Tastemakers Podcast

This is a conversation with Chris Baggott. Chris went from technology marketer to dry cleaner to entrepreneur to farmer to restaurateur. He is the co-founder of ExactTarget, which he sold to Salesforce, and the co-founder of Compendium, which sold to Oracle. He then became a farmer with the purchase of Tyner Pond Farms and is now building ClusterTruck. ClusterTruck is what happens when technologists open a restaurant. They've re-thought the food delivery experience entirely. This episode was recorded at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. Enjoy!

Next on the Tastemakers pod, a conversation with Greg Dollarhyde. Greg is the Executive Chairman and former CEO of Zoes Kitchen. Before that, he was the CEO of Veggie Grill and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill. He has also been the chairman of Riot Games, co-founded the wine company B Cellars and now invests in Starbird Chicken, teaRIOT and Drink Maple. This episode was recorded at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with the CEO of Toast, Chris Comparato. Chris has had a long career in the technology industry, most recently in executive positions with tech giants Endeca and Acquia. In 2015, he joined the Toast team, and they've since grown into one of the leading players in restaurant technology with over $2 billion in transactions. More importantly, they're reinventing the diner experience along the way. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Chris Brandt, the EVP and Chief Brand Officer at Bloomin' Brands. Chris cut his teeth in CPG at General Mills and Odwalla. He made the jump to Taco Bell in 2010, later becoming the CMO and turning them into an innovation machine. Last year, he took over all aspects of marketing for Bloomin' Brands which includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Michael Mabry, Chief Operating Officer of Mooyah Burgers. Michael started his career as an Executive Chef at Romano's Macaroni Grill before spending time in operations and franchise development for Brinker, Boston's Pizza and Tin Star. He joined Mooyah in 2009, and has since grown the company from 5 restaurants to more than 100, including locations in 10 different countries. Mooyah is now ranked #38 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Marty Hahnfeld. Marty took over as Chief Commercial Officer at Olo in 2013. Olo drives online ordering for more than 200 restaurant brands that together reach over 40 million diners. Their clients include brands like Chili's, Chipotle, Five Guys and Wingstop. We talked about how technology is transforming the restaurant industry today. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Rob Lynch. Rob cut his teeth at P&G and Heinz before moving into restaurants as the VP of Marketing at Taco Bell. In 2013, he became the Brand President and CMO at Arby's. They became an Ad Age Top Ten Marketer after a massive brand turnaround and Rob was named CMO of the Year by PR World. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with a member of restaurant royalty, David Morton. His father was the right-hand man of Hugh Hefner, where he launched the worldwide chain of Playboy Clubs before founding Morton's Steakhouse and the Taste of Chicago. The Morton family has since launched more than 100 concepts including the Hard Rock Cafe and Pink Taco. In 2009, David partnered with 5 time James Beard award nominee Michael Kornick to open DMK Restaurants. They've since launched the DMK Burger Bar, Fish Bar, and Ada Street in Chicago, among others. In a few months, he'll launch MB Steak at Hard Rock in Las Vegas with his brother Michael. Enjoy!

This is a conversation with Tony Lavely. He has been the CMO of some of the largest restaurant and QSR brands in the US including Burger King, Domino's, Long John Silver's, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Church's Chicken and Friendly's Ice Cream. He currently works with Urban Plates as a part of his consulting business. We talked about his epic career and the evolution of the industry over the past 40 years. Enjoy!