn the key role that effective management and server training play in creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Explore the strategic decisions behind Rocco's expansion, from staffing plans to menu enhancements designed to elevate service quality. Rocco shares how he plans to integrate new systems, adapt to layout changes, and maintain food quality, all while keeping his restaurant’s strong reputation intact. Join us in celebrating this milestone, as we discuss the excitement and potential that the new location holds for Rocco's Pizzeria and its cherished community of customers and employees.

Resources:
Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria
The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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What happens when a local breakfast spot in Bisbee, Arizona, transforms into a thriving chain of ten locations?

Join us with Terry Kite and Sean Stone of Bisbee Breakfast Club as we explore their inspiring journey from a single eatery to a beloved regional staple. Terry’s family gave the business a fresh start in 2010, not anticipating expansion, but a stroke of fate and a touch of ambition led them beyond their initial vision. Sean’s arrival as director of operations sparked a pivotal change, bringing in foundational systems and a focus on cultural development that fueled their success. Together, their camaraderie and humor shine as they share the challenges and triumphs of growing a restaurant business.

Throughout the episode, Terry and Sean offer a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of scaling a restaurant chain, revealing their strategies for maintaining consistency and integrating a strong cultural identity. Discover their ventures beyond the breakfast table, including a coffee roaster, a chili water product, and a collaboration with a local hot sauce maker. They also candidly discuss future expansion plans and the indispensable role of staff development in scaling successfully. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone keen on leadership dynamics, this lively conversation is packed with insights that might just spark your own business aspirations.

Resources:
The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary
Bisbee Breakfast Club
Local First Arizona
Good Food Expo
Chocolate 66

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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Have you ever considered how writing a book could revolutionize your leadership skills and elevate your business?

I'm thrilled to be joined by Sydney Ryker from selfpublishing.com, who offers a treasure trove of insights on how publishing can amplify your influence, impact, and income as a business owner. Together, we explore how storytelling and personal experiences can establish your credibility and authority in the industry.

To learn more visit Selfpublishing.com/Christin

Chapters:
00:00:08 - Restaurant Business Growth Through Writing Books

00:11:43 - Unlocking Potential Through Book Authorship

00:18:12 - Finding Your Book Idea Through Prioritization

00:31:07 - Creating and Marketing Your Book

00:42:02 - The Power of Self-Publishing for Business

Writing a book isn't just about crafting words on a page; it's a powerful tool to unlock your potential and create lasting impact. We dive into the stories of individuals like Mike Acker and Eileen Wilder, who transformed their lives and careers through authorship. Overcoming barriers such as imposter syndrome and lack of direction is vital, and we stress that everyone has a unique message worthy of sharing. By prioritizing your time and aligning your schedule with personal values, you can achieve long-term benefits in influence and recognition. Our conversation encourages aspiring authors to brainstorm and refine their book ideas, ensuring they resonate deeply with personal and professional aspirations.

Finally, discover practical strategies for crafting and marketing your book. From mind mapping to organizing your ideas into a compelling outline, we cover methods that streamline the writing process. Sydney shares how selfpublishingcom provides a comprehensive framework to guide authors through every stage—from writing to marketing. With strategies like Amazon ads and podcast outreach, your book can serve as a robust tool for business growth. This episode invites you to reflect on your core message and consider how self-publishing can empower you to share your story, leading to greater opportunities and success in your business journey.

Resources:
Selfpublishing.com/Christin
The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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This is how you navigate the challenges of restaurant management with newfound confidence and clarity, all while maintaining a balanced work-life approach.

Through personal stories and professional wisdom, I lay out eight essential principles of mental fitness designed specifically for independent restaurant operators. These principles include mastering your mindset, emotional regulation, and setting boundaries—key elements that promise to enhance your leadership skills and fortify your mental resilience. 

Leadership in the restaurant industry can often feel like an isolated journey, but it doesn't have to be that way. I discuss the critical importance of building a robust support system composed of mentors, peers, family, and staff, emphasizing how such networks can be just as crucial as managing daily operations. This episode highlights the indispensable role that encouragement and support play in maintaining mental fitness, and how they contribute to a more balanced and productive work life. For those eager to delve even deeper, I offer additional resources and personalized coaching opportunities on my website, inviting you to transform not just your career, but your overall leadership journey.

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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This is how you boost guest acquisition and retention without any upfront costs.

