Restaurant Owner Lessons Podcast
By Chef Tony Marciante
we own and operate two locations of “Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood Restaurant" in Bethesda, MD and have 34+ years in the restaurant trade.
I know it's a tough game full of challenges, wins and moments in the middle.
I'm just trying to help you survive, then THRIVE as I have had the honor to.
Currently rated the #1 restaurant out of 270 places to eat in Bethesda, I've been blessed over the last 15 years...let me share some tips and tricks, stories and strategies most importantly...develop a community around this crazy thing we're involved in!
Restaurant Owner Lessons PodcastMay 10, 2023
Dolla dolla bill y’all
Don’t beat yourself up about it! 2023 is here…
How was your fathers day??
As we get over another hump in the year, how is it going so far?
We're up...and blessed.
Also what kind of energy talk do you bring to the table around your business...let's do a quick review.
Be great, see you next shift...
Chef Tony
I hope you can welcome me back, March 2022!
How do you stay organized?
There is no doubt in our industry, there is never a shortage of things to do.
As a closet geek, I investigate many ways of staying organized, managing projects, and in general trying to reduce stress. Certain stresses will never be avoided, but let's get into some ideas around how we stay organized & how we reduce the stress in our daily lives!
Thanks for listening let's get into the show!
Checking in, we’re back!
Shaun Devries (Melbourne,AU) brings the 🔥 !
Australian Chef Kyle Booker breaks it down...
What if it doesn't get better??
I am an eternal optimist in my opinion, but...
The restaurant industry has been decimated, and so far at least in the U.S, the numbers aren't going in the right direction.
We have been numb to the number of closings, slowdows, layoffs etc due to this pandemic.
There is no question that this situation will impact our industry for quite some time. Lost sales, profits and key employees will continue their impact into the future.
I spoke on this in early March that as we started shutting down, it was a GREAT time to educate yourself on something new. Even for fun or for business, it's pretty rare especially for us in the industry to have such an amount of time off.
Listen in, pretty short and raw, but perhaps it may inspire you to take action now, to expand what might be your new reality as we move ahead.
Be well, be safe...talk soon.
Chef Tony Marciante
Be kind to yourself…
How are we fairing w/ COVID in July 2020??
info@cheftonysbethesda.com or comment wherever you're listening!
Throwback Episode: Alex Robertson with GiftRocker.com
While we recorded this in 2015, there are MANY actionable nuggets of info regarding payments in your restaurant, gift card sales and more.
Especially in this time of Corona-19, we are doing more and more in the digital space with placing online orders, contactless payments and more.
As I have continued to preach, we MUST PIVOT our business during this time, and maybe straight CHANGE our model.
We talk on Apple Pay, Compliance, online auctions, give aways and more...
We'd LOVE to hear about anything you learned here, please post up on our FaceBook Page!
We hope you and yours are staying safe during this especially challenging time, stay tough and moving forward!
Chef Tony
Providence in the house! Gina Gabai breaks down COVID-19 in TWO industries!
We have a true pleasure of interviewing Gina Gabai who's family business includes three restaurants and one salon in Rhode Island.
Listen in as we chop up what's going on with COVID-19, her business moving forward and what advice we come up with to help you in these troubled times.
I've listed her contact information below, if anybody in the area can support her business in anyway, please reach out and tell them Chef Tony sent you!
They were written up in Cigar Aficionado this past December... the article was titled “Steakhouses for cigar lovers”...
They have memberships for the cigar clients and offer a cigar dinner every Wednesday night.. menu varies with season:
First and second course soup and salad
Choice of entree: steak or salmon served with starch and veg
Dessert
3 cigar sampler
All offered for $65
Tel Aviv Water
25 Bridge Street, Providence,RI 02903
Phone: 401-521-1300
www. TelAvivCigarBarandGrill.com
EMAIL: reservations@TelAvivCigarBarandGrill.com
International Lounge
18 Bridge Street
Providence ,RI 02903
Friday night Salsa/open for event bookings also
Info through Tel Aviv/ ( located across the street)
Jamra lounge
680 Admiral street, Providence,RI,02908
401-272-2672
The G Salon and Spa
Marriott Providence Downtown
1 Orms street, Prov., RI 02904
401-272-8778
Screw "pivot"...our industry is changed.
