The Pre-Shift

Breaking free from being the "superhero" operator can transform your restaurant's future. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Avery Ward, third-generation CEO of Little Italy Ristorante in Groveport, Ohio, about how he turned around his family's struggling business. Avery shares how his tech background helped him implement smart systems that let him step back from daily operations. He breaks down exactly how he delegates tasks, documents processes, and builds accountability at every level - allowing him to expand from a single location to a growing restaurant group. Both struggling operators managing everything themselves and successful owners looking to scale will find valuable takeaways in Ward's practical approach to working on your business instead of just in it.

Resources

• Connect with Avery Ward on LinkedIn 🔗
• Watch: Slice of Life on YouTube 📺
• Visit: Little Italy Ristorante 🍕
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Blog 📝

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Avery Ward (CEO of Little Italy restaurant)
• 01:19 - The 60-year history of Little Italy Restaurant
• 07:00 - How technology transformed restaurant operations
• 09:32 - Finding time to work ON your business, not just IN it
• 12:17 - Building accountability through clear expectations
• 20:05 - The "lightbulb theory" of delegation
• 23:57 - Creating company structure and role clarity
• 27:56 - The path to opening Main Ground Coffee
• 33:30 - Building an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan)
• 40:10 - Why documenting your restaurant's story matters
• 44:48 - Conclusion and Main Ground Coffee opening details

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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty in today's restaurant industry. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sit down with Jay Ashton, Canada's Restaurant Guy, to discuss how Canadian restaurants can adapt to tariffs and economic challenges. 

Jay shares practical strategies from his 35-year career. These go beyond simply raising prices to tactics like creating salads without lettuce and developing multiple revenue streams through newsletters and digital merchandising. Whether you're concerned about the current tariff situation or looking for always-relevant business advice for navigating uncertain times, Jay's approaches and timeless wisdom offer valuable insights for restaurants looking to thrive during economic shifts.

Resources
Connect with Jay on LinkedIn 🔗
Site: Canada's Restaurant Guy 🍁
Listen to The Late Night Restaurant Show 🌃
Strategies to offset tariffs newsletter 📰

Latest Updates on Canadian Tariffs | restaurantscanada.org 🇨🇦

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction to Jay Ashton, Canada's restaurant guy
2:00 - Understanding the tariff situation for Canadian restaurants
4:00 - The impact of tariffs on restaurant inventory and pricing
7:30 - Menu innovation: "You can make salads without lettuce"
8:15 - The flex burger: Reducing costs through creative protein options
9:00 - Using the "why column" to evaluate every menu ingredient
12:00 - Preparing your business without panicking
14:00 - Cash flow is king: Smart inventory management
16:30 - Technology solutions for tracking costs and inventory
19:00 - Communicating price changes to your customers
22:00 - Why restaurants need five revenue streams
25:00 - Newsletter marketing as an additional revenue source
31:00 - Using Uber Eats as an e-commerce platform
33:30 - Developing CPG product lines and merchandise
35:45 - Final advice: Don't panic, have a plan

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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

For many 16-year-olds, a first job is just a way to make some extra side cash—nothing more than a temporary gig. But for Julianna Blackhurst, a part-time job in high school became the foundation of her lifelong career. 

In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sat down with the Senior Director of Franchise Operations at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, to talk about two types of growth: career growth and franchise growth.

Resources:

• Check out Jeremiah’s Italian Ice 🍦
• Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn 🔗
• Follow Jeremiah’s on Instagram 📸

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and welcome
• 00:50 Juliana's career journey at Jeremiah's
• 03:33 The importance of company culture
• 05:48 Jeremiah's core values
• 12:25 The franchising model
• 17:17 Going outside of Florida
• 21:38 Leadership lessons
• 23:41 The 14-flavor offering model
• 25:16 Advice for young people
• 30:51 Juliana's favorite Jeremiah's menu item
• 35:40 Conclusion

Guest Bio:

Julianna Blackhurst, Senior Director of Franchise Operations, oversees the Operations for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, responsible for the company’s 100+ locations in 11 states. She oversees the company’s ongoing expansion, as it is projected to reach 180+ units in 2025. In her previous role with Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, she was Director of Training and Operational Growth. Julianna was responsible for developing and administrating Jeremiah’s training program (“Cool School”) and the New Store Opening Process. Amidst her tenure, Ms. Blackhurst has been recognized by QSR Magazine in the 2021 issue of Young Leaders to Watch. Julianna takes pride in being active in the community, volunteering as a coach for Pop Warner sports. In 2017, Ms. Blackhurst received a Bachelor of Arts in History degree from the University of Central Florida and Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, Rollins College 2021.

