Tastemakers Podcast

This is a conversation with Jonathan Maze, the Executive Editor of Restaurant Business and one of the most important and well-known journalists in the restaurant industry. He also has his own podcast called a Deeper Dive. This episode was recorded at the NRA show last May and hosted by Restaurant365. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Donna Spangler-Josephson, the Chief Marketing Officer at Corner Bakery. Donna had leadership roles at Chick-fil-a, Applebee's, and Wendy's, and was CMO of McAlister's Deli and Fazoli's. This episode was recorded at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Doug Willmarth, the CMO at Mongolian Concepts. He's leading marketing for their family of brands including Ghengis Grill, bd's Mongolian Grill, and FlatTop Grill. Over his career, Doug has been the CMO of Wingstop and Rave Motion Pictures and held senior leadership roles at Yum!, Pepsico, and Brinker. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Bob Bafundo, the President of the Rave Restaurant Group. Rave is the owner of Pizza Inn and Pie Five. Over his career, he's been the President of Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, Sr. VP of Ops at Back Yard Burgers, and Sr. Director of Ops at KFC. This episode was recorded at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Jena Henderson, the VP of Growth at Saladworks. Saladworks has been making salads to order since before it was the cool thing to do. They now have more than 100 locations in 15 states. This episode was recorded at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Kyle Noonan, the co-founder and CEO of FreeRange concepts. Kyle cut his teeth in the Pappas restaurants family before opening his first restaurant in 2012. Only 7 years later, they're building a restaurant empire that includes Bowl & Barrel, Mutt's Canine Cantina, The General Public, the Rustic, and more to come. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Jodie Conrad, the VP of Marketing at Fazoli's. Jodie has held marketing leadership positions at Wendy's and Donato's and became the head of marketing for the Fazoli's brand in 2017. Fazoli's has more than 215 locations in 26 states. This episode was recorded at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Phil Friedman, the CEO of Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill. Phil was the Chairman and CEO of McAlister's Deli, a brand he grew from 30 to over 300 locations. In 2011, he purchased the Salsarita's brand and become the Chairman and CEO. They are now up to 80 locations in 17 states. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Randy Gier. Randy is a true giant in our industry. He was the CMO of KFC, Pizza Hut, Yum!, Dr. Pepper Snapple, Borden Dairy, and Gamestop and was also the CEO of Rave - the parent of Pie Five and Pizza Inn. He is now running NRG, a private restaurant operating and holding company. This episode was recorded at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Kentucky. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Patty Trevino, the head of marketing for the Carls Jr. brand and the SVP of Marketing at CKE. Over her career, she's been the CMO of Bonefish Grill, the VP of Product Marketing at Outback, and the Director of Global Brand Marketing at Burger King. Enjoy!