Keeping this simple, we have to not "pivot"...we have to rebuild, innovate and change for good.
Yes, it sucks. Get over it.
We're changed for good, quick episode, just continually sharing thoughts and realities.
Email me PLEASE... my last email will be on the show... how about you??
In this time, we have to stay together.
Rough and tough: what pivot are you making NOW?!
COVID-19/CORONA. What we are doing to help the situation (b2b episode)
Brief on the way home episode recorded to get you some ideas, implement asap if they resonate.
It may get worse before it gets better, let's all share ideas to make sure we can get through to the other side.
Thanks, Chef Tony
Mobile360.io episode...ok...so something happened. (consider this a repost)
We had the pleasure of interviewing Jagtej from Mobile360.io...but honestly, something weird happened with the edit.
Sorry. 😐 We're reposting here for you... listen in seriously, we talk about some truly impactful things regarding the mobile space and you running your business.
It's fixed now, and presented again...for your listening pleasure.
Seriously though, please go checkout Mobile360 and/or email the founder directly
jagtej@mobile360.io and he can personally help you get your app up and running!
thanks for listening!
Chef Tony
Did you want a mobile app for your restaurant!?
Excited to "sit" down with Jagtej Sodji from Mobile360.io and talk about mobile marketing influence in the restaurant space.
Building out a typical app for your restaurant can be $5k-10k minimum, learn within how this platform can have you up and running in a few hours, for a VERY reasonable fee...
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Just back from Funnel Hacking Live 2020 & some thoughts on what EVERY restaurant needs help with moving forward.
Let's get you on track to GAIN in sales this year, how about??
Want some FREE tips on how to get actually STARTED and Profiting with Email Marketing?
Go to LearEmail.Marketing and download our 17 tips PDF and 10+ episode Podcast on the same!
Thanks for listening...
Chef Tony
Quick Talk about Marketing!
Just back from Funnel Hacking Live 2020 & some thoughts on what EVERY restaurant needs help with moving forward.
Let's get you on track to GAIN in sales this year, how about??
Want some FREE tips on how to get actually STARTED and Profiting with Email Marketing?
Go to LearEmail.Marketing and download our 17 tips PDF and 10+ episode Podcast on the same!
Thanks for listening...
Chef Tony
We chat with the Super Chef!!
Had the blessing to hook up with "Super Chef" Darnell Ferguson, a Chef with QUITE the story & a desire to HELP those around him grow!
Coming from some challenging times, Darnell has overcome and risen to restaurant owner with 3 soon to be 4 restaurants.
Listen into his stories of learning, growth, pivotal moves and lessons learned with his journey of food and business.
Super excited to bring this to you, go check out some of his restaurant links below, and comment wherever you heard this podcast!
Thanks and see you next episode!
Erik Shellenberger: SEO & Google My Business Consultant to the Restaurant & Bar Trade
So excited to connect with Erik Shellenberger from BarMarketingBasics.com. We get into SEO (what the heck is THAT do you say?)
why Social Media marketing MIGHT not be worth your time...and what to do to put BUTTS IN SEATS! (isn't that why we're here?)
We'd love to hear your comments, we talk for 30 minutes, and drop some real nuggets. Invest in yourself, get a cup of something hot..and let's learn something today!
Eriks First Book is on Amazon here ---> https://amzn.to/31Iphm0
and his UPCOMING update to that book is launching today! https://amzn.to/2WaM60T
Get them on Amazon and start going beyond "surviving" and get to THRIVING!
HTTP://WWW.RestaurantOwnerLessons.com
Mike Michalowicz drops KNOWLEDGE about Profit First & what you HAVE to do to THRIVE in the restaurant game!
Mind blown!
If you don't know Mike Michalowicz, you need to!
Among his 5 books geared towards small business growth, his book PROFIT FIRST has changed my mind about how we do business every day at Chef Tony's.
I know you...
You're busy, overloaded, and now Chef Tony wants me to dig into a FINANCE BOOK?!?
TRUST me, you will love to read this book, and understand the philosophy.
Get into this episode NOW, and listen a few times.
Several lucky commenters will win a copy of his book from me personally!
