The Culinary Mechanic Podcast is focused on exploring the restaurant and hospitality industry to find the insights, strategies, tools and tactics to help chefs, owners and operators run restaurants like a well-oiled machine. Leveraging 30+ years of kitchen experience, Simon shares lessons learned, hard won knowledge and occasionally a good story. Combine those with conversations with chefs, restaurateurs and industry gurus, about what it takes to make your restaurant profitable and a great p ...
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From Chef to Breath: Managing a Career and the Stress of the Kitchen with Dave Gieselman
46:44
46:44
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In this eye-opening episode of the Culinary Mechanic podcast, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Dave Gieselman, a former chef who's transformed his career into a breath work expert and stress management coach. Dave shares his remarkable journey from the chaos of professional kitchens to a life dedicated to helping others find calm in high-pressure …
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Flames, Leadership and Community: A Chef's Culinary Adventure with Cory Untch
49:05
49:05
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49:05
Experience the primal allure of cooking with fire as Chef Cory Untch shares his passion for outdoor cuisine. From Forbes five-star restaurants to mountaintop dinners, Corey reveals how he creates unforgettable dining experiences and ignites culinary passion in others. Follow and Connect with Cory Cory's Email: cory@infinityculinary.com Cory's websi…
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Building a BBQ Brand with Perfect Plates and Undeniable Hospitality with Charlie Eblen
38:57
38:57
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38:57
Uncover the secrets behind Charlie's barbecue business success. From food truck to brick-and-mortar restaurant, learn how he's building a barbecue empire based on quality, hospitality, and community engagement. Follow and Connect with Charlie Single Tree Nation Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@singletreebbq https://www.instagram.com/singletreebbq/…
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An Inside Look at Community Crowdfunding for Restaurants with Ross Chanowski
31:37
31:37
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31:37
Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, community, and cuisine with Ross Chanowski of NuMarket. Learn how this groundbreaking crowdfunding platform is dishing out hope to struggling restaurants while giving food enthusiasts a chance to invest in their local favorites. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about preservin…
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On a Mission to Democratize Ai for Restaurants with Matt Wampler
37:16
37:16
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37:16
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the restaurant industry in this eye-opening episode. Matt Wampler of Clear Cogs discusses his journey from sandwich slinger to AI entrepreneur, offering insights on technology adoption and the future of diningMatt is an ex-operator turned tech-founder. He spent close to a decade as a Jimmy Johns …
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Cooking Up Disruption: Transforming Chefs into Entrepreneurs with Christian J. Fischer
33:01
33:01
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33:01
Join host Simon Zatyrka as he interviews Christian Fischer, the 'Disruptive Chef,' who shares his journey from Austrian kitchens to becoming a culinary entrepreneur. Discover how Fischer is revolutionizing the chef industry with innovative approaches to masterminds,side hustles, book writing, and purchasing power.Follow and Connect with Christian C…
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Decoding Restaurant Success: The 3 Mindsets Every Leader Needs with Jason E. Brooks
39:39
39:39
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39:39
Dive into the world of restaurant leadership with Jason E. Brooks as he reveals the keys to success from his book 'Every Leader Needs Followers.' Learn how to balance managing, leading, and coaching to create a thriving hospitality environment.Jason Brooks has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry in multiple leadership roles with…
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Expense Account Magic- Unlocking Restaurant Success with Laura Wilber
40:40
40:40
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40:40
In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka talks to Laura Wilber, a sales expert who helps restaurants acquire and retain expense account guests. Laura shares her unique perspective from both sides of the dining experience and reveals how restaurants can tap into the lucrative business traveler market through strategic par…
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From Farm to Food Broker: An Unconventional Culinary Journey with Jeff Fell
39:14
39:14
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39:14
In this episode of The Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka talks with Jeff Fell of Fell Into Food about his unique path in the culinary world. From growing up on a farm to becoming a food broker, Jeff shares insights on industry trends, the importance of systems in kitchens, and the evolving role of technology in food service. The convers…
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Revolutionizing Restaurant Profitability with Jordan Silverman
33:11
33:11
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33:11
In this episode, Simon Zatyrka interviews Jordan Silverman, CEO of Starfish, about his journey from line cook to tech entrepreneur. Jordan shares insights on using AI to help restaurants boost profitability, the changing landscape of food delivery, and balancing work with personal life as a startup founder. Jordan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Starf…
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Navigating Your Restaurant Career Growth with Christin Marvin
45:46
45:46
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45:46
In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon interviews Christin Marvin, a restaurant consultant and leadership coach. They discuss their parallel journeys in the restaurant industry, from entry-level positions to management roles. Christin shares insights on effective leadership, the importance of clear expectations, and strategies…
