In this episode of the Restaurant Success Podcast, restaurant entrepreneurship expert Matthew Mabel addresses the damaging negative press plaguing the restaurant industry and provides a strategic roadmap for independent restaurant owners to thrive despite the doom-and-gloom narrative. Matthew challenges recent media stories claiming restaurants are empty and struggling, arguing these narratives discourage guests from dining out and create unnecessary panic among restaurant business owners. Instead of focusing solely on cost management, Matthew presents a compelling case for why guest count is now the single most critical metric for restaurant success. He delivers five actionable strategies that successful multi-unit restaurant entrepreneurs can implement immediately to attract lapsed guests, increase dining frequency among current customers, and capture greater market share. This episode offers essential business insights for restaurant owners ready to take control of their growth and stop worrying about factors beyond their control.

Key Topics Covered

• The harmful impact of negative media narratives on the restaurant industry and guest behavior
• Why guest count has become more critical than cost management (PPA) for restaurant profitability
• Five specific actions to increase guest traffic and market share in today's competitive landscape
• How to truly understand guest perceptions through focus groups and actionable research
• Optimizing restaurant experience, offerings, execution, and service to premium levels
• Strategic hiring and retention practices to support growth objectives
• Implementing effective incentive programs focused on guest count and online ratings
• The importance of bold, noticeable marketing and brand positioning

Links Mentioned

• https://surrender.biz/what-successful-restaurant-growth-looks-like-now/ - What Successful Restaurant Growth Looks Like Now
• https://surrender.biz/how-to-find-the-guests-your-restaurants-deserve/ - How to Find the Guests Your Restaurants Deserve

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

Navigating restaurant entrepreneurship has never been more complex, and understanding where your business stands is crucial for success in today's challenging market. In this episode, restaurant business consultant Matthew Mabel reveals a strategic framework that helps multi-unit restaurant operators identify exactly where they fall among three distinct categories of performance—and more importantly, what specific actions each group needs to take to move forward successfully. Whether you're experiencing significant growth, maintaining stability, or facing sales declines, this episode delivers the entrepreneurial clarity and actionable restaurant management strategies you need to plan for 2026 with confidence. Learn how successful restaurant businesses are adapting their approach based on their current performance level, why following industry-wide practices won't cut it anymore, and discover the crystal-clear roadmap to elevate your restaurant company to the next level of business success.

Key Topics Covered

• The three categories of restaurant operators in today's market: Winners (6-8% revenue growth), Stable Companies (1-2% growth matching menu price increases), and Floundering Companies (high single-digit sales declines)
• Why knowing which category your restaurant falls into is critical for planning 2026 strategy and operations
• Specific tactical advice for Winners: maintaining innovation, continuing to listen to guests, and avoiding complacency to prevent sliding into the Stable category
• Strategic focus for Stable Companies: identifying and finally implementing overlooked improvements in service, menu, social media, manager motivation, and cost management
• Bold approach for Floundering Companies: thinking big without barriers, reimagining major moves in guest experience, brand messaging, and fiscal practices
• Why following industry-wide restaurant practices won't move a company to the next level anymore—and why your approach must be connected to your current success level
• How today's margin of error in the restaurant business is thinner than ever
• The critical question: which leap will you make and when do you start?

Links Mentioned

• Know Yourself and Create Restaurant Success In Any Market
• Boring Leads to Profits: The 2% You May Be Missing On Your Bottom Line

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

In this episode of The Restaurant Success Podcast, Matthew Mabel explores the critical decision restaurant owners and entrepreneurs face in today's competitive business landscape: choosing between small, incremental changes and bold, transformative moves. Restaurant operators often default to safer, smaller adjustments when bigger strategic decisions could dramatically improve their business performance and profitability. Matthew shares real-world examples from his restaurant consulting work, revealing how successful restaurant entrepreneurs are repositioning their brands, restructuring management teams, and implementing bold menu strategies to drive revenue growth and increase guest satisfaction. 

