Just some friends talking and sharing stories. I hope you like it.
…
continue reading
This podcast is for convenience store sales associates looking to promote to assistant managers as well as for new assistant managers. This can be a tough role when you just get thrown into position. I will prepare you to survive in this role.
…
continue reading
Coming to grips with over 100,000 restaurants shuttered...It's time to fix what's broken. Created in partnership with Yelp for Restaurants, FULL COMP is a weekly show exploring the past & future of the hospitality industry. Provocative & actionable, the show aims to ask the tough questions, supplying listeners with the tools & resources needed to thrive post-pandemic. The host, Michelin-rated restaurateur Josh Kopel, challenges conventional wisdom by hosting both hospitality professionals & ...
…
continue reading
Chris Blec is an unapologetic liberty maximalist, privacy advocate and tech decentralization activist. Listen in on some of the most based conversations you'll ever hear about freedom, Bitcoin, social issues and more.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Francesco Zimone on importing and scaling a prolific restaurant brand
38:43
38:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:43
On paper it seems like a no brainer…simply take one of the most famous restaurant brands in Italy and open it in the United States. What could go wrong? Just months into Francesco Zimone opening L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Hollywood the global pandemic hit. Leveraged to the hilt, Francesco set about creating a comeback so epic it could have bee…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Maximizing Efficiency: How Inventory Management Software Transforms Convenience Store Operations
16:38
16:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:38
In today's episode, we'll explore the world of inventory management software and why it's crucial for running an efficient store. We'll break down the basics of what this software does, highlight its most important features, share best practices for getting the most out of it, and even look at real-world examples of how it can transform store opera…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Cody Pruitt on the business plan for a blockbuster restaurant
36:07
36:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:07
While so many of us spent the pandemic scrambling, Cody Pruitt spend that time planning. Cody is literally the only first time restaurateur I know that opened a restaurant in a major city and managed to adhere to the plan. Today we sit down to discuss how to build and stick to a restaurant business plan and how he managed to blow his revenue target…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Scott Lawton on the blueprint for becoming a restaurant lifestyle brand
35:07
35:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:07
You walk into a restaurant and it just makes sense. It all feels right…the decor, the menus, the music and you know that they’re selling more than a meal, it’s a lifestyle. Today we sit down with Scott Lawton, the co-founder of bartaco, to discuss the foundational elements of the bartaco brand and how those elements come together to make the guest …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mastering the Tools of the Trade: POS Systems and Tech Essentials
16:32
16:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:32
In this episode, we're diving into why being tech-savvy is a must for assistant managers in convenience stores. We'll explore the vital tools you need to know, like Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, time-tracking tools, and mobile apps that streamline daily tasks. Understanding and mastering these systems isn't just about …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bob Spivak on building a Hollywood hotspot and scaling it nationally
35:07
35:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:07
Do you feel like you should be further along in your career–that you should be more successful than you are today? Had you met Bob Spivak at 39 years old, you probably wouldn’t have thought much of him but, in his 40’s, he would go on to create one of the most prolific restaurant brands in Hollywood and then scale it nationally. Today, we sit down …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Michael Ungaro on what it takes to run a profitable 3,000 seat restaurant
38:56
38:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:56
San Pedro Fish Market is one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the US. Once we’ve taken a moment for that to sink in, we need to talk about how it became one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in America. To have that conversation, we’re sitting down with Michael Ungaro, San Pedro’s CEO to discuss how narrowing focus a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Andrew Glantz on harnessing the power of “cause-marketing”
34:14
34:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:14
I have yet to come across an independent restaurant owner that didn’t open their restaurant to better serve their community. But things get tricky when we try to get granular. We all aspire to serve our communities but with tight margins and low profits, most of us struggle to fulfill our lofty goals around community impact. Enter Andrew Glantz of …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Luke Reyes on how narrowing focus leads to profitable restaurants
35:39
35:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:39
Chef Luke Reyes is a master of mastery. I’ve worked with Luke in the past and I’ve followed his career as he’s worked to reinvent himself and contemporary cuisines over the last almost two decades. We’re both a bit older and wiser and today we sit down to discuss what’s worked and what hasn’t over the course of our careers. This is a masterclass in…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Hamed Mazrouei on transforming your POS data into a marketing machine
38:28
38:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:28
Today is a great day because today I got to sit down with my friend, Hamed. There are so many things that I love about this guys but–above all others–Hamed is relentless. In another life, I’m sure he was a prolific restaurateur. In this life, he’s a technologist and an entrepreneur working to solve the foundational issues within our industry. Today…
…
continue reading
