In this insightful episode of Rock My Restaurant, host Paul Barron and Norton Creative CEO Robin Blanchette dive into effective marketing strategies for independent restaurants and small chains operating on limited budgets. They explore the importance of brand identity, customer journey mapping, compelling food photography, and strategic social media presence while sharing practical advice on website essentials, leveraging customer reviews, and choosing the right platforms to connect with target audiences. Blanchette emphasizes that successful restaurant marketing combines both artistry and science to drive profitability, not just create beautiful designs.

~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.

RestaurantMarketing #FoodBusinessTips #SmallRestaurantSuccess
Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/

Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.

Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory

In this insightful episode of "Rock My Restaurant," host Paul Barron interviews Jim Balis of CapitalSpring about the evolving restaurant investment landscape. Balis shares CapitalSpring's approach to investing in restaurants, revealing they look for concepts with 15%+ store-level margins and 20%+ ROI. He discusses valuation multiples in today's "moderate" market, when founders should consider taking capital, exit strategies for brands, and his optimism about "fast casual 3.0" concepts that deliver elevated dining experiences without full service.

~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~
#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more
With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.

RestaurantInvestment #FastCasual3 #RestaurantGrowth


Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/

Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.

Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory

In this eye-opening interview, restaurant marketing innovator Shawn P. Walchef reveals why traditional advertising is dead and how restaurants must adapt in 2025. The founder of Cali BBQ Media shares his groundbreaking "Be the Show, Not the Commercial" philosophy, explaining how any restaurant can build a powerful digital presence through authentic storytelling. From live streaming kitchen preparations to building genuine community connections, Walchef provides actionable insights on transforming your restaurant into a media powerhouse, regardless of your location or technical expertise.

RestaurantMarketing #FoodContent #DigitalStorytelling
Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. ➡ Visit www.savor.fm

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In this eye-opening interview, restaurant industry expert Fred LeFranc reveals how leadership is dramatically evolving in 2025. From the rise of AI and automation changing management tasks, to the emergence of fractional C-suite roles, and the shift away from traditional hierarchical leadership models, LeFranc breaks down what successful restaurant leaders need to focus on now. He explains why human skills like emotional intelligence and self-awareness are becoming more crucial than ever, while sharing insights on how younger generations are reshaping workplace culture. Whether you're a current leader or aspiring to be one, this conversation offers essential perspectives on balancing technology with human elements in modern restaurant leadership.

RestaurantLeadership #FutureOfHospitality #RestaurantIndustry
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📈 Learn More ~  Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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In this insightful episode of Rock My Restaurant, industry veteran Vaughan Dugan shares his predictions for the restaurant industry in 2025. From the evolution of customer loyalty programs to the surprising surge in gift card sales, Dugan explores how operators can adapt to changing consumer behaviors. The discussion covers essential advice for restaurant startups, the importance of building genuine community connections, and emerging opportunities in real-time social commerce for hospitality businesses.

RestaurantIndustry #FoodService #HospitalityBusiness
🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

📈 Learn More ~  Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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The restaurant industry is on the brink of a technological transformation that goes beyond mere efficiency, focusing on using innovative technologies like AI and augmented reality to create more meaningful, engaging, and career-driven workplace experiences. By implementing smart tools that provide real-time coaching, personalized career insights, and recognition systems, restaurants can address high turnover rates and empower employees to see their jobs as genuine career opportunities rather than temporary positions.

#RestaurantInnovation #EmployeeTech #FutureOfWork

RestaurantInnovation #EmployeeTech #FutureOfWork
🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

📈 Learn More ~  Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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A deep dive into the evolving restaurant industry landscape, exploring how innovative brands like Crave Worthy are adapting to Gen Z preferences through international cuisine, digital marketing strategies, cross-brand loyalty, and authentic brand storytelling.

Guest: Gregg Majewski of Crave Worthy Brands

#RestaurantInnovation #FoodTrends #GenZMarketing

🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

📈 Learn More ~  Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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As Gen Z reshapes the restaurant industry, understanding their distinct dining preferences for interactive, tech-integrated experiences is crucial. Restaurants should offer customizable meals, shareable snacks, and strategic social media presence to attract this influential demographic.

Guest: Troy Hooper | CEO of Hot Palette America

🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

📈 Learn More ~  Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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Industry experts Alejandro Marin Vidal and Shelly Ruple discuss how restaurants can revolutionize their customer engagement through gaming, web3, and innovative loyalty programs on the "Rock My Restaurant" podcast. Drawing from his experience at Activision, Marin Vidal emphasizes how modern consumers seek varied experiences and dopamine-driven entertainment, suggesting that restaurants should adopt collaborative loyalty programs—a "NATO of loyalty"—rather than maintaining isolated systems. While the industry has traditionally resisted centralized loyalty programs, the experts argue that emerging technologies like AR/VR and blockchain present unprecedented opportunities for creating immersive dining experiences and strengthening customer connections through shared resources and data.

FutureOfDining #RestaurantTech #LoyaltyInnovation
🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

📈 Learn More ~  Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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"Rock My Restaurant" recently discussed the growing integration of gaming and web3 technologies into the restaurant industry. Hosts Paul Barron and Shelley Rupel explored the opportunities for brands to reach younger consumers through gaming platforms and loyalty programs.
Barron highlighted data showing the massive growth of e-sports and brand partnerships, with major chains like Burger King, Chipotle, and McDonald's increasingly active in this space. Rupel noted that smaller restaurant brands are also looking to leverage gaming integrations, but often need technology platforms like Devour to enable cost-effective activations.

A key focus was the role of gamification and loyalty. Rupel explained that points-based programs are less engaging than missions, quests, and dynamic rewards tied to user activity. Brands are exploring ways to blend social media, in-app actions, and blockchain-backed digital assets to create more immersive loyalty experiences.

The discussion also touched on the evolution of augmented reality and the potential impact of devices like Meta's new Quest 3 headset. Barron argued this could be a "ready player one" moment, with AR enabling new modes of productivity, gaming, and spatial computing that brands will need to consider.

Overall, the podcast emphasized that the restaurant industry must adapt to the growing influence of gaming, web3, and emergent technologies to stay relevant with younger consumers. Brands that can authentically integrate these elements into the customer experience will be best positioned for the future.