His main WEBSITE
and listen in on his podcast...
and let him know CHEF TONY sent you!
Thank you for listening!!
Remember to comment wherever you hear this show, and get started getting your PROFIT FIRST!
Thanks so much Mike for coming on the show!
REVIEWS!? Here is the secret on how to answer...
Say NO! to GMO Salmon...slight rant.
Just to intro you to the reality that GMO Salmon is now APPROVED to be sold in the US...what are your thoughts?
At our restaurant, we are not interested in carrying it, we believe in quality always over price.
I welcome any and all of your feedback...
Consistency...DAMNIT, 🤑
Luis & Lucas stop in from TableLead.com talking long term growth strategies for you!
This may just turn you on your ear to think through the social dynamics of those who Luis & Lucas refer to as "Table Leads"...
Dive into a deep discussion of the social dynamics changing the restaurant sales cycle and understand what YOU can do about it.
Sitting back and waiting to hear about modern technology & marketing may just put you behind the trend too far to catch up.
Let's get into the show, and make sure to check them out HERE.
Thanks for listening as always, and leave us your questions or comments as a voice mail, you'd make us extremely happy!
Chef Tony
David Mor, Chef & agency owner talks sustainability, Chef Jamie Oliver closing 25 restaurants!?
Jamie Oliver shutters 25 restaurants...and what YOU can learn about it!
Sorry! But we're baaaack...
Hey everyone,
Sorry for my brief absence, but running a restaurant got a little in the way, but excited to reconnect and announce a few interviews I have in the can.
Quick episode here on employees! We love them and sometimes....
3...no 4 interviews on the way, one in the can, 3 more on the schedule.
Talk real soon!
Chef Tony Marciante
You are a MEDIA company first! (all credit goes to Gary Vee)
Yes, you sell cupcakes.
Yes you are the greatest Italian Chef ever?!?
Yes, people adore your gluten free, free range, crueltry free soda water, but...
YOU ARE A MEDIA COMPANY FIRST!!
(as I said, Gary Vaynerchuk taught me this the best, all credit to his idea).
We talk briefly about this concept for your restaurant business.
Sorry for the audio, you know I'm a fan of getting it out there first.
Thank you SO MUCH for listening and pushing us past 6,000 listens!
We want to keep connecting and inspiring other restaurant owners across the globe..
See you on the pass.
Chef Tony Marciante
RestaurantOwnerLessons.com
Not FUN...but necessary.
Most entrepreneurs don't love accounting and taxes... let's just say they usually TOLERATE them...
BUT... we need it all done.
Some honest talk about this and more on this episode, would LOVE your comments!
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Brief history on how we got funded. 🕶
Many people dream of their own restaurant.
Also...many don't understand how hard it is to get funding for your own venture. Banks don't LOVE restaurant ventures for various reasons.
Most people know how hard they are to run, high failure rate, incredible competition, etc...
I wanted to share some history of getting our funding together for the beginning of Chef Tony's...which we opened as "Visions Restaurant"...and that will be another story to be told.
I hope you get some value here, thanks for listening, and share if you get inspired!
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A series of moments with me, Chef Tony Marciante.
I own and operate "Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood Restaurant" in downtown Bethesda, MD and have 30+ years in the restaurant trade.
I know it's a tough game full of challenges, wins and moments in the middle.
I'm just trying to help you survive, then THRIVE as I have had the honor to.
Currently rated the #1 restaurant out of 270 places to eat in Bethesda, I've been blessed over the last 10 years...let me share some tips and tricks, stories and strategies & most importantly...develop a community around this crazy thing we're involved in!
Expert Content Creation for our Restaurant Industry w/ Chandler Lyles of Lyles BBQ in Kentucky!
Great interview with Chandler where we talk Social Media, YouTube, advertising metrics and more.
For the 2019 restaurant owner, there are few things more important than storytelling and creating meaningful content around your brand.
Come along for the story here and listen to an expert operator whom along with his Mom & Dad have built a successful group of restaurants after starting with just a couple tables and a smoker by the side of the road!
I heard of Chandler first on Gary Vaynerchuk's YouTube channel over a year ago and knew we HAD to connect.
Listen up for Chandlers big announcement in February...I don't even know??