Most days we’re talking about food and beverage. Today we’re talking about baseball. Enter Jack Sanders, an entrepreneur who answers the question “What if the movie Field of Dreams was a person?” We’re discussing what it took to build community and a baseball field in his own backyard and the lessons we can learn as restaurateurs about creating rav…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Weesie Newton on how to truly step away from day to day operations
37:00
37:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:00
Today you’re going to hear about how a first time restaurateur not only built a profitable business but also set it up so that she could move across the country for three years and have it operate seamlessly without her. It wasn’t all roses but Weesie Newton sits down today to share the path that led her to the restaurant industry, her departure fr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Brandon Boudet on mastering second generation concepts
35:40
35:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:40
It’s hard enough to open our own restaurant concepts. It takes a creative mind to reimagine someone else’s concept and breathe new life into a tired old restaurant. Today we sit down with Chef and restaurateur Brandon Boudet to discuss how on more than one occasion, he’s taken ownership of a money pit and transformed it into a cash cow. As it turns…
…
continue reading
Sign up for this next week's 5-Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting www.joshkopel.com Here's a Preview of the Amazing Stuff You’ll Learn: Day 1: You’ll learn the 3 Keys to Profitability that scale your restaurant’s cash flow without increasing your expenses so that you can stop worrying about money. Day 2: You’ll learn how to Master…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Kassady Wiggins & Sammy Monsour on scoring a lucrative cookbook deal
35:59
35:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:59
The band is back together. Today, we sit down with my old partners in crime from my restaurant group, Executive Chef Sammy Monsour and Beverage Director Kassady Wiggins. We’re discussing how to score a lucrative cookbook deal, what we would do differently if we could start all over again, and how to create a company culture so amazing, employees fl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Sujan Sarkar on elevating cultural cuisine for the masses
33:10
33:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:10
What does it take to win a Michelin star in the midst of a global pandemic? It’s easy to look at Chef Sujan Sakar’s success today and see a charmed life but this is a man who has paid his dues. Sujan spent decades traveling the globe to hone his craft. Today we sit down to discuss how a broad education led him right back to the cuisine that he grew…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Anthony Mangieri on the path from restaurants to the grocery aisle
40:02
40:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:02
It feels like it would be glamorous to be a pioneer of a new cuisine in a new city but rarely does that translate into success. It’s hard enough to sell something someone has heard of before. Today we sit down with the exception to the rule. Chef Anthony Mangieri is almost singularly responsible for the introduction of neapolitan pizza to New York.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Duke Harten on how to go viral on social media
36:56
36:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:56
Before he was repping underwear for Shinesty on social media, Duke Harten was repping wine at a local Los Angeles restaurant. Today, with millions of views under his belt, Duke seems to have cracked the code for viral marketing online. Today we sit down to discuss the formula he’s developed for Shinesty’s social media success and how we can leverag…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Hunter Evans on winning awards without losing yourself
35:48
35:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:48
I can’t tell you how many folks reach out to me with struggling businesses. Interestingly enough, they’re not interested in learning how to run a better business, they’re interested in learning how to win awards. Something as significant as a Michelin star or as simple as a James Beard Nomination can mean the difference between a busy dining room a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Zachary Engel on building a high performance team
35:31
35:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:31
Building a restaurant is hard. Building a high performance team to work in that restaurant is harder. Today we sit down with chef/owner Zach Engel to talk about how the culture he grew up in informed the culture of his company. We discuss the merits of mutual investment, how to hire correctly, and how to create a company culture so pervasive that y…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Rosalie Guillem on the growth strategy from one to 67 locations
38:20
38:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:20
There’s power in focus and I can’t provide a better example of how that power translates to success than Rosalie Guillem. She took a simple cookie and turned it into a national brand. Today we sit down to discuss how she’s methodically grown this focused brand over the years and the decisions she’s made that directly led to her meteoric success. Fo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Renee Guilbault on transforming your restaurant career
38:12
38:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:12
Your employees deserve a career they can get excited about, and so do you. Today we sit down with Renee Guilbault, an industry expert, to discuss how intention, modeling, and roadmapping can give us a clear path forward for ourselves and our teams. As it turns out, a clear vision of the future reveals the path to get there. Pick up Renee’s book A T…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Tomer Blechman on the path from chef to entrepreneur
36:34
36:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:34
If only knowing how to cook was enough to guarantee success as a restaurant owner…In today’s competitive environment, our industry requires excellence in both menu development and business strategy but I have yet to find a school that teaches both. Those that make it, like Tomer Belchman, pick up culinary skills in culinary school and business skil…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Fabio Viviani on crafting a concept guaranteed to succeed
35:57
35:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:57