Key Topics Covered

• The psychology of small moves versus big moves in restaurant operations and why operators often choose incremental changes over transformative strategies
• Real examples of bold moves including brand repositioning, management restructuring, menu overhauls, and accountability systems that drive measurable revenue increases
• How your business mindset and investment philosophy directly mirror your approach to restaurant entrepreneurship and operational decision-making
• The competitive cost of hesitation and waiting for the "perfect moment" while competitors capture market share and momentum

Links Mentioned

• How to Take Action and Power to Boost Guest Count, https://surrender.biz/how-to-take-action-and-power-to-boost-guest-count/
• Restaurateurs: Why Your First Day Back From Vacation is the Most Important Day of the Year, https://surrender.biz/restaurateurs-why-your-first-day-back-from-vacation-is-the-most-important-day-of-the-year-2/

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

In this essential episode for restaurant entrepreneurship, Matthew Mabel addresses the unprecedented flat market challenging restaurant business owners today. Restaurant operators face a critical decision point: identify which of three operational groups they belong to and take decisive action. Matthew breaks down the characteristics of Winners (growing guest counts and revenue beyond menu price increases), Stable Companies (maintaining profitability through operational excellence), and Floundering Companies (experiencing declines despite price adjustments). Using real-world data from the State Fair of Texas, which saw a 20% attendance drop, Matthew illustrates how broader economic trends impact the restaurant industry and consumer confidence. This episode delivers actionable business strategy for multi-unit independent restaurant entrepreneurs ready to stand out, innovate, and achieve exceptional success regardless of market conditions. Whether you're looking to grow profit, optimize sales, or expand your restaurant business, this episode provides the clarity and direction needed to thrive in today's challenging entrepreneurship landscape.

Key Topics Covered

• Understanding the current flat market and its unique challenges for restaurant operators
• The three groups of restaurant companies: Winners, Stable, and Floundering
• What Winners are doing differently: cleaning up operations, picking low-hanging fruit, and honing guest relationships
• How Stable Companies maintain profitability through operational excellence and guest experience focus
• Why Floundering Companies struggle and what's holding them back from taking action
• Real-world example: State Fair of Texas attendance decline as a market indicator
• The importance of identifying which group your restaurant belongs to
• Why taking action now is critical rather than waiting for market conditions to improve

Links Mentioned

• https://surrender.biz/the-view-from-the-outside-your-restaurant-gaining-helpful-new-perspectives/ - The View From The Outside Your Restaurant Gaining Helpful New Perspectives
• https://surrender.biz/how-to-take-action-and-power-to-boost-guest-count - How To Take Action And Power To Boost Guest Count

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available
• Restaurant Success Podcast website: RestaurantSuccessPodcast.com

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

Restaurant expansion requires careful planning and strategic foresight to avoid common pitfalls that can derail growth. In this episode of the Restaurant Success Podcast, we explore essential entrepreneurship principles for restaurant owners looking to scale their business successfully. Matthew Mabel shares proven strategies for multi-unit restaurant expansion, discussing how proper planning protects profit margins, optimizes operational efficiency, and ensures sustainable growth. Whether you're considering your first expansion or adding to an existing portfolio, this business-focused conversation provides actionable insights on avoiding the costly mistakes that often accompany rapid restaurant growth.

Links Mentioned

• Restaurateur's Investment that Consistently Out Performs New Units Every Time, https://surrender.biz/restaurateurs-investment-that-consistently-out-performs-new-units-every-time/
• How Multi-Concept Restaurant Operators Conquer Their Unique Challenges, https://surrender.biz/how-multi-concept-restaurant-operators-conquer-their-unique-challenges/
• The Restaurant Owners Success Club, https://surrender.biz/success-club/

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Restaurant Success Podcast, Matthew Mabel examines Cracker Barrel's recent brand modernization struggles and what independent restaurant owners can learn from their missteps. Discover why their attempted menu updates, dining room renovations, and logo changes backfired, and explore the key differences between reactive corporate decisions and proactive entrepreneurship strategies that actually drive restaurant business growth. Matthew shares actionable insights on increasing guest counts, improving service experience, and building restaurant profit in today's competitive dining landscape. Learn how successful independent multi-unit restaurant operators are taking smart steps to strengthen their brands while Cracker Barrel's challenges highlight the importance of understanding your guests and maintaining control over your business direction.

Key Topics Covered

• Cracker Barrel's failed brand modernization attempt and the resulting guest backlash
• The underlying problem of declining guest counts that remains unsolved
• Why independent restaurant owners have a competitive advantage over corporate chains
• Four common strategies that drive revenue increases for successful restaurants
• The importance of training and education to enhance service experience
• Developing exciting menu items that give guests reasons to return
• Creating perfected marketing messages to stand out from competition
• Strategic spending: saving money behind the scenes while investing where guests notice

Links Mentioned

• https://surrender.biz/how-to-increase-your-restaurant-profit-with-no-excuses-during-this-flat-market/ - How To Increase Your Restaurant Profit with No Excuses During This Flat Market
• https://surrender.biz/reinvigorate-restaurant-training-and-education-to-create-amazing-success-in-2023/ - Reinvigorate Restaurant Training and Education to Create Amazing Success in 2023

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

In this episode of the Restaurant Success Podcast, Matthew Mabel explores the critical choice every restaurant entrepreneur faces: embracing an activated approach to business success or settling for average results. Discover actionable strategies for restaurant owners looking to elevate their operations, boost profitability, and build a thriving business. Matthew shares insights on what separates successful independent restaurant operators from the competition, covering essential entrepreneurship principles that drive real growth in today's competitive restaurant industry. Whether you're managing a single location or expanding multiple units, this episode delivers practical business wisdom to help you make the choice toward excellence and sustainable restaurant success.

