In this episode, host Kieron Bailey sits down with Falayn Ferrell, Chairwoman of Feed the Soul Foundation and Managing Partner at Black Restaurant Week, to discuss how her organization is revolutionizing support for small culinary businesses across America. 

From spotlighting 20 restaurants in Houston to over 1,500 nationally, Falayn shares insights from their groundbreaking two-year industry report, the power of data-driven advocacy, and why restaurants are truly the soul of their communities.

Takeaways:

Connect with the host: Kieron Bailey on Instagram

Connect with Falayn: LinkedIn | Personal Website

Learn More: Feed the Soul Foundation Industry Report 

This episode is sponsored by Save Fry Oil — cutting fry oil costs up to 50% while making food crispier. No power, no chemicals. Get your free cost savings estimate.

In this episode, host Chrissy Symeonakis sits down with Ivan Brewer, Founder and Managing Director of Peiso, the world's first hospitality profitability software. With over 25 years in the industry, from making 2,000 coffees a day as a barista to consulting for top venues, Ivan shares his unconventional journey and reveals why the hospitality industry's approach to profitability is fundamentally broken.

This episode is sponsored by Save Fry Oil, cutting fry oil costs up to 50% while making food crispier. No power, no chemicals. Get your free cost savings estimate.

What happened to Ivan eight years ago that nearly ended everything and changed his perspective forever

In this episode, Susan Tung sits down with Joanna and Jeanette, second-generation owners of Yueh Tung Restaurant, one of Toronto's oldest Hakka Chinese restaurants located in the original Chinatown. The sisters discuss their journey taking over the family business, navigating the challenges of maintaining a legacy while adapting to modern marketing demands, and their personal struggles with gender dynamics in the restaurant industry.

This episode is sponsored by Save Fry Oil — cutting fry oil costs up to 50% while making food crispier. No power, no chemicals. Get your free cost savings estimate today.

In this episode of Restaurant Talk, host Kieron Bailey speaks with Chris Heffernan, CEO of dlivrd Technologies, a last-mile delivery tech solution company. They discuss how restaurants can streamline their off-premise operations through integrated technology, the importance of honest metrics over vanity numbers, and the power of people-first business practices. Chris shares insights on scaling from mom-and-pop operations to enterprise brands, the philosophy behind strategic partnerships, and why authentic company culture matters more than perks.

The conversation also explores the balance between automation and humanization, the real success rate of deliveries beyond industry hype, and how personal branding helps tech leaders connect with the restaurant community.

Takeaways

This episode is sponsored by Save Fry Oil — cutting fry oil costs up to 50% while making food crispier. No power, no chemicals. Get your free cost savings estimate.

Welcome to a special intro episode where your three hosts finally meet! Kieron Bailey from the UK, Chrissy Symeonakis from Australia, and Susan Tung from Canada get together across three time zones to share the stories behind their love affair with hospitality.

This is the conversation you'd have over drinks after a long shift. The hosts talk about the weirdest things they've seen customers order, their go-to comfort foods (hello, McDonald's and dirty kebabs), and those pet peeves that every hospitality pro understands. They open up about how they got into the industry, often by accident, and share food memories that still bring them joy years later.

If you've ever wondered who's behind Restaurant Talk and why they're so passionate about sharing stories from the industry, this episode gives you a front-row seat to their world. It's funny, it's real, and it's a reminder of why hospitality is about so much more than just serving food.

Restaurant Talk is brought to you by Save Fry Oil with Frylow - because nobody wants to talk about fryer oil until they see their invoice.

"If you hadn't done all those jobs, you wouldn't be able to do what you do now."

"I look at some of these customer reviews and go, what the fuck is wrong with you? Stay home."

"Marketing works. I don't know what you did, but we've got heaps of extra customers tonight."

Join Kieron Bailey as he sits down with Jim Harris of Western Computer, a seasoned expert in food and beverage software, to explore the evolving role of technology in the hospitality industry. From the impact of smartphones to the rise of AI and robotics, Jim shares insights on how technology is reshaping customer expectations and business operations.

Key Topics:

The transformation of technology in hospitality over the past 25 years. Building trust with operators through technology. The role of AI and robotics in enhancing customer experience. The importance of seamless tech integration in business operations. Future trends in technology and their potential impact on the industry.

Join Rachel Smalling and Susan on the Restaurant Talk podcast by Save Fry Oil as they delve into the realities of running small businesses, from managing customer expectations to the intricacies of partnerships. Rachel is the owner of 1854 Cocktail Bar & Lounge (a Cookeville TN Speak easy), a Dale Hollow Tn fishing lodge, and an Inn on Dale Hollow Lake, TN as well. Discover how they balance personal and professional lives, the importance of setting boundaries, and the value of hiring based on character over experience.

Key Takeaways:

The impact of customer reviews and how to handle them. Differences in managing motels versus restaurants. The importance of clear communication in partnerships. Strategies for hiring and retaining the right team. Balancing work-life dynamics in the hospitality industry.

Join Kieron Bailey on the Restaurant Talk Podcast as he sits down with David Burton, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years at Hard Rock Cafe. From Cardiff to Amsterdam, David shares his experiences, the challenges of kitchen life, and the camaraderie that makes the restaurant industry unique. Discover the stories behind the scenes, the evolution of kitchen technology, and the unforgettable memories from Hyde Park Calling.

Key Highlights:

David's journey from Cardiff to Amsterdam The impact of consistent training in hospitality Memorable experiences at Hyde Park Calling Innovations in kitchen technology The importance of music in the kitchen

Join us on the Restaurant Talk by Save Fry Oil as we dive into the inspiring journey of Jae Lee, a visionary chef and restaurateur who has successfully opened multiple restaurant locations. Discover how Jae's passion for Korean-American cuisine and his relentless drive have fueled his expansion from New York to Boston.

Key Highlights:

Jae's early beginnings and the inspiration behind his first restaurant, Nowan. The challenges and triumphs of opening three locations amidst a global pandemic. Insights into Jae's unique approach to blending Korean flavors with American classics. Jae's philosophy on leadership and maintaining a motivated team.