The pandemic taught many of us many different lessons but it taught Chef Fabio Vivani how to fight back. The chef spent the years rebounding from the pandemic curating a concept that he believes is not only recession proof, it’s pandemic proof. Today we sit down to discuss the formula he’s crafted for guaranteed success so that we too can protect o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Nikita Seal on the joyful path to restaurant success
35:08
35:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:08
Nikita Seal shares many qualities with the average restaurateur. She’s smart, hard working, and focused on serving her guests to the best of her ability. But there’s one quality that makes her stand about amongst the rest: she’s one of the happiest people I’ve ever met. Nikita has cracked the code on how to transform the day to day grind of restaur…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Kevin Beary on how to create an iconic bar program
35:42
35:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:42
You may not know Kevin by name but you definitely know Kevin’s work. As Beverage Director of Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago, Kevin has helmed a cultural revolution in Tiki cocktails over the last decade. Today we sit down to discuss the essential elements of an iconic beverage program, the value in a blockbuster non alcoholic offering, and the fu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Food Safety and Hygiene Practices for Convenience Store Assistant Managers
25:54
25:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:54
In today's episode, we're focusing on a crucial aspect of store management: food safety and hygiene practices. Maintaining high standards in these areas is vital for the well-being of both customers and employees. We'll discuss the specific role of assistant managers in upholding these standards and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
John Manion on succeeding in a major market
35:24
35:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:24
Two decades in our industry would equate to 80 in any other industry so there’s something to be said for getting to the top and staying there. Today we chat with John Manion, a chef who has dominated the Chicago dining scene for almost 20 years. We sit down to discuss the long road to the top and what’s required to maintain relevance in a competiti…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Becca McIntyre on the right way to launch a limited time offer
32:31
32:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:31
There’s an art to creating a perfect limited time offer. It has as much to do with the offering as it does with the messaging around the offering. Becca McIntyre of Craveworthy Brands is an LTO expert, having created an endless series of limited time offers for the biggest brands in the country. Today she sits down to discuss the essential elements…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Proper Handling of Hazardous Materials and Equipment
26:38
26:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:38
In today's episode, we're tackling a topic essential for the well-being of your employees and customers: the proper handling of hazardous materials and equipment. We'll explore why health, safety, and regulatory compliance are so important when dealing with these potentially dangerous items and how you, as an assistant manager, play a crucial role …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Greg Willman on how to create the next big franchise
35:37
35:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:37
Rarely do we open a restaurant without the aspiration to open many. Sure luck plays a role but there are some folks out there that seem to have the secret to scaling. Today we sit down with Greg Willman, an investor and restaurateur who, after becoming the largest Qdoba franchisee in the world, has set his sights on dominating with a new brand. In …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Obadiah "Obie" Ostergard on the evolution in mindset from chef to restaurateur
37:01
37:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:01
I’ll be the first one to say that if you’re looking to achieve greatness in our industry, focus is the key. Today’s guest, Obie Ostergard, may just prove me wrong. A trained chef turned operations guru, Obie has mastered the hardest parts of our industry in both front and back of house. In our conversation Obie unpacks the lessons he’s learned and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Emergency Procedures and First Aid Training
43:29
43:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:29
In today's episode, we're tackling an essential topic for the well-being of both your employees and customers: emergency procedures and first aid training for convenience store assistant managers. We'll explore why health and safety are paramount in a convenience store setting and how assistant managers play a crucial role in maintaining compliance…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mistie Boulton on the risks and rewards of dynamic pricing
38:10
38:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:10
Misite Boulton has had the inside track on our industry for years. As a consultant and secret shopping agency, she’s seen the best and worst that our industry has to offer. Her vantagepoint also gives her the ability to see trendlines in our industry that wouldn’t be readily obvious without such a large client base. Today we sit down to discuss how…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
David Dittenber on AI's Game-Changing Role in Restaurants
41:37
41:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:37
All anyone wants to talk about today is AI and the way that it’s going to change our industry in the future, but I find it nearly impossible to see how it’s impacting day to day operations today. That’s why I called my friend and fellow restaurateur Dave Dittenber to discuss his latest project MABEL. MABEL is the assistant we deserve and that we’ve…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ensuring Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations
24:52
24:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:52
In this episode, we'll delve into the importance of health, safety, and regulatory compliance in the convenience store industry, and provide you with practical strategies and best practices to ensure your store meets and exceeds these critical standards.By C-Store Center
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jonathon Sawyer the keys to sustainable success
35:00
35:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:00
