Running Restaurants

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

Peter Yang, co-founder of Pokeworks, shares the inspiring story of building a successful restaurant franchise from the ground up. Discover how Pokeworks went from a single location in New York City to a nationwide sensation with over 70 locations. Jaime Oikle and Peter Yang discuss the unique aspects of the Pokeworks franchising model, including their focus on small footprints, efficient operations, and prime real estate selection. Tune in to learn about the power of social media marketing, building a strong loyalty program, and the importance of finding the right franchise partners. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in the restaurant industry or franchising opportunities.

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

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

Empowering restaurants to thrive in the digital age, Checkmate offers a suite of innovative solutions. In this episode, Jaime Oikle chats with Vishal Agarwal, the founder and CEO of Checkmate, a tech game-changer for restaurants. Initially focused on simplifying payment processes, Vishal discovered restaurant operators' deeper challenges with managing orders from multiple platforms. That's when the lightbulb went off! Vishal and his team created a suite of tools that not only simplify payments but also streamline online ordering, kiosks, and even phone orders using AI. Tune in to explore the future of restaurant technology and the impact of Checkmate’s solutions.

Learn more about Checkmate at https://www.itsacheckmate.com/ and check out more great tips at runningrestaurants.com.

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

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

I'm a book aficionado so I loved puting this together -- Twenty absolutely solid book recommendations from a stellar collection of restaurant industry execs and insiders. Be sure to add some of these to your library or wish list...

The Who...

• Jordan Boesch of 7shifts
• Tony Smith of Restaurant365
• Michel Falcon of Brasa Peruvian
• Rushi Patel of Homebase
• Alex Sambvani of Slang.ai
• Vishal Agarwal of Checkmate
• Andrew Pudalov of Rush Bowls
• Brett Campbell of Loma
• Angelo Esposito of Wisk.AI
• The Books...Radical Candor
• The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
• Setting the Table
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things
• Zero to One
• Decisive
• The Paradox of Choice
• Thinking in Bets
• No Rules Rules
• Unreasonable Hospitality
• The Innovator's Solution: Creating and Sustaining Successful Growth
• The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail
• The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation
• Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
• Undaunted Courage
• I Said This, You Heard That
• $100 Million Offers
• $100M Leads
• Storytelling With Data
• How to Win Friends & Influence People

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

How can AI revolutionize your restaurant’s guest experience? In this episode, Jaime Oikle talks with Alex Sambvani from Slang.ai about how their voice-powered AI technology is helping restaurants improve efficiency and customer service. From handling reservations to answering common questions, Slang.ai’s solution allows restaurants to automate over 50% of their phone calls while enhancing the guest experience with human-like interaction. Discover how this innovative platform is helping operators reduce missed calls, capture more business opportunities, and streamline operations—all without replacing staff.

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

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

Jaime Oikle sits down with Angelo Esposito of Wisk.ai to dive deep into the world of cost management for restaurants. From tracking cost of goods sold to automating invoices, they explore practical ways to boost profitability and streamline operations. Angelo shares key insights on inventory management, recipe cost tracking, and how AI can simplify the most tedious tasks. Tune in for valuable lessons on improving your restaurant’s bottom line with smart, tech-driven solutions.

Learn more about Wisk.ai at https://www.wisk.ai/ and check out more great tips at runningrestaurants.com.

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

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

With its innovative menu and commitment to quality, Bun Mee has quickly become a beloved destination for foodies seeking a taste of Vietnam. In this episode, Jaime Oikle sits down with Denise Tran, founder and CEO of San Francisco-based Vietnamese sandwich eatery Bun Mee. Denise recounts her journey of bringing authentic bánh mì into the mainstream, transitioning from a legal career to pursuing her culinary dreams. With four thriving locations and a fifth on the way, she shares the excitement of launching a national franchise while navigating the complexities of the restaurant industry. Join them as they delve into Bun Mee's story, the challenges of growth, and Denise's passion for sharing her heritage through food.

Learn more about Bun Mee at https://bunmee.co/ and check out more great tips at runningrestaurants.com.

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

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

Restaurant design is more than just aesthetics. It’s about crafting a memorable and immersive experience. Join Jaime Oikle and //3877 co-founder David Shove-Brown as they explore restaurant design, highlighting how to create unique dining experiences that blend architecture, branding, and hospitality. David talks about the evolution of his firm, the significance of understanding client visions, and the role of thoughtful design in enhancing both guest and staff interactions. From conceptualizing the perfect atmosphere to ensuring functionality and aesthetics, David explores the key elements that make a restaurant truly memorable. Tune in for a deep dive into the art and science of restaurant design!

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

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

Restaurant owners who are having trouble improving their menu, operations efficiency, and team management are going to want to tune in as we dig into the pain points impacting restaurants. Matthew Wilson, owner of the restaurant and hospitality consulting business Mise En Place. joins for a conversation with Jaime Oikle of Running Restaurants as he shares how he guides owners in developing a highly profitable menu, revamping employee management strategies, and more. Matthew also stresses the importance of an in-depth social audit to ensure your restaurant has a good following and reputation online.

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

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