S2E40 - Helping Restaurant Shine Through Marketing with Sebastian Stahl

Wisking it all

About the Episode

Sebastian Stahl, CEO and Founder of Breadth Marketing, shares his journey in the restaurant industry. He started developing a taste for the business in college and opened his first restaurant in Guatemala City in 2005. After facing challenges and learning valuable lessons, he opened a full-service restaurant in Miami's Wynwood area. However, due to various factors, he had to find a partner or sell the restaurant. He connected with a chef who was looking for a larger space and they made a deal within three months. The new concept, a mix of fast-casual and full-service, became successful and is still thriving today.

Sebastian Stahl also shares his journey from running multiple restaurant concepts to starting a restaurant marketing agency. He emphasizes the importance of strategy and building a database for effective marketing. Sebastian also discusses the need for restaurants to invest in technology to streamline operations and control costs. He advises restaurateurs to focus on building a sustainable brand by investing in processes and systems from the beginning. Sebastian highlights the value of branding and long-term planning for restaurant success.

Takeaways

• Starting a restaurant requires a deep understanding of operations, marketing, and finances.
• The restaurant industry is challenging, with many factors that need to align for success.
• Opening a restaurant in different locations, such as Latin America and the US, comes with unique challenges and costs.
• Partnering with the right people and learning from experienced professionals can greatly contribute to the success of a restaurant.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are essential qualities for restaurant owners and operators. Invest in strategy and build a database for effective marketing
• Utilize technology to streamline operations and control costs
• Focus on building a sustainable brand by investing in processes and systems
• Prioritize branding and long-term planning for restaurant success

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Backstory 04:03 Dealing with Unexpected Challenges 08:38 Sebastian's Experience and Transition to Restaurant Industry 15:25 Takes on the Pros and Cons of Fast Casual vs FSR 17:30 How Breadth started 23:19 Challenges in Restaurant Marketing 28:41 Early Days of Breadth Marketing 29:55 Strategic Planning and Social Media Management 34:50 Ideal Customers for Breadth Marketing 36:54 Recent Wins in Restaurant Marketing 39:39 Tips for Building a Sustainable Brand 43:03 Emerging Tech and Innovations 45:04 Advice to fellow Entrepreneur 47:48 What's Next for Breadth Marketing 48:58 Where to Find Breadth Marketing and the Book