Welcome to the latest episode of Restrocast, where host Ashish Tulsian sits down with Wade Allen, the EVP of Strategic Growth at Costa Vida, to unravel the intriguing story of a digital innovation veteran with over 22 years of experience. Costa Vida, under Wade's guidance, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the restaurant industry.

In this episode, dive deep into Wade Allen's diverse background, from coding websites in the late '90s to spearheading marketing technology and off-premise initiatives at Costa Vida. Wade shares how this eclectic mix has uniquely positioned him to lead strategic growth and drive sales in the dynamic landscape of the restaurant business.

Explore Wade's transformative journey from Brinker International, where he played a pioneering role in introducing digital strategies during a less digitally advanced era, to his current leadership at Costa Vida. Gain insights into the evolution of loyalty programs, the intersection of marketing, technology, and statistics, and his perspective on the role of AI in the future of the restaurant industry.

Join Ashish and Wade in a thought-provoking conversation about innovation, leadership, and the ever-evolving digital solutions in the restaurant space. Don't miss this compelling episode of Restrocast, where industry insights and personal stories converge to provide a comprehensive look into the strategic growth of Costa Vida and the visionary leadership of Wade Allen. Tune in for a captivating exploration of the digital frontier in the world of restaurants.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Wade Allen - LinkedIn 

In this enlightening episode of Restrocast, host Ashish Tulsian engages with Joe Frem, the innovative Co-founder and CEO of Matbakhi, an F&B management company transforming hospitality services for 1-4 star hotels. Joe shares his inspiring journey from his early entrepreneurial endeavors at the age of 13 to his strategic academic pursuits in engineering and subsequent impactful tenure at McKinsey.

He dives deep into the founding of Matbakhi, revealing the identified market gaps and the innovative strategies employed to enhance hotel dining experiences through technology and customized F&B solutions. Joe also discusses future trends in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the potential of AI and IoT to revolutionize service efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Joe also imparts invaluable advice for entrepreneurs in the F&B and hospitality sectors, stressing the importance of understanding customer needs, embracing technology, and fostering strong team dynamics. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, hospitality, or business strategy.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian -  Linkedin

Joe Frem- LinkedIn 

In this captivating episode of Restrocast, host Ashish Tulsian engages in a deep dive with Ziad Kassabieh, the visionary CEO of Advanced Food Co. Starting his culinary journey at the tender age of 15 in a family-owned restaurant in Lebanon, Ziad shares how his early experiences ignited a passion that would shape his future.

The episode traverses his decision to pursue hospitality management, his strategic relocation to Saudi Arabia, and his ascension from a multi-unit manager to a major influencer in the restaurant industry. With an impressive portfolio of 45 to 48 innovative restaurants under his belt, Ziad discusses the shift from hotel to restaurant management, advocating for more specialized educational programs to better prepare future leaders.

His philosophy of servant leadership and his hands-on approach to business illustrate his deep commitment to his team and clientele. Looking forward, Ziad unveils his aspirations for expanding and innovating within Saudi Arabia's dynamic food scene, promising exciting new concepts from Advanced Food Co.. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of passion, leadership, and innovation in the hospitality industry.

Find us online:
Ashish Tulsian - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishtulsian/
Ziad Kassabieh- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziad-kassabieh-86019525/

In this episode of Restrocast, host Ashish Tulsian engages with Jim Bitticks, the COO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, in a profound discussion that charts Jim’s extraordinary ascent within the restaurant industry. From his humble beginnings as a teenage employee at a Jack in the Box to pivotal executive roles at major chains like Blaze Pizza and now Dave’s Hot Chicken, Jim’s narrative is one of remarkable progression and strategic innovation.

Throughout the episode, Jim shares the critical turning points and the strategic decisions that propelled his career forward and shaped the growth trajectories of the companies he has been part of. His insights into the challenges of scaling operations, particularly his transformative work at Blaze Pizza which he helped grow from two to 372 locations, are both enlightening and inspiring. Jim also discusses his recent move to Dave’s Hot Chicken, emphasizing his passion for new challenges and the opportunity to work with familiar faces in new capacities.