Laura Wilber from DeNova joins us to unlock the secrets of how to maximize your business growth for restaurants. Her strategies in guest acquisition and retention promise to increase restaurant traffic without any upfront costs, a game-changer for independent restaurants navigating tough economic landscapes. As we chat, we reveal the invaluable insights from my upcoming memoir, "Hospitality Leader's Roadmap," and discuss the unique solutions DeNova offers to elevate your business.

Chapters:
00:00:08 - Elevate Your Hospitality Leadership Skills

00:11:37 - Podcast Promotion and Business Travel Dining

00:27:59 - Building Business Partnerships With Restaurants

00:32:22 - Enhancing Hospitality Leadership Success

00:45:42 - Restaurant Partnership Outreach Strategy

Transitioning from traditional radio advertising to performance-based models, we share lessons on targeting audiences and understanding ROI. Laura and I explore how the digital shift in radio parallels the evolution of marketing strategies, emphasizing the need to engage younger audiences. Our journey takes us to DeNova Corporate Dining, where we focus on targeting less price-sensitive business travelers, offering sustainable marketing approaches that ensure long-term success.

In building successful partnerships, DeNova acts as a vital extension of restaurant sales teams. We discuss how DeNova supports restaurants by connecting them with corporate and government clients, enhancing their exposure and growth potential. Laura details the process of assessing potential partners, handling negative experiences, and the benefits of being part of DeNova's network. Plus, hear success stories of how DeNova has helped restaurants attract and retain high-value business guests, making meaningful impacts on their growth and sustainability.

Resources:
Laura Wilber
Dinova
The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap: Move from Ordinary to Extraordinary
CHOW
El Charro

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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Warning! This episode contains material that may be sensitive to some. Please be advised and see the resources included in the show notes.

What if hospitality workers could find a healthy balance between their demanding jobs and personal well-being?

Chapters:
00:00:08 - Supporting Hospitality Leaders

00:08:58 - Creating Project Angel Shot

00:15:33 - Preventing Sexual Violence in Restaurants

Blaine Bailey from In the Weeds joins us to share how his nonprofit is reshaping the lives of hospitality staff in Southwest Colorado by offering resources such as yoga classes and outdoor activities. During our conversation, Blaine reveals his inspiring journey in co-founding the organization and how the pandemic highlighted the dire need for such support. We explore the comprehensive approach In the Weeds takes to enhance the mental, physical, financial, and social well-being of those working tirelessly in the hospitality industry.

Safety in social settings is just as crucial, and Brian Williams from the Sexual Assault Services Organization (Saso) offers insights into innovative measures to prevent sexual violence. Discover how Project Angel Shot—a program allowing individuals to discreetly signal for help in bars—was born from a passionate advocate's vision and is now a critical tool in promoting safer environments. We dig into the challenges faced by restaurant and bar owners in combating drug-facilitated crimes and highlight the vital role of community engagement, training, and awareness in fostering secure spaces for both patrons and employees. Join us as we set new standards for safety and support in the hospitality sector.

Resources:
In The Weeds
Saso
Rainn
CHOW
Christin Marvin

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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Ever wondered how a young entrepreneur could flip a failing fast-food franchise and then revolutionize an entire industry?

Join me as I chat with Matt Wampler, who took over a struggling Jimmy John's at 21 and emerged as the CEO of CLEARCOGS. Matt's journey showcases the grit and ingenuity it takes to turn around a business with minimal resources and a reliable franchise playbook. He explains how meticulous attention to detail and relentless hard work transformed his store into a successful venture, setting the stage for his future innovations in tech.

Chapters:
00:00:08 - From Line Cook to Tech Founder

00:09:13 - Revolutionizing Operations With Data and AI

00:17:09 - Empowering Restaurants With AI Solutions

00:27:08 - Revolutionizing Independent Restaurants With AI

Discover how Matt's firsthand challenges with issues like bread waste and inventory mismanagement inspired him to bring AI into restaurant operations. Drawing from his experience managing multiple Jimmy John's locations, Matt reveals how CLEARCOGS uses data analytics to provide actionable insights that minimize waste and maximize efficiency. From the cumbersome days of Excel spreadsheets to the sophisticated use of AI, his story is a testament to the transformative power of technology in streamlining business processes.

We also delve into real-world applications of AI in restaurants, highlighting success stories where data-driven decisions led to significant financial savings and operational improvements. Matt discusses the integration of AI with POS systems, labor optimization, and the crucial balance between algorithmic data and human intuition. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone in the restaurant industry, showing how AI can free managers from overwhelming tasks and allow them to focus on what truly matters. Join us for a fascinating conversation that underscores the immense potential of AI in modernizing and empowering restaurant operations.