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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

What if mandatory training didn’t have to be boring? With creative storytelling and an irreverent approach, ARROW UP Training makes engaging, effective training programs for restaurant teams.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Berkowitz, the founder and CEO of ARROW UP Training.

Jason offers insights into building consistent employee experiences and the role of continuous training in fostering a strong team—and a better guest experience. He also discusses the importance of structured onboarding, developing strong leaders, and the power of storytelling in training.

Resources
Check out ARROW UP Training ⬆️
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn 🔗
Connect with Jason on Instagram 🤳
Get Jason’s Book 📖
FREE video mini-course: Unlocking effortless restaurant scheduling 📲

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:50 Meet Jason Berkowitz: From Restaurant Ops to ARROW UP
• 03:33 The Birth of ARROW UP
• 05:48 ARROW UP's Unique Training Approach
• 12:25 Implementing ARROW UP in Restaurants
• 17:17 Effective Onboarding and Training Practices
• 21:38 Growth Mindset in Restaurant Management
• 22:31 The Role of Supervisors
• 23:41 Building Effective Training Programs
• 25:16 Managing Friends and De-escalation Techniques
• 30:51 The Importance of Checklists
• 35:40 Customizing Training for Different Restaurant Cultures
• 37:49 Exciting Developments at ARROW UP
• 41:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

Guest Bio
Jason Berkowitz is currently the CEO and Founder of Arrow UP Training - an online platform with built-in content and a suite of smart tools that help restaurants develop supervisors into leaders, satisfy compliance and lower operating costs. Their programs have become standard practice for independent restaurants, top companies, and large-scale organizations. Jason served as VP of Operations for Umami Burger, COO and Partner for Tocaya Organica, and a founding board member for The Independent Hospitality Coalition. He's the author of, 'Please Don't Sleep With The Host.'

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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode, 'Restaurant Unstoppable' host Eric Cacciatorre teams up with industry experts James Schonzeit from Square and D.J. Costantino from 7shifts to tackle the pressing challenges of staffing and technology in the restaurant world.

Through a series of insightful discussions, they cover key topics such as hiring and retaining staff, leveraging technology for better operations, and balancing tech with genuine hospitality. The conversation offers practical advice, highlighting how flexible scheduling, proper training, and effective management practices can improve staff retention and satisfaction. They explore the use of kiosks and other tech tools to streamline processes and enhance customer interactions without losing the essence of hospitality. Additionally, the episode underscores the value of actionable strategies, like gradual tech integration, to boost profitability and team engagement. Real-life examples and survey insights provide a roadmap for restaurant owners and managers to navigate modern challenges and thrive in an evolving industry.

00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping
00:57 Meet the Hosts
01:53 Technical Difficulties and Introductions
04:47 Discussion on Restaurant Technology
05:49 Staffing Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
06:31 Survey Insights on Employee Retention
12:59 The Role of Technology in Employee Management
14:26 Customer Experience and Technology
28:08 Discussing Final Trends
28:40 Employee Training and Technology
30:08 Empowering Staff Through Continuous Training
30:49 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
31:36 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction
37:58 Addressing Staff Engagement and Retention
38:09 Q&A Session
38:47 Strategies for Improving Margins
48:27 Innovative Solutions for Staff Engagement
58:38 Closing Remarks

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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

This episode of the Pre Shift Podcast focuses on Josh Sharkey, the founder and CEO of meez, an innovative recipe tool and culinary operating system. Josh shares his journey from a Michelin-starred chef to a tech entrepreneur. He discusses the motivation behind creating meez, driven by the loss of his recipe notebook and the need for a specialized tool for culinary professionals. Throughout the conversation, Josh elaborates on the challenges faced in transitioning to tech, the features of meez that enhance operational efficiency, and how it serves chefs and restaurant operators in maintaining consistency and profitability. Sharkey also highlights the importance of empowering teams with the right tools and maintaining a clear vision in business. Tune in for practical advice, real stories, and valuable insights into bridging creativity and profitability in the restaurant industry.

00:00 Introduction and Insight
00:29 Meet Josh Sharkey
01:21 The Birth of meez
03:03 Challenges and Solutions
05:42 Building the Company
08:30 Data and Recipe Management
22:47 Team Empowerment and Retention
27:12 Leadership and Vision
38:36 Exciting Developments
40:10 Conclusion and Farewell

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More 7shifts
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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode of the Pre Shift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino welcomes Ross Groeneweg, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Pizza Ranch. They discuss the history of the family-owned business, which started in 1981 and grew into a 218-location franchise. Ross explains the company's successful franchise model and the relationship between franchisees and corporate, ensuring a consistent employee experience. He shares his personal journey within Pizza Ranch, starting from high school, advancing through various positions, and eventually becoming a leader. Ross emphasizes Pizza Ranch's core values, vision, mission, and benefits of collaborative franchisee relationships and shared learnings. The episode concludes with a sneak peek at upcoming company initiatives, including a new wing night promotion.

