People are the heartbeat of every hospitality business. On today's episode, I'm joined by James Beard semi-finalist and owner of Proper House Restaurant Group, Ferrell Alvarez, to talk about how building a strong culture is essential for a successful restaurant brand. We chat through the ins-and-outs of hiring, how to keep your employees inspired, "quiet quitting" and more that you don't want to miss!

Tune in, and when you're ready for more, stop by one of Ferrell's restaurants for the full in-person experience (Rooster & the Till, Gallito Taqueria, Dang Dude, Nebraska Mini Mart, and coming soon, Ash).

Follow along with Ferrell on Instagram or hang with him in person at Rooster. Make a reservation for Rooster & the Till here!

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Are you using email marketing for yourself or your business? More importantly, are your emails making you money? In today's episode, I'm joined by copywriter + Story Brand Guide certified expert, Karsen Murray, to talk about how restaurants and food brands can use email marketing to build a loyal community of repeat guests. Tune in for detailed ideas, how-to's and tips for what to say when you have no idea what to write to your audience. I learn something every time I chat with Karsen, and I know you will as well!

For more email marketing bliss, follow Karsen on Instagram or listen to the Just Keep Showing Up podcast.

Ciao!

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If there's one thing we've learned as adults, it's that the road to success isn't always a linear one. On today's episode, Chef Jason Saldutti talks about his journey from working on the line to cooking for celebrities like Halsey and Alanis Morissette on tour.

Hungry for more? Follow along with Chef Jason's cooking adventures on Instagram here:www.instagram.com/i_am_jasonsaldutti/

Thanks for tuning in!

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Every time I push through the doors of a new restaurant, I fully expect an adventure to await me on the other side. I envision aromas of familiar foods swirling through the air and gentle smiles from strangers that feel oddly inviting. Tables with perfectly folded napkins waiting to be unraveled. Menus drenched in golden hour sun rays that politely peek through nearby windows.

But what often steals my attention first are the colors, textures and pops of personality strewn across the walls, above the doors and in the entry way. There's so much depth in the visual experience shaped by art.

On today's episode, Tampa-based mixed media artist, Bianca Burrows, talks about the impact art can have on the guest experience and how to infuse multi-sensory touch points into your brand.

If today's chat leaves you wanting more, tap into your creativity with Bianca on Instagram or check out her prints, merch + more at itsbbart.com.

Until next time!

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From culinary school and staging at a 2-star Michelin restaurant in NYC, to living in Italy and becoming partner + Executive Chef at Tampa's beloved Rocca, Bryce Bonsack's story is truly inspiring. Today's episode takes you behind the scenes of his journey through the culinary space - espressos, tips for aspiring chefs, chats around Michelin guide's entrance to Tampa Bay and the importance of il dolce far niente, included.

Connect with Bryce on Instagram or stop by the restaurant and say hello. Be sure to make a reservation at roccatampa.com. Cheers!

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-santell/support

Did you know that GenZ and Millennials are 99% more likely to choose a restaurant based on social media and online reviews? It's true. On today's episode, I interview Dara Pollak, a food influencer and NYC-based social media consultant, about everything restaurant owners and food brands need to know when it comes to having a strong presence on IG, TikTok and Facebook. Tune in to learn about easy-to-implement tips, trends and strategies you can start using today.

Have a burning marketing question after listening to our conversation? Email me at [email protected] and I'll dig into it with you!

In the meantime, be sure to follow Dara on Instagram and while you're at it, don't sleep on her best pizza in NYC roundup. You can thank me later for that extra gem.

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Press coverage is gold, especially when you're a growing restaurant. Learn from food and drink editor, Jenna Rimensnyder, about how to write the perfect pitch, key assets an editor looks for when selecting stories to publish, ideas for pitching newsworthy content, and more! Oh, and we have a lot of fun in the process. Don't miss that either. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-santell/support

Say hello to my very first guest, Jeremy Jacobowitz! Also known as New York City's OG, Insta-famous Brunch Boy. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work alongside Bobby Flay on Food Network, or how to build a social media fan base of hundreds of thousands of followers, you're going to love this episode. Bonus points if you live for a good bodega and BEC order rant -- because we get into that, too. Thanks for being a fabulous guest, Jer!

To follow along with Jeremy's food adventures, check out his Instagram page or better yet, send him a love note at [email protected]. Until next time.

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If you're reading this and we've never met, allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Melissa Santell and I'm the host of culinary-themed podcast, Sunday Sauce. In episode one, you'll learn a little about me, why I felt called to start this podcast and what to expect if you choose to pull up a weekly seat at this glorious dinner table -- all in six beautiful minutes. Which, by the way, felt like the longest amount of time I've ever had to speak to absolutely no one but myself into a microphone. BUT WE DID IT.

Do me a favor and let me know your initial thoughts after tuning in. You can write me at [email protected], or contact me via my website at www.foodxfeels.com. Can't wait to hear from you. Ciao!

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-santell/support