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23 - Jason Berkowitz: Unleashing the Power of Training, Systems and Leadership
53:01
53:01
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53:01
In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic podcast, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Jason Berkowitz of Arrow Up Training to discuss the journey from entry-level restaurant work to leadership roles. They explore the importance of systems, communication, and employee development in creating successful restaurant operations. Jason shares insights from…
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22 - Ryan Brown: Embracing Simplicity and Unlocking Your Potential
41:47
41:47
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41:47
In this episode, host Simon and guest Ryan Brown delve into the evolution of the culinary industry, from the "pirate" days to the pursuit of simplicity and balance. Ryan, a seasoned hospitality professional and the founder of Union38, shares his journey, from working in Michelin-starred restaurants to becoming a stay-at-home dad and launching his o…
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21 - Scot Turner: Finding Your True Passion and Aligning Your Business
37:20
37:20
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37:20
In this insightful episode, Simon Zatyrka interviews Scott Turner, the founder of Auden Hospitality, a consulting firm dedicated to helping hoteliers create exceptional food and beverage experiences. Scott shares his journey of leaving the corporate world twice to rediscover his true passion, and how he built a business around his values and princi…
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20 - Luke Simonds: How to Blend the Art and Science of Cooking for a Fulfilling Career
36:03
36:03
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36:03
In this episode, we dive into the captivating journey of Luke Simonds, a seasoned chef who transitioned from the high-pressure environment of fine dining to the world of foodservice equipment sales. Our guest shares his experiences climbing the ranks in competitive kitchens, developing recipes for renowned natural foods grocery stores, and ultimate…
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19 - Christopher Wells (part 2): Unlocking Restaurant Success - Prime Costs and Hospitality Insights
24:21
24:21
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24:21
Join us as we continue the Conversation with Christopher Wells. In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of restaurant operations with a seasoned restaurant operator and consultant. Through his wealth of experience, Christopher shares anecdotes and insights that uncover the often overlooked secrets to restaurant success. From cost analysi…
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18 - Christopher Wells (part 1): From Kitchen Chaos to Tech Startup
28:26
28:26
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28:26
Join Christopher Wells, the founder and CEO of Piecemeal, in a dynamic conversation on his journey from the chaotic world of restaurant kitchens to the innovative realm of restaurant tech. Christopher shares anecdotes from his early days as a dishwasher, revealing how his adrenaline-fueled personality found its match in the fast-paced energy of the…
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17 - Josh Sharkey (part 2): The Stories, Events and Path that Create a Tech Entrepreneur
30:14
30:14
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30:14
In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka continues his conversation with Josh Sharkey, diving deeper into the intricacies of recipe development and management. From the inception of Meez to the dynamic nature of ingredient sourcing and climate impact, they explore the essential role of precision in culinary artistry. Dis…
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16 - Josh Sharkey (part 1): The Value of the Pursuit of Excellence
26:00
26:00
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26:00
Join host Simon Zatyrka on the Culinary Mechanic Podcast for an insightful conversation with Josh Sharkey, founder of Meez, a revolutionary software transforming recipe management and restaurant operations. From his humble beginnings cooking at home to becoming a celebrated chef, Josh shares his journey through the culinary world and the unexpected…
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15 - Anthony Bucco (part 2): Balancing Culinary Creativity and Industry Impact
24:08
24:08
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24:08
In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka continues his engaging conversation with Anthony Bucco, a seasoned professional in the culinary world and Senior VP of Landmark Hospitality. They delve into the multifaceted aspects that make a chef stand out beyond just culinary skills, discussing the superhero-like responsibilit…
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14 - Anthony Bucco (part 1): The Role of Mentorship and Learning the "why" in Culinary Success
26:55
26:55
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26:55
Join us as we delve into the culinary universe with Anthony Bucco, Senior Vice President of Landmark Hospitality. Discover the art of transforming historic landmarks into extraordinary dining spaces, as Anthony shares insights into his career journey from culinary school to the bustling kitchens of New York City and New Jersey. LinkedIn: @Anthony B…
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13 - Pablo Valencia: Creating Memories, Sharing Knowledge and the Craft of Intention
25:59
25:59
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25:59
Join us as we delve into the world of culinary craftsmanship with Pablo Valencia, the mastermind behind "Scratching the Plate" from Tucson, Arizona. From dishwashing beginnings to the art of fire cooking, Pablo shares his journey rooted in family traditions and the power of food to evoke cherished memories. Discover the beauty of cooking with inten…
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Join Simon as he takes you on a culinary rollercoaster through his chef journey. From the highs of creating exquisite dishes in upscale clubs to the challenges of burnout and navigating the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, Simon shares his candid experiences and lessons learned along the way. Discover the heartwarming stories, the intense…
