Restaurant goers will certainly remember good food bundled with good customer service. By creating a point of differentiation in these areas, you can make your place not only commendable but also memorable. Chris Tripoli of The Restaurant Clinic discusses why a personalized and specialized approach is the rising trend every restaurant should take advantage of in this age when so many food choices are readily available and easily accessible. He also shares insights on adjusting to customer needs in a post-pandemic world, starting a restaurant even with little to no experience, and using the latest technology to level up your operations.

Find out more at https://www.therestaurantclinic.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com. 

Sponsor Link: https://www.theleasecoach.com

Sponsor Link: https://servicewithstyle.com/runningrestaurants

Your restaurant’s marketing and branding are not only about turning heads and getting everyone’s attention. Most importantly, it is about turning your target market into loyal customers. Joe Haubenhofer, owner of The Plaid Penguin, discusses the right way to do this to improve and elevate how your restaurant is received by the public. He shares practical tips on creating effective logos, designing restaurant menus, using photography for maximum impact, and sticking to your set brand guidelines. Joe also discusses how to blend brand and marketing with your workplace culture to inspire everyone to exude authenticity, intentionality, and consistency.

Find out more at https://www.theplaidpenguin.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.

Sponsor Link: https://servicewithstyle.com/runningrestaurants

Sponsor Link: https://www.RestaurantFormula.com

Dive headfirst into the data revolution sweeping the restaurant industry! In this episode, host Jaime Oikle dives deep into the world of restaurant customer data analytics with Abhinav Kapur, co-founder and CEO of Bikky. Abhinav shares his journey from identifying the data gap in the hospitality industry to creating a powerful tool that helps restaurants understand and leverage customer insights. Discover how analyzing menu data can drive loyalty, why customer lifetime value is crucial (it's WAY more than just that one sandwich!), and how personalized marketing can triple your conversion rates. We explore how Bikky integrates seamlessly into existing restaurant tech stacks and even sneak in some personal life wisdom and book recommendations. Get ready for a data-driven future where restaurants thrive by understanding the people behind every transaction, turning casual diners into lifelong fans!

Find out more at https://www.bikky.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.

Sponsor Link: https://www.RestaurantFormula.com

Sponsor Link: https://www.theleasecoach.com

Tipping is an important element in running a restaurant. Employees often receive several tips in a single dinner service, and sometimes keeping up with it is quite overwhelming and confusing. Kirk Grogan is here to discuss how automation can ease the burden of this particular task. Joining Jaime Oikle, the Co-Founder & COO at TipHaus shares the many benefits of using an automated process in computing, recording, and distributing tips, which results in a more optimized and streamlined restaurant operation. Kirk also explains how improving your tipping system greatly helps in improving employee retention and building a healthy workplace culture.

Find out more at https://www.tiphaus.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.

Sponsor Link: https://www.theleasecoach.com

Sponsor Link: https://servicewithstyle.com/runningrestaurants

The 2025 Restaurant Business Report was recently released, and it is full of curious yet enlightening information for the industry’s future. Jaime Oikle explores its contents with Bryan Solar, Chief Product Officer at SpotOn. Together, they discuss how restaurants should navigate today’s rising economic pressures, which involve increased costs, labor issues, and supply chain volatility. They explain how restaurant pricing should be adjusted and managed despite potential resistance from customers. Bryan also talks about the role of data, AI tools, and other innovative technologies in greatly transforming the restaurant industry in today’s highly digital society.

Find out more at https://www.spoton.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.

Sponsor Link: https://servicewithstyle.com/runningrestaurants

Sponsor Link: https://www.RestaurantFormula.com

Understanding the intricacies of restaurant accounting is paramount for any owner looking to thrive in today's competitive market. In this episode, we dive into the crucial world of restaurant accounting and finances with Marta Grumberg of Grumberg Accounting. Jaime Oikle sits down with Marta to explore the biggest financial challenges restaurant owners face—shrinking margins, rising food costs, and the common accounting pitfalls that can make or break a business. Get ready for a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to help you stay on top of your numbers and run a smarter, more successful restaurant. Stay tuned!

Find out more at https://grumbergaccounting.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.

Sponsor Link: https://www.RestaurantFormula.com

Sponsor Link: https://www.theleasecoach.com

Running a restaurant is tough – managing orders, executing marketing campaigns, and maintaining high customer engagement can quickly become overwhelming. Thankfully, AI has been changing the game and is now helping owners automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. In this episode, Jaime Oikle talks with Carl Turner, CEO of SWIPEBY, to discuss how AI-driven tools can streamline marketing, online ordering, and customer interactions. They emphasize how this innovation allows owners to spend more time on things that truly matter: great food and outstanding service. Whether you are looking to improve efficiency or drive more repeat customers, this conversation is packed with insights you do not want to miss.

Find out more at https://swipe.by/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com. 

Sponsor Link: https://servicewithstyle.com/runningrestaurants

Sponsor Link: https://www.RestaurantFormula.com

David DeLorenzo returns to the podcast to join Jaime Oikle once again, this time to talk about his new book, Just Getting Started. He shares life wisdom and business insights on finding balance and fulfillment in life. David explores how to create a productive daily schedule, the essence of embracing positive habits and hobbies, as well as the right way to get off the grind and relax. He also talks about the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, trying out yoga and meditation, what it is like to have a new puppy at home, and how to be easily coachable regardless of where you are in your career.

Find out more at https://iamthedelo.com & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.

https://www.newyorkrestaurantshow.com/

In this episode, Jaime Oikle of RunningRestaurants.com interviews Ashley Bray about the Bar and Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas this upcoming March 24-26. 2025. They discuss the expo's events, education, exhibit floor, and networking parties. Ashley highlights several trends along the way. The expo promises great industry educational and networking opportunities -- don't miss it! Use code: MONEY to save 30% through 3/10/25. More info at https://barandrestaurantexpo.com

In a rapid age of technology where businesses are all about scaling and expansion, the beauty of keeping everything localized is still a strong strategy in the restaurant industry. Christian J. Fischer, the Disruptive Chef, joins Jaime Oikle in discussing the beauty and uniqueness of running hyperlocal restaurants. They share why focusing on certain food specializations can boost your restaurant’s exposure and give it a nice different flavor. Christian also explains how to constantly recognize your staff’s good performance, the power of being adaptable, and the unchangeable importance of having outstanding restaurant service.

Find out more at https://www.christianjfischer.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.

https://www.newyorkrestaurantshow.com/