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast
00:18 Meet Ross Groenweg, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Pizza Ranch
01:13 The Origin Story of Pizza Ranch
02:55 Franchise Model and Corporate Partnership
04:06 Ross's Journey Through Pizza Ranch
07:15 Core Values and Vision of Pizza Ranch
09:10 Challenges and Strategies in Employee Retention
13:41 Collaborative Nature of Pizza Ranch Franchisees
15:14 Career Growth and Opportunities at Pizza Ranch
21:12 Future Plans and Exciting Initiatives
22:09 Conclusion and Farewell

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More 7shifts
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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

Mike Bausch, a certified master pizzaiolo and the brains behind Andolini's Worldwide joins DJ Costantino on the Pre Shift Podcast.

In this episode, Mike shares his journey from aspiring Marine Corps officer to leading a 12-restaurant empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recognized nationwide for their exceptional pizza, Andolini's success is attributed to a commitment to quality and a no-half-measures philosophy. Mike outlines his leadership and staff training techniques, explaining why he avoids the term 'family' in favor of a more professional 'team' dynamic. He also discusses his transition into becoming a mentor and educator for the restaurant industry through his Unsliced Restaurant System. Mike offers insights on cross-training staff, maintaining low attrition rates, and the importance of structured employee evaluations. The episode is packed with practical advice and actionable takeaways for building and sustaining a high-performing restaurant team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast

00:23 Meet Mike Bausch: The Pizza Mastermind

01:19 Mike's Journey: From Marine Corps to Pizza Empire

03:04 The Turning Point: Mentorship and Mastery

06:39 Expanding the Brand: Beyond Pizza

09:42 Building a High-Performing Team

15:55 Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Training

16:42 Maintaining Low Attrition Rates

18:34 Employee Feedback and Evaluation Process

21:03 Team Building and Andomania

23:12 Mike Bausch: Mentor and Educator

24:59 The Unsliced Course and Restaurant Systems

26:15 Engaging with the Restaurant Community

31:49 Future Plans and Exciting Developments

32:22 Conclusion and Farewell

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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In the latest episode of the Preshift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino chats with Margaret Pak, chef and co-owner of Thattu in Chicago. Pak shares her inspiring transition from corporate life to culinary arts, detailing her journey from selling spicy ketchup to opening a successful food stall and finally establishing an award-winning restaurant. The episode delves into her passion for Kerala cuisine, her experience with food pop-ups, and her innovative no-tip service model. Pak also discusses the significance of transparent menu pricing, equitable staff wages, and her future plans, including participating in prestigious culinary events and creating retail condiments.

00:00 Welcome to the Preshift Podcast

00:17 Meet Margaret Pak: Chef and Co-Owner of Thattu

01:13 From Corporate to Culinary: Margaret's Journey

02:38 Falling in Love with Kerala Cuisine

03:41 From Prep Cook to Pop-Up Success

07:23 The Birth of Thattu: From Food Stall to Restaurant

10:41 Navigating the Pandemic and Reassessing Plans

11:59 Reopening and Expanding Through Pop-Ups

17:15 Innovative Business Model: No Tips, No Service Charge

27:19 Building a Collaborative and Equitable Team

31:06 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

36:42 What's Next for Thattu?

38:21 Closing Remarks and Thank You

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More 7shifts
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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode of the Pre-Shift Podcast, host DJ Costantino talks with Ellen Yin, founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen shares her journey from a high school summer job to running celebrated dining establishments. The discussion focuses on the importance of building a strong sense of community and belonging within her restaurants. Ellen emphasizes the significance of respecting and empowering employees and effective recruitment, training, and career development strategies. She also highlights the challenges and successes in maintaining a consistent and supportive team culture across multiple restaurant concepts.

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast

00:14 Meet Ellen Yin: Founder of High Street Hospitality

01:14 Ellen's Journey into the Restaurant Industry

04:43 The Success and Longevity of Fork

06:55 Building a Strong Team Culture

14:00 Recruitment and Career Development Strategies

22:08 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

26:40 Future Goals and Exciting Developments

29:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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About Us
7shifts is the restaurant HR platform helping operators hire, train, schedule, pay, and retain their team in one place. With an easy-to-use platform and built-for-restaurant workflows, 7shifts replaces disconnected systems for 55,000 restaurants.