Jim's people-focused approach to operations, his strategies for employee engagement, and his philosophy on leadership underscore a career that’s as much about fostering growth in others as it is about operational success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of career growth within the competitive restaurant industry or the strategic intricacies of scaling a business successfully.

Find us online:
Ashish Tulsian - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishtulsian/
Jim Bitticks- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bitticks-cfe-0bb37515

Welcome to the latest episode of Restrocast with your host, Ashish Tulsian. In this installment, we are thrilled to have Justin Skelton, the Senior Vice President and CIO at Dine Brands Global, as our special guest. Dine Brands Global operates a network of 3,700+ restaurants globally, featuring popular brands such as IHOP, Applebee's, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop.

Join Ashish Tulsian as he delves into the fascinating journey of Justin Skelton, exploring the three peaks in his illustrious career as a tech leader in America's biggest brands across insurance, retail, and restaurants. Justin shares valuable insights into his upbringing as a military brat, highlighting how it shaped his ability to adapt to change and influenced his leadership style.

The conversation takes us through key milestones in Justin's early career, from his unexpected start at Allstate Insurance Company to his roles in banking, technology consulting, and eventually leading technology divisions at major corporations. Gain insights into the challenges of managing technology in both the retail and healthcare sectors, and discover the crucial lessons Justin has learned throughout his career journey.

Don't miss this riveting episode of Restrocast, where Ashish Tulsian and Justin Skelton engage in a thought-provoking conversation about technology, leadership, and the dynamic world of the restaurant industry. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and stories from one of the leading figures in the tech and restaurant space.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn
Justin Skelton- LinkedIn

Restrocast's latest episode brings to you the dynamic Prashanth Menon, Regional Director of PizzaExpress UAE, in a riveting conversation. Join host Ashish Tulsian as he unravels the layers of Prashanth's extraordinary 32-year journey, transforming PizzaExpress into a 14-outlet empire and earning him the prestigious PizzaExpress Worldwide Wonder Award 2023.

Explore the day-to-day responsibilities of overseeing Pizza Express in the MENA region, where Prashanth shares strategic insights into the brand's expansion plans across 14 markets. From a South Indian upbringing and overcoming societal pressures to transitioning from hotels to standalone restaurants, Prashanth's narrative is a testament to perseverance and passion.

In this exclusive interview, Prashanth reveals the magic behind PizzaExpress' success, emphasizing a people-first approach that weathered the pandemic's challenges and contributed to remarkable staff retention rates. Dive into his diverse experiences, from hotels to resorts, from airlines to standalone restaurants, and gain wisdom on leadership, employee growth, and maintaining excellence.

Listeners will be treated to anecdotes of PizzaExpress' journey from two to seven restaurants, the pivotal role of an interfaith marriage, and Prashanth's dedication to creating a great workplace. As PizzaExpress looks to the future under Prashanth's visionary leadership, this episode promises a slice of inspiration for aspiring leaders in the hospitality industry. Tune in to Restrocast for a captivating narrative that transcends the world of pizzas, showcasing Prashanth Menon's unparalleled dedication, resilience, and passion for progress.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Prashanth Menon - LinkedIn 

In this enlightening episode of Restrocast with Ashish Tulsian, we delve into the remarkable four-decade journey of Andy Holman in the hospitality industry. From his serendipitous start as a management trainee at Pizza Hut to achieving senior management roles globally, Andy shares the wisdom gleaned from his vast experiences. He discusses the critical importance of customer service and employee training, revealing how these core elements have evolved with technology while maintaining their essence. 

Andy reflects on the invaluable lessons learned through his career, emphasizing adaptability, the significance of systems and processes, and the pivotal role of leadership in driving success. With insights into the impact of working across diverse cultures and the challenges and opportunities presented by digital advancements, Andy offers profound advice to aspiring professionals. He also highlights the necessity of sustainability in shaping the future of hospitality.