Key Topics Covered

• The fundamental difference between activated and average restaurant operators
• Critical decision-making frameworks for restaurant entrepreneurship success
• Strategies for breaking through business plateaus in the restaurant industry
• Mindset shifts required for sustainable restaurant growth
• Practical steps to move from average to exceptional performance

Links Mentioned

• Ten Places To Look Now on the Road to 20% Profit, https://surrender.biz/ten-places-to-look-now-on-the-road-to-20-profit/
• Now is the Time To Re-Focus On Your Restaurant Menu, https://surrender.biz/now-is-the-time-to-re-focus-on-your-restaurant-menu/

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

In this episode of the Restaurant Success Podcast, Matthew Mabel explores the dangerous "Superhero Trap" that many restaurant entrepreneurs fall into when building their business empire. This entrepreneurship pitfall occurs when restaurant owners believe they must personally handle every aspect of their operation, from managing staff to overseeing daily operations. Matthew discusses how this mindset can severely limit business growth, reduce profitability, and prevent successful restaurant expansion. Learn practical strategies to break free from this trap, develop strong leadership teams, and create systems that allow your restaurant business to thrive without your constant supervision. This essential episode provides valuable insights for restaurant owners looking to scale their operations while maintaining quality and profitability.

Key Topics Covered

• Understanding the "Superhero Trap" mentality in restaurant entrepreneurship
• Why trying to do everything yourself limits business growth
• The hidden costs of being an indispensable restaurant owner
• Building effective leadership teams and delegation strategies
• Creating systems and processes for sustainable restaurant operations
• Transitioning from operator to true business owner mindset

Links Mentioned

• How To Respond To The Leadership And Coaching Shortage
• How Restaurants Truly Activate Culture

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of The Restaurant Success Podcast, Matthew Mabel explores the critical challenge facing restaurant entrepreneurs: how to expand your perspective when your point of view feels constrained. Restaurant owners and business leaders often find themselves trapped by their own limited viewpoints, making it difficult to identify growth opportunities and unlock their true potential. Matthew discusses practical entrepreneurship strategies for breaking through mental barriers, expanding business vision, and discovering untapped possibilities within your restaurant enterprise. This episode is essential for any restaurant professional looking to overcome operational blindness and achieve sustainable business growth in the competitive food service industry.

Key Topics Covered

• Overcoming limited perspectives in restaurant management
• Strategies for expanding business vision and identifying growth opportunities
• Breaking through mental barriers that restrict entrepreneurial thinking
• Practical approaches to unlock restaurant potential and improve profitability
• Building systems that provide clearer insights into business performance

Links Mentioned

• How Much Restaurant Profit Is Enough? - https://surrender.biz/how-much-restaurant-profit-is-enough/

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

In this episode of the Restaurant Success Podcast, veteran restaurant advisor Matthew Mabel shares a powerful story from his past working security for the Rolling Stones that taught him a fundamental lesson about strength through collaboration. Matthew explores why knowing your restaurant industry peers isn't just helpful—it's absolutely essential for business success and entrepreneurship in today's competitive market. He reveals how this principle led him to create the Restaurant Owners Success Club, now in its fifth year, and explains why many restaurant entrepreneurs are missing critical business intelligence that their competitors have already discovered. This episode delivers actionable insights for multi-unit restaurant owners looking to strengthen their operations through peer connections and industry knowledge.

Key Topics Covered

• The power of "locking arms" - lessons from Rolling Stones security work
• Why restaurant owners know their own businesses but lack industry peer knowledge
• The creation and purpose of the Restaurant Owners Success Club
• How peer groups strengthen restaurant entrepreneurs against market challenges
• The importance of business intelligence sharing among restaurant owners
• Navigating complex market and economic conditions in the restaurant industry
• The value of guest count as a critical restaurant business metric

Links Mentioned

• Restaurant Owners Success Club
• How Restaurateurs Get Unstuck and Dominate in Today's Market
• How to Take Action and Power to Boost Guest Count
• Set up a call about the Restaurant Owners Success Club

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Restaurant Owners Success Club - hybrid group coaching program for multi-unit owners
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources