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In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil talks with Rick Gruber, CEO of Billy Bricks Restaurant Group. Ric hares insights into the pizza industry, the challenges of running a family business, and the impact of online reviews on restaurants. He discusses the unique styles of pizza offered at Billy Bricks, the evolution of the business over 20 years, and the importance of community in their restaurant experience. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of restaurant reviews, particularly the decline of Yelp's influence and the rise of Google reviews. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of building a successful business in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of team loyalty, trust, and a competitive edge. They discuss strategic growth plans, the role of PR in enhancing brand visibility, and the significance of storytelling in connecting with customers. The dialogue highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the business landscape, particularly in the context of a family-owned enterprise.

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In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Jerome and Marc, the owners of Premium Loavess, the second largest Jimmy John's franchisee. They discuss their early experiences in hospitality, the unique culture of Jimmy John's, the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining that culture, and their journey to ownership. The conversation also covers acquisition strategies, financing transactions, and the importance of training and execution in the restaurant industry. In this conversation, the speakers discuss their ambitious growth plans for their franchise business, aiming for 300 locations by 2030. They emphasize the importance of aligning new brand opportunities with their core values and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance while managing rapid growth. The discussion also touches on the need for strategic planning, learning from past experiences, and adapting to changing consumer habits, particularly with the introduction of new menu items like toasted sandwiches.

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Brandon and Wil discuss the intricacies of the restaurant industry, focusing on the challenges faced by aspiring restaurant owners, the importance of financial planning, and the role of hospitality in ensuring success. They delve into the concept behind 'The Industry Standard,' a platform aimed at sharing valuable insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of running a restaurant. The discussion also covers the significance of capitalization, the realities of raising funds, and the lessons learned from experience in the field. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of financing restaurants, the importance of hospitality, and the challenges faced in the industry. They discuss various funding options, including SBA loans and equity investments, and emphasize the need for creativity in structuring deals. The conversation also highlights the essence of hospitality, focusing on making guests feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, they explore the mindset of overcoming obstacles and the significance of community in fostering a thriving restaurant culture. The discussion wraps up with insights into the podcast 'The Industry Standard,' which aims to provide valuable resources and knowledge for those in the restaurant business.

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In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, host Wil Brawley speaks with Cameron Long, co-founder of Virnika, about the challenges faced by restaurant owners, particularly regarding labor issues. They discuss how Virnika aims to leverage AI technology to improve operational efficiency in restaurants, allowing staff to focus on high-value tasks. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding the hospitality industry from the inside and how technology can enhance, rather than replace, human interaction in customer service. Cameron shares his journey in the hospitality sector and the motivations behind starting Vernika, emphasizing the need for tools that empower restaurant owners to compete effectively in a challenging market. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the transformative impact of AI on the restaurant industry, particularly in enhancing customer service and streamlining operations. They explore the shift from traditional dining experiences to off-premise dining, the challenges faced by startups in the tech space, and the realities of entrepreneurship. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and the potential of AI to improve restaurant efficiency and profitability.

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In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Will interviews Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro. They discuss the challenges faced by restaurant owners, the importance of profitability, and the role of effective management systems in achieving success. Fred shares his journey from being a restaurant owner to helping others improve their operations through innovative software solutions. The conversation also touches on the significance of customer service, budgeting, and the development of a new point of sale system tailored for the restaurant industry. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges and strategies of operating in the competitive restaurant industry, focusing on the importance of community, understanding payment processing, and the significance of building strong client relationships. They emphasize the need for transparency in pricing and the value of supporting fellow restaurateurs. The discussion also highlights the importance of hope and encouragement for those in the industry, advocating for a servant's heart approach to business.

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In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley interviews David Stuck, owner of Tin Kitchen, who shares his unique journey in the hospitality industry. David discusses his early experiences, the importance of customer service, and the challenges he faced while starting his food truck business. He emphasizes the significance of community and word-of-mouth marketing in building his brand, as well as the lessons learned in hiring and team management as the business grew. In this conversation, David shares his entrepreneurial journey in the catering industry, detailing the various ventures he explored before finding success in catering. He discusses the importance of trial and error, the focus on high-end wedding catering, and the growth of corporate events. David emphasizes the significance of community collaboration within the culinary scene and addresses the challenges of integrating technology into the catering business.

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In this engaging conversation, Joe Fontana, owner of Fry the Coop, shares his journey from working in hospitality as a valet and bartender to opening his own successful restaurant chain specializing in chicken sandwiches. He discusses the importance of finding one's purpose, the role of mentorship, and the challenges of starting a business. Joe emphasizes the significance of marketing and public relations in driving success, as well as the necessity of operational excellence to ensure customer retention. His story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and resilience in the restaurant industry. In this conversation, Wil and Joe discuss the realities of restaurant ownership, emphasizing the hard work and dedication required to succeed. They explore the transition from working in the business to working on it, the importance of growth through discomfort, and the audacious goals set for expansion in the Chicago market. The discussion also touches on, the choice between being great versus big, and the critical need for systems and processes as the business scales. Joe discusses the evolution of restaurant operations, focusing on the shift towards online ordering and the integration of AI technology to address labor shortages. He shares insights on the importance of finding passion in work and the benefits of using beef tallow for frying, drawing parallels to the historical practices of McDonald's. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the restaurant industry and the innovative solutions being implemented to enhance customer experience and food quality.

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In this conversation, Wil Brawley and Mykal Zangwill discuss the journey of Mykal's family-owned frozen yogurt business, Fuzzy Peach, and the challenges and rewards of working in the hospitality industry. They explore the importance of a positive mindset, the essence of customer experience, and the nuances of managing a self-serve business. Mykal shares insights on hiring staff, the realities of running a frozen yogurt shop, and the significance of community involvement in hospitality. Brawley and Mykal discuss the therapeutic benefits of podcasts, the importance of embracing restaurant technology, and the significance of Google reviews in driving customer traffic. They emphasize the need for simplicity in operations, the creation of positive customer experiences, and the value of building community connections. Mykal shares personal anecdotes about his business and the relationships he fosters with customers, highlighting the impact of proactive customer service and community engagement.

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In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley speaks with Cliff Crider, CEO of Stinger Compliance and co-founder of Truck and Tap. They discuss Cliff's journey from working in fast food at Roy Rogers to becoming a real estate appraiser and eventually transitioning into the restaurant industry. Cliff shares insights on the challenges of running a restaurant, the importance of community engagement, and the creation of Stinger Compliance to help businesses stay legal with age-restricted products. The conversation highlights the resilience and dedication required in the hospitality industry. Crider also discusses the critical importance of compliance in the hospitality industry, particularly regarding alcohol sales. He emphasizes the need for effective policies and procedures to prevent underage sales and the innovative approach his company is taking to streamline the stinging process. The conversation also touches on the challenges of scaling a business in this sector and the balance between serving large clients and supporting local establishments. The two share insights on navigating the complexities of compliance and the importance of community engagement in the hospitality industry.

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In this conversation, Peter Yang, co-founder of Pokeworks, shares his journey from growing up in a family restaurant to establishing a successful poke restaurant chain. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in the hospitality industry, the importance of customer service, and the strategic decisions that led to the birth and growth of Pokeworks. The conversation also delves into the franchising model and the criteria for selecting franchise partners, emphasizing the need for alignment in values and vision. Yang discusses the essential elements of running a successful restaurant business, emphasizing the importance of hard work, core values, and the Aloha spirit. He addresses challenges in labor and training, outlines growth strategies focused on real estate selection, and highlights the significance of understanding customer demographics. He also shares insights on operational excellence, the role of customer reviews, and the support provided to franchisees, all while maintaining a focus on the active lifestyle market fit for his brand.

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