Resources:
Matt Wampler
CLEARCOGS
Jimmy John's
CHOW
Toast
Christin Marvin

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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Curious about how restaurants can effectively implement NA beverage programs?

Join us for a transformative conversation as Dana Bonelli, a veteran in the wine and spirits industry, unveils the evolution of inclusivity in the non-alcoholic (NA) beverage space. Discover how the hospitality sector has shifted from exclusive, patriarchal beginnings to a more welcoming and inclusive environment. Dana reflects on her journey starting in the mid-90s and provides a comprehensive look at the industry's progress in response to technological advancements, cultural changes, and increasing consumer demand for wellness-oriented options.

Chapters:
00:00:08 - Inclusive Hospitality Evolution in Non-Alcohol Sector

00:07:57 - Shift to Inclusive Non-Alcoholic Beverages

00:19:28 - Expanding Non-Alcoholic Beverage Categories

00:34:50 - Navigating Non-Alcoholic Beverage Programs

00:43:04 - Crafting a Non-Alcoholic Beverage Program

00:48:54 - Future of Non-Alcoholic Hospitality

Dana shares invaluable best practices, from staff education to legal considerations, ensuring these offerings seamlessly enhance the dining experience. We explore the rise of diverse NA beverage subcategories, such as functional beverages, cannabis-infused drinks, and de-alcoholized wines, highlighting their potential to cater to a broader audience and elevate menu offerings. Dana underscores the importance of these trends, emphasizing their long-term viability and transformative impact on the hospitality landscape.

Finally, Dana offers a glimpse into the future of NA hospitality, encouraging industry professionals to embrace and integrate these inclusive practices. We discuss the strategic benefits and positive momentum of investing in high-quality NA options, with practical advice tailored for restaurant operators. Tune in to gain a deep understanding of how the NA beverage movement is reshaping hospitality and why it’s here to stay, providing a roadmap for creating more inclusive, welcoming dining experiences for all.

Resources:
Dana Bonelli
Wine Company of Minnesota
St. Agrestis Phony Negroni
CHOW
12 Day Leadership Challenge
Guinness
Stella

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

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Ever wondered what it takes to recognize and nurture hidden leadership qualities within the restaurant industry?

Daniel shares his personal growth from a host to a key leadership role, emphasizing the importance of hard work, honesty, and fairness. He recounts his early days at Pharmacy Burger, naturally stepping into leadership among his peers, and the pivotal roles he played in restructuring the management team to improve operational efficiency. From proposing to take on additional responsibilities to his eventual rise to Assistant General Manager (AGM) and General Manager (GM), Daniel offers a wealth of insights into effective leadership and management in high-pressure environments.

Chapters: 
00:00:08 - Hospitality Leader's Roadmap

00:12:22 - Leadership Qualities in Restaurant Industry

00:24:40 - Management Team Restructuring Success

00:29:35 - Effective Implementation of Change and Communication

00:40:09 - Transitioning to Director of Operations

00:46:47 - Improving and Thriving Restaurant Business

00:59:57 - Spotlight on Pharmacy Burger Story

Discover the extraordinary journey of Daniel Frazier, who went from being a host at Pharmacy Burger in Nashville to becoming the Director of Operations for its three bustling locations. Learn how Daniel's innovative approach and leadership qualities not only transformed a restaurant with minimal standards into a vibrant establishment but also fostered an inspiring atmosphere for staff and guests alike. We'll explore the unique dynamics between the full-service Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden and the high-volume food hall locations, especially how the Assembly Food Hall has adapted to cater to the diverse needs of downtown Nashville's visitors.

Join us for an engaging discussion on overcoming post-COVID challenges, managing multiple locations, and implementing new technology to boost customer satisfaction. Daniel recounts the satisfaction of improving struggling food hall standards without immediate staff replacement, his strategies for dealing with long wait times, and the psychological aspects of customer behavior. Finally, don't miss the unique story behind Pharmacy Burger's name and its compelling narrative, which sets it apart in Nashville's vibrant food scene. Tune in for practical wisdom and inspiration that will resonate with restaurant industry professionals and leaders alike.

Resources:
Daniel Frazier
Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
Christin Marvin

More from Christin:

Curious about one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops? Click this link to schedule a 15 minute strategy session.

Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/