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/

Building a successful restaurant requires more than just good food. It also demands a strong team driven by the right ownership mindset. In this episode, Jaime Oikle talks with Alison Anne about cultivating and maintaining a thriving restaurant culture. Alison emphasizes the importance of genuine connections with your staff and what it takes to move beyond the main character syndrome to understand their needs and motivations. She also advocates for building intentional relationships in the fast-paced restaurant environment, addressing fears around time off, and seeing the guest experience through their eyes. Take your restaurant to the next level one genuine connection at a time.

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

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

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

Many restaurants are so focused on offering good food that they fall short of providing a great experience to their own employees. Simon Zatyrka, the Culinary Mechanic, joins Jaime Oikle to discuss how chefs and restaurant owners should streamline their kitchen operations and bring them to the next level. Together, they discuss how to master the nuts and bolts of running a restaurant, the most important soft skills every owner must possess, and how to get around the worsening labor costs. Simon also explains how time management, clear communication, and work delegation can massively transform any kitchen and lead it straight to success.

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

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

Sponsor Link: https://www.restaurantreport.com/jason

Running a successful restaurant starts with team building, and Jaime Oikle dives deep into this crucial topic with Roger Beaudoin in this episode. They discuss practical strategies for identifying top talent, empowering employees, and fostering a strong workplace culture that drives results. Roger shares his proven methods for recruiting, training, and retaining top-tier staff while creating a motivated and engaged team. If you're ready to build a restaurant dream team and elevate your leadership skills, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

Sponsor Link: https://www.restaurantreport.com/jason

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

Restaurants require a well-rounded and high-performing leadership team to ensure it operates flawlessly and effectively. With so many moving parts, owners must learn how to hire the right people who can work together in a fast-paced environment. Jaime Oikle explains how this can be done with Darren Dennington, founder of Service With Style. Together, they discuss the right way to write job descriptions, the difference between leadership and management, and the impact of various leadership styles in a restaurant setting. Darren also shares an overview of the Restaurant Management 201 this March in New York.

Find out more at https://servicewithstyle.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com & https://restaurantmanagement201.com/ .

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

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

2025 Restaurant Workforce Management Report. Sitting down with Jaime Oikle, they explore the collective feedback of more than 900 restaurant managers about employee needs, wages, and retention. Discover how to overcome the biggest hiring challenges, keep up with the continuous growth of QSR dining over full-service dining, and navigate the ever-evolving culture of tipping. Jordan also shares insights on how the restaurant industry must transform alongside the new technological innovations and remain optimistic despite the rapidly changing trends.

Find out more at https://www.7shifts.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.

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

Sponsor Link: https://www.restaurantreport.com/jason

Cost controls are paramount in maximizing restaurant profitability, and Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars joins Jaime Oikle in this episode to emphasize their critical importance. Roger breaks down essential systems for managing food, beverage, and labor costs, including accurate inventory tracking and menu cost analysis. He provides valuable insights on calculating true usage, understanding prime cost, and optimizing menu pricing for maximum profit potential. Don't miss this episode – discover how to implement these strategies and watch your restaurant's bottom line soar!

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

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