This episode not only explores Andy's illustrious career but also provides listeners with a masterclass in management, leadership, and the art of hospitality, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the industry's past, present, and future.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Andy Holman- LinkedIn 

Discover the unconventional path to success in the latest podcast episode featuring Alexander Debare, founder and chief growth officer of Burger28. From aspiring pilot to law student, Debare shares his inspiring journey of creating a thriving business in the competitive restaurant industry. In this exclusive interview, delve into the inception of Burger 28, where Debare's entrepreneurial spirit and nostalgia for '90s UAE converge to form a unique burger chain.

Explore the role of social media in Burger 28's success, from the early days of experimentation with Facebook ads to the evolution of a impactful Instagram presence. Debare sheds light on the challenges and responsibilities of running a restaurant business, emphasizing the importance of immediate customer feedback and maintaining composure in the face of adversity.

Get insights into Debare's commitment to self-improvement, with recommendations for books and podcasts that have significantly influenced his personal and professional growth. As he shares anecdotes and experiences from the restaurant business, Debare provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, tackling topics such as dealing with failure, rejection, and the significance of a bootstrapped model for sustainable growth.

Look ahead with Alexander Debare as he discusses his aspirations and goals, not only for Burger 28 but for his broader vision of merging media and technology. 

Learn about his ultimate goal of building a business with a monthly revenue of $1 million, involving minimal personnel and following a bootstrap approach. Discover the impact of the bootstrapped model on Debare's perspective on growth and financial sustainability.

Join us in this insightful episode as Alexander Debare's journey unfolds, offering a wealth of lessons and inspiration for those navigating the unpredictable yet rewarding world of entrepreneurship.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Alexander E. Debare- LinkedIn 

Dive into the dynamic culinary landscape of Dubai with Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director at M Management. In this exclusive podcast episode, Fay recounts her entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Elia, Mythos, and Nola to navigating the challenges of Dubai's restaurant scene. 

Unveiling the strategic decisions and triumphs that shaped her ventures, Fay discusses authenticity, collaboration, and the delicate balance of maintaining diverse brand identities. From overcoming market pressures to embracing vulnerability, discover how Fay's hands-on approach and entrepreneurial grit have fueled the success of her hospitality empire. Join us as she shares insights into collaboration with her brother, the role of intuition in decision-making, and the profound impact of embracing authenticity in personal and professional relationships. 

Fay's passion for innovation and genuine connections shines through as she reflects on the joys of leading a team and finding purpose in daily interactions. Explore the mind and soul nourishing practices that contribute to Fay's well-being, and be inspired by her journey as a culinary trailblazer in Dubai's ever-evolving gastronomic landscape.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Fay Economides - LinkedIn 

Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, shares his captivating journey in the hospitality industry with host Ashish Tulsian. Hooper's narrative unfolds from early exposure in Miami to culinary and maritime school experiences, where yachting instilled key leadership principles. The episode delves into Hooper's passion for turning around troubled businesses and the pivotal influence of Stephen Covey's Seven Habits on his leadership style.

Hooper envisions integrating his diverse experiences in achieving his entrepreneurial dream of owning a restaurant. His consulting practice, emphasizing turnaround management, involves identifying issues and implementing solutions. The importance of balance in leadership, incorporating employee input, and strategic decision-making is highlighted, along with Hooper's commitment to building sustainable legacies, measured through employee retention.

The episode also explores Hooper's recent role in expanding Pepper Lunch, which is a Japanese Teppan restaurant, with over 500 stores in 15 countries around the world; detailing the opportunity that led to this position and his experiences in building the brand's infrastructure. Drawing insights from the Japanese business approach, Hooper emphasizes practices like compatibility, mutual respect, and the importance of courtesy in professional interactions. Troy Hooper's narrative serves as a guiding beacon for emerging leaders in the dynamic landscape of the hospitality industry.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Troy Hooper - LinkedIn