Restrocast

Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, joins Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, on Restrocast to share his path through the hospitality industry. Troy's story runs from early exposure in Miami to culinary and maritime school, through consulting and turnaround management, and into his current role expanding Pepper Lunch, the Japanese Teppan restaurant brand with over 500 multi-location stores in 15 countries.

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 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishtulsian/
Troy Hooper - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtroyhooper/

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Embark on a sensory journey through the aromatic world of specialty coffee with Restrocast's latest episode, featuring the indomitable Kim Thompson, Founder and Managing Director of RAW Coffee Company. Tune in as we unravel the captivating story behind one of Dubai's pioneering coffee roasters.

Hear about her journey from being a medical nurse in New Zealand to working in diamond mines in Australia to founding a leading specialty coffee brand in Dubai. Kim's story reflects entrepreneurial grit.  As she envisions the future of the UAE's coffee industry and charts the course for RAW Coffee Company's expansion into new markets, listeners gain a front-row seat to the evolving landscape of specialty coffee.

Discover the complexities of sourcing coffee from Yemen, the unique flavors of Mocha 1450, and the challenges of transporting coffee in a war-stricken zone. Kim's journey, filled with passion and determination, offers aspiring entrepreneurs and coffee enthusiasts alike a rich brew of inspiration and wisdom.

Tune in to Restrocast for an engaging conversation that transcends the confines of coffee cups, showcasing the ambition, resilience, and unwavering commitment to quality that defines Kim Thompson's entrepreneurial voyage.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Kim Thompson - LinkedIn 

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Embark on a transformative journey through the intricate nexus of technology and gastronomy with the latest Restrocast episode, featuring Phil Crawford, the illustrious CTO at CKE Restaurants. In this exclusive session our seasoned host, Ashish Tulsian, navigates the riveting narrative of Phil's extraordinary ascent from a 16-year-old working at Carl's Jr. to a trailblazing technology leader shaping the global restaurant landscape.

Phil unveils the secrets behind his technological alchemy, sharing pivotal moments from his tenure at Yard House, Shake Shack, and Godiva Chocolate, to his current role at the helm of Carl's Jr. The episode delves into the delicate balance between technology, innovation, and day-to-day operations, showcasing Phil's role in steering Carl's Jr.'s digital transformation across 1,000+ locations in 28 countries.

Listeners are treated to insights into Phil's Round It Up America charity foundation, where technology becomes a force for societal impact. From reflections on his early life to staying ahead of the tech curve and achieving work-life balance, Phil Crawford's journey unfolds as a tapestry of experiences and lessons.

Join Restrocast in celebrating Phil Crawford's odyssey—a symphony of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to shaping the future of the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. From programming on a Commodore 64 to envisioning the future trends in QSR, Phil's narrative promises to captivate and inspire, offering a playbook for emerging leaders in the dynamic intersection of technology and gastronomy.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Phil Crawford - LinkedIn 

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In this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, sits down with Nadim Majdalani, who shares his transition from an engineering and investment background to building eathos, a multi-brand restaurant group in the Middle East. Starting with his first private equity deal involving the French chain Pomme de Pain, Nadim walks through the strategic choices, challenges, and his return to eathos after a stint at Majid Al Futtaim.

Navigating through pivotal moments in his career, Nadim discusses the inception of eathos, an entity born from the synergy of capital and culinary passion. He elucidates on the strategic choices, challenges, and his return to eathos after a stint at Majid Al Futtaim, underscoring the profound connection he shares with his brainchild.

Beyond the boardroom, Nadim opens up about his personal journey, marked by resilience after battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at 22. From adopting touch tennis for physical well-being to savoring culinary experiences worldwide, he shares the secrets to nurturing both body and soul.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a visionary leader, exploring the dynamics of the restaurant industry, the intricacies of brand building, and the delicate balance of flavors in both business and life.

Find us online: 
Ashish Tulsian - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishtulsian/
Nadim Majdalani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadim-majdalani-1a427b1/

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Embark on a journey of knowing a purveyor of fine gastronomy with Restrocast as we sit down with Panchali Mahendra, the dynamic President of Atelier House Hospitality, in an exclusive episode titled "Feast of Ambition." Join us as we delve into the chapters of Panchali's extraordinary life, from the basketball courts of India to the Michelin-starred restaurants of Dubai.

With almost two decades of industry expertise, Panchali oversees a diverse portfolio that includes acclaimed brands like Marea, 11 Woodfire, Mohalla, RSVP, Tides Bar, and The Host in the UAE, as well as ventures in Riyadh and India. Having opened a plethora restaurants globally and ventured into the wellness sector with Solace, Panchali's trajectory exemplifies innovation and unrelenting dedication.

In this captivating episode, we explore her remarkable journey, including her transition from being a national-level basketball player to studying hospitality, her pivotal roles in Dubai's vibrant F&B scene, and her bold move to launch Inja, the world's first Indian-Japanese concept, in India. Unveiling new dimensions in hospitality, Panchali's narrative is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Join us as we unravel the story of a trailblazer who has left an indelible mark on the Feast of Ambition that is her life and career. From the challenges of opening Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai to the exciting future projects on the horizon, Panchali Mahendra's journey promises to captivate the imagination of the gastronomic world. Tune in to Restrocast for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of both sport and gastronomy.

Find us online:
Ashish Tulsian -LinkedIn
Panchali Mahendra -  LinkedIn

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Welcome to Restrocast by Ashish Tulsian, the podcast where we talk to the movers and shakers of the restaurant industry. In this episode, we are delighted to have Karl Goodhew, the Chief Technology Officer of BurgerFi, a fast-casual burger chain that is known for its fresh and natural ingredients, eco-friendly practices, and delicious menu.

Karl Goodhew is a pioneer in the field of retail technology, having worked for companies like Macy’s, Home Depot, and Yellow Pepper. He is now leading the digital transformation of BurgerFi, using his tech expertise to enhance BurgerFi's operations and customer experience. He is also responsible for developing BurgerFi's innovative loyalty program, mobile app, and delivery platform.

Join us as we chat with Karl about his exciting journey from retail to food and learn how he applies technology and innovation to BurgerFi's business model. Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:

• Karl's passion for technology and how he started his career in retail tech.
• His experience working for some of the biggest names in the industry and the challenges and opportunities he faced.
• His decision to join BurgerFi and his vision for the future of the fast-casual dining sector.
• How he leverages technology to improve BurgerFi's efficiency and quality.
• How he engages with customers through BurgerFi's loyalty program, mobile app, and delivery platform.

This episode is full of insights and stories from one of the most influential leaders in the restaurant industry. You don't want to miss this one. Tune in to Restroworks and listen to Karl Goodhew's amazing journey from retail tech leader to fast-casual dining visionary.

Find us online:
Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn
Karl Goodhew- LinkedIn 

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In this episode of Restroworks by Ashish Tulsian, we had the privilege to host a very special guest, Benson Tsai, the Co-founder and CEO of Stellar Pizza, a company that uses automated mobile kitchens to deliver fresh and affordable pizzas. 

Benson Tsai is a former SpaceX engineer who left his job building rockets to start Stellar Pizza. He shares a rich heritage with the food industry, as his parents were Taiwanese immigrants who ran a fish and chips restaurant in Los Angeles. He has always been passionate about food and technology, and he wanted to use his engineering skills and experience to create a new way of making and delivering pizza. 

Join us as we chat with Benson about his inspiring journey to success and gain valuable insights into the fascinating and burgeoning world of food automation. Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:

• Benson’s entrepreneurial and food-rich heritage and how his parents inculcated the value of hard work, resilience, and creativity.
• His dynamic career began with electric vehicles all the way to SpaceX and finally founding Stellar Pizza.
• How Benson overcame the challenges and risks of starting a new venture in an almost unexplored domain.
• His vision is for a pizza robot that can bake a pizza from scratch in under five minutes in the confines of a truck. 
• How automation is changing the food industry for the better.

This episode is full of insights and stories from one of the most visionary entrepreneurs in the food industry. You don't want to miss this one. Tune in to Restrocast and listen to Benson Tsai's amazing journey from rocket science to pizza making.

Find us online:
Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn
Benson Tsai- LinkedIn 

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Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, welcomes David Bloom, Chief Development and Operating Officer of Capriotti's and Wing Zone, to Restrocast to discuss a career built on scaling franchise restaurant brands globally. David's background includes growing Quiznos from 18 restaurants to over 5,000 locations in 28 countries, and he now leads all aspects of franchise development and operations for Capriotti's while scaling the recently acquired Wing Zone.

David's early career in the restaurant and hotel industries included working with and for some of the most iconic brands and leaders in their respective industries, where he learned how to accelerate sustainable brand expansion strategically. Having grown up in the restaurant industry in and around NYC, David's entrepreneurial career began as a large multi-unit franchisee and serving as the SVP of Brand Expansion for Quiznos, growing it from a small regional brand of 18 restaurants to opening over 5,000 locations in 28 countries. 

Subsequent senior roles included the rapid growth of numerous enterprises including; Clockwork Home Services with system wide revenues in excess of $2.5 billion, Bridge International Academies based in Nairobi, Kenya, now the fastest-growing education company in the world. Famous Brands International, with approximately 900 franchised restaurants in over 30 countries and as President of Office Evolution, a high growth franchise brand in the shared workspace sector. 

Today, David is responsible for all aspects of franchise development and operations for Capriotti's, scaling a recently acquired fast-casual concept Wing Zone to new heights.

Tune in to discover the secrets behind David's success and gain valuable insights into the dynamic restaurant industry. Don't miss out on the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

◉ Passion drives success in the restaurant industry.
◉ Embrace change and innovation to stay relevant.
◉ How to find the right partner for franchising
◉ Economics of Running a restaurant franchise
◉ A Peek into Capriotti's future expansion plan

00:00-01:06: Introduction and early life 
01:06-03:16: From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurship 
03:16-05:47: A Journey of Education 
05:47-09:12: Early Career and the Rise of Quiznos
09:12-14:36: The Remarkable Journey of Quiznos
14:36-17:33: Embracing Social Work and Seizing New Opportunities
17:33-19:26: Overcoming Challenges 
19:26-23:11: Capriottis and Wings: An Acquisition Story 
23:11-27:28: Exploring International Development 
27:28-32:11: Expansion Through Franchising 
32:11-37:48:The Role and Importance of Technology in the Restaurant Business 
37:48-43:09: Improving Margins and Maximizing Efficiency 
43:09-46:20: Conversations and Partnerships 
46:20-49:22: Navigating the Challenges of Technology Implementation
49:22-01:04:28: Voice AI Implementation and Its Impact


Listen to the full episode for an insightful conversation with David Bloom and gain valuable knowledge to thrive in the vibrant restaurant industry! (Buzzsprout Link)

If you prefer reading over listening, we have published the transcription of the podcast here! Go on and scroll away.  

Find us online: 
Ashish Tulsian - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishtulsian/ 
David Bloom - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bloom-6671a012/ 

#restrocast #restaurantpodcast #podcast

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Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Dan Mesches, a highly experienced professional in the restaurant industry. With his current role as President and CEO of Sprinkles, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

During our conversation, we dive deep into various aspects of the restaurant industry, exploring topics such as the importance of passion in driving success, the role of innovation and adaptability in staying competitive, and the significance of team empowerment and collaboration in fostering a positive work environment.

Dan also shares valuable insights on cultivating customer loyalty through exceptional service and personalized experiences. We explore the ways in which technology can enhance the guest experience, and the significance of actively listening to customer feedback for continuous improvement.

Furthermore, Dan sheds light on the importance of work-life balance for overall well-being, and the benefits of creating a supportive work culture that nurtures employee growth and satisfaction. We also discuss the power of collaboration among establishments, fostering industry growth and success.

Join us for this inspiring and enlightening conversation with Dan Mesches, as we gain valuable knowledge and insights that can help us thrive in the ever-evolving and dynamic restaurant industry. Don't miss out on this exciting episode that promises to leave you inspired and informed!

If you prefer reading over listening, we have published the transcription of the podcast here! Go on and scroll away. 

Find us online:
Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn
Dan Mesches - LinkedIn 

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Restrocast host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, talks with Geoff Alexander, CEO of Wow Bao, the enterprise fast-casual Asian restaurant chain that specializes in steamed buns, dumplings, and other Asian dishes. Geoff shares his path from fry cook and bartender to leading a brand that has embraced technology at every step of the guest experience.

In this interview, you'll learn about,

- How embracing technology helped Wow Bao increase its check average, triple its flow through, and reduce payroll costs.
- How Alexander adopted the self-ordering kiosk technology back in 2008, way before it was a common thing, 
- Why Geoff considers the concept of 'hospitechality' important which emphasizes balancing technology with the human touch,
- How he went against the norm during the pandemic by ripping out all the machines and going back to counter service, and 
- How Alexander plans to use NFTs to create a community and a direct relationship with customers who invest in the restaurant by buying an NFT 

If you're interested in learning more about nurturing talent in the restaurant industry, then this podcast interview is perfect for you. Alexander talks about how to properly nurture staff, create a nurturing work environment, and provide effective management. You'll also find out about his vision for the future of Wow Bao.

Tune in as we talk to Geoff Alexander and learn from his experience and insights in the restaurant industry.

Find us online: 
Ashish Tulsian - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishtulsian/
Geoff Alexander - Lhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffalex/

#restaurantleadership #restauranttech #wowbao #geoffalexander #restrocast

00:14-05:57 Early career phase
05:57-08:06 Initial experience in the F&B Industry
08:06-08:56 How to market and sustain a restaurant
14:07-19:50 Evolution of Wow Bao
19:50-23:13 How self-ordering came into picture?
23:20-40:21 On using NFT at Wow Bao 
40:21-44:31 Transition of Wow Bao
44:31-55:48 Secret sauce of Wow Bao
55:49-1:03:51 Experience as a spin-instructor
1:03:52-1:06:45 On hiring the right talent 
1:06:45-1:11:51 Conclusion

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