There’s this old curse I remember hearing when I was younger, “May you get what you wish for.” What if you do get it all…the locations, the accolades, the attention and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be? Then what? Today we sit down with celebrity chef and restaurateur Jonathon Sawyer to discuss what happens when our dreams become reality. He shar…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Andrew Zimmerman on how patience can be a competitive advantage
36:52
36:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:52
Chef Andrew Zimmerman has been a fixture in Chicago’s fine dining scene for almost two decades now. In his quiet pursuit of excellence he has collected a lifetime's worth of Michelin stars, forgetting the dozens of other accolades. We sat down today to discuss what has set him apart from his competitive set and the strategies he’s used to be as rel…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Analyzing Sales Data and Utilizing Sales Reports for Performance Improvement
20:33
20:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:33
In this episode, we'll explore the importance of sales data analysis for convenience store assistant managers and dive into the key topics that will help you unlock the full potential of your sales data.By C-Store Center
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Justin Egan on creating a scalable restaurant brand
36:18
36:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:18
In my humble opinion, the world has enough restaurants. What the world lacks are new ideas and, sometimes those ideas manifest themselves in the form of a new restaurant concept. Today we sit down with Justin Egan of Wing It On to discuss the big ideas behind the blockbuster brand. Justin walks us through the step by step strategy they’ve used to s…
…
continue reading
Sign up for this month's 5-Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting www.joshkopel.com Here's a Preview of the Amazing Stuff You’ll Learn: Day 1: You’ll learn the 3 Keys to Profitability that scale your restaurant’s cash flow without increasing your expenses so that you can stop worrying about money. Day 2: You’ll learn how to Master Margi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Neal Foard on the Art of Crafting an Irresistible Brand Story (Part 2)
43:25
43:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:25
This is where the conversation turns actionable. We sit down again with master storyteller, Neal Foard, as he walks us through the step by step process he uses to craft stories that resonate. We discuss the essential elements of virality and how to build those elements into the stories we tell. Grab a pen and get ready to take notes, this is a mast…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Driving Revenue: Implementing Effective Promotional Strategies
41:02
41:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:02
Throughout this episode, we'll explore the significance of effective promotional strategies for driving revenue in convenience stores. We'll explore the definition of promotional strategies, their pivotal role in revenue generation, and how they attract customers, increase sales, and build brand loyalty.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Neal Foard on the Art of Crafting an Irresistible Brand Story (Part 1)
45:53
45:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:53
What is great marketing? If we distill it down to its simplest form, it’s great storytelling. But, for most of us, there’s hesitation in putting ourselves out there. What would we talk about? Who would care? Today we sit down with master storyteller, Neal Foard, a marketing executive turned social media guru who’s collected close to half a million …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Darshak Mehta on the Fast Track to Scaling Profitability
41:01
41:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:01
For most of us, our career as restaurateurs is defined by making due with what we can afford. Sure it would be fantastic to bring on a Chief Financial Officer, a director of HR, and a day to day bookkeeper, providing real time analysis of our restaurants, but who can afford all of that? Well, through the internet and this globalized world we live i…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Persuasive Selling Techniques and Product Knowledge Demonstrations
47:54
47:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:54
In this episode, we're zeroing in on a skill set crucial for every assistant manager in corporate-owned convenience stores: developing persuasive selling techniques and enhancing product knowledge. As the retail landscape gets more competitive, the ability to serve, truly engage, and understand your customers can set your store apart.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jason Brookes on the Daily Habits of Exceptional Leaders
41:50
41:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:50
You are not what you say you are. You are what you do on a daily basis. So if you want to be a great leader, you must act like a great leader. But what does that look like in practical application? Today we find out. We’re sitting down with Jason Brooks, famed multiunit operator, to discuss his path to leadership and the tactics, tools, and strateg…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ellen Yin on Building an Unbreakable Restaurant Culture
33:35
33:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:35
I believe restaurants have always had a pervasive culture, albeit at times not the healthiest culture. Restaurateur Ellen Yin is out to change that and she’s leading by example. Today we sit down to discuss her unorthodox path through the industry and how in breaking the mold, she’s developed the formula to heal our industry. For more information o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Navigating the Sales Process and Customer Buying Behavior
37:11
37:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:11
In this episode, we will explore how to harness these insights to refine our promotional strategies, ultimately boosting our sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.By C-Store Center
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dustin Valette on unlocking success through powerful partnerships
37:19
37:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:19
I think we’ve seen in recent years that we get further faster when we work together. Few individuals exemplify this ideology more than chef Dustin Valette. Through strategic partnership, the chef has managed to grow a profitable restaurant, a successful wine brand, and contribute greatly to his community and our industry. Today we sit down to discu…
…
continue reading