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11 - Jarad McCarroll: Cooking at the Ritz to Island Living on St. Barths
37:01
37:01
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37:01
Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Chef Jared McCarroll, from his formative years in South Africa to the bustling kitchens of London, and finally to the tranquil shores of St. Bart's Ocean Club. Discover how loss, determination, and a deep love for hospitality shaped Chef Jared's path, leading him to create a culinary haven in one o…
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10 - Charlie Negrete: From Chaos to Calling - An Inspiring Story of Change
32:30
32:30
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32:30
In this episode of Chef Journeys, Chef Simon is joined by Charlie Negrete, sharing a captivating tale of overcoming addiction, finding purpose in the culinary world, and working at Bracken's Kitchen to feed millions and teach others to work in the culinary world. Dive into Charlie's journey from chaos to calling, filled with raw honesty and inspiri…
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9 - John Harris: From the Ski Slopes to a 30 yr Career on the Beach
23:17
23:17
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23:17
In this episode of Chef Journeys, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with the esteemed chef John Harris for a captivating exploration of his remarkable culinary career. From humble beginnings as a ski bum in Utah to his rise as an executive chef in Florida, John shares the twists and turns that shaped his 40-year journey in the world of food. With anecdo…
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8 - Jason Balestrieri: "Fatto a Mano" - Knowing Your Path and Sticking to it
40:40
40:40
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40:40
Join Simon Zatyrka of Culinary Mechanic in this engaging conversation with Jason Balestrieri, a restaurant chef with a wealth of experience, who shares his journey from his humble beginnings as a teenager in Milwaukee to running his own restaurant, Cantinetta Luca. Jason initially developed a passion for food during family gatherings in his hometow…
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7 - Jensen Cummings: The Power of Storytelling: Transcending the Role of Chef
52:44
52:44
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52:44
Join us in this episode as Chef Journeys takes an unexpected turn with guest Jensen Cummings, who has not only transcended the chef role but has ventured into the world of media and marketing. Jensen shares his captivating journey, starting from being the fifth consecutive generation of chefs in his family to navigating the restaurant industry's hi…
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Chef Simon reflects on the whirlwind years he spent cooking in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, from the high-pressure kitchens of the Four Seasons to the celebrity-filled chaos of the Viceroy Hotel. He recounts his journey from a good cook to a decent manager, learning valuable lessons about leadership, stress, and the importance of knowing when to …
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5 - Simon's Journey: Vol. 1 (Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Olive)
19:41
19:41
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19:41
Embark on a riveting episode of Chef Journeys as Simon, aka the Culinary Mechanic, steps into the spotlight to share the remarkable tale of his culinary expedition. From his humble beginnings as a 17-year-old garnish guy in a New Mexico restaurant to the chaos of running a beachfront eatery in Massachusetts, Simon takes you through the highs and lo…
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4 - Tom Griffiths: The Epic Odyssey of a Certified Master Chef
42:48
42:48
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42:48
Join us in this captivating episode as Certified Master Chef Tom Griffiths shares the inspiring story of his culinary journey, from the glamorous kitchens of Le Cirque to the intense challenges of earning the prestigious Master Chef title. Discover the sacrifices, the passion, and the unwavering dedication that fueled his ascent to culinary greatne…
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3 - Gilda Sanchez-Menick: From Grandma's Kitchen to Stadium Chef
29:24
29:24
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29:24
In this captivating episode of Chef Journeys, host Simon Zatyrka is joined by the remarkable Gilda Sanchez Menick, an expert in the art of feeding crowds. From banquets to catering and grand events, Gilda shares her culinary journey, starting with childhood inspiration from her Salvadorian grandmother. The discussion delves into her culinary school…
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Welcome to Chef Journeys! In this episode, host Simon Zatyrka decodes the ethos of Culinary Mechanic, originally conceived in 2014 as a metaphor for restaurants as intricate machines requiring fine-tuning. Culinary Mechanic extends beyond physical components, encapsulating a mindset and philosophy emphasizing that the plate of food is a byproduct o…
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1 - Joe Oliveira: A Chronicle of a Private Chef
25:15
25:15
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25:15
In this episode of Chef Journeys, host Simon Zatyrka explores the fascinating world of private chefs with guest Joe Oliveira, a seasoned private chef with a journey that spans the restaurant industry to private homes. Joe shares his introduction to the culinary world, starting as a busboy in Martha's Vineyard and gradually making his way through di…
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2 - Seth Fernald: The Rise of the Farm Chef
34:17
34:17
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34:17
In this captivating episode of Chef Journeys, Simon Zatyrka engages in an insightful conversation with Chef Seth Fernald, the resident chef of Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center in Carnation, Washington. The episode unfolds as Seth shares the remarkable story of his culinary journey, from humble beginnings as a dishwasher to becoming a passionate a…
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