Sit back and learn! 💪🏼🐄💥
Click below to follow Chandler on his adventures!
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Chandler Lyles YouTube Channel:
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A series of moments with me, Chef Tony Marciante.
I own and operate "Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood Restaurant" in downtown Bethesda, MD and have 30+ years in the restaurant trade.
I know it's a tough game full of challenges, wins and moments in the middle.
I'm just trying to help you survive, then THRIVE as I have had the honor to.
Currently rated the #1 restaurant out of 270 places to eat in Bethesda, I've been blessed over the last 10 years...let me share some tips and tricks, stories and strategies & most importantly...develop a community around this crazy thing we're involved in!
Thanks for your time investment, leave a comment!
Chef Tony Marciante
2019! Investors...friend or foe?
A series of moments with me, Chef Tony Marciante.
I own and operate "Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood Restaurant" in downtown Bethesda, MD and have 30+ years in the restaurant trade.
I know it's a tough game full of challenges, wins and moments in the middle.
I'm just trying to help you survive, then THRIVE as I have had the honor to.
Currently rated the #1 restaurant out of 270 places to eat in Bethesda, I've been blessed over the last 10 years...let me share some tips and tricks, stories and strategies & most importantly...develop a community around this crazy thing we're involved in!
Closing out 2018... how did your year end up??
A series of moments with me, Chef Tony Marciante.
I own and operate "Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood Restaurant" in downtown Bethesda, MD and have 30+ years in the restaurant trade.
I know it's a tough game full of challenges, wins and moments in the middle.
I'm just trying to help you survive, then THRIVE as I have had the honor to.
Currently rated the #1 restaurant out of 270 places to eat in Bethesda, I've been blessed over the last 10 years...let me share some tips and tricks, stories and strategies & most importantly...develop a community around this crazy thing we're involved in!
I have some RESERVATIONS?!?
What about the facet of reservations?
We do well 95% of the time...but there are some frustrations for sure.
listen in , and I'd love to hear back from you...thanks for listening!!
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Welcome to the RestaurantOwnerLessons.com podcast. After 31 years in the game, it’s time for me to share as much knowledge as I can about our industry and get down to the dirt to not only survive, but THRIVE!
Whether you are a wanna be operator, a long time veteran or somewhere in the middle… I hope you glean knowledge and proof that you can build an amazing restaurant business AND have a life!
I welcome your questions to questions@RestaurantOwnerLessons.com and I’d love to answer!
#restaurant #cheflife #restaurantmanagement #entrepreneur #bizdev #food
Less Muscle more FINESSE!
Don’t assume, you know what happens?! 😝😝
Your Space is your Face...invest!
Welcome to the RestaurantOwnerLessons.com podcast. After 31 years in the game, it’s time for me to share as much knowledge as I can about our industry and get down to the dirt to not only survive, but THRIVE!
Whether you are a wanna be operator, a long time veteran or somewhere in the middle… I hope you glean knowledge and proof that you can build an amazing restaurant business AND have a life!
I welcome your questions to questions@RestaurantOwnerLessons.com and I’d love to answer!
#restaurant #cheflife #restaurantmanagement #entrepreneur #bizdev #food
Get out of a Rut and go cook outside!
Welcome to the RestaurantOwnerLessons.com podcast. After 31 years in the game, it’s time for me to share as much knowledge as I can about our industry and get down to the dirt to not only survive, but THRIVE!
Whether you are a wanna be operator, a long time veteran or somewhere in the middle… I hope you glean knowledge and proof that you can build an amazing restaurant business AND have a life!
I welcome your questions to questions@RestaurantOwnerLessons.com and I’d love to answer!
#restaurant #cheflife #restaurantmanagement #entrepreneur #bizdev #food
We interview Chase Buckner of CookingWithSocial.com!
Every message DOESN'T have to sell something! Actually...
Welcome to the RestaurantOwnerLessons.com podcast. After 31 years in the game, it’s time for me to share as much knowledge as I can about our industry and get down to the dirt to not only survive, but THRIVE!
Whether you are a wanna be operator, a long time veteran or somewhere in the middle… I hope you glean knowledge and proof that you can build an amazing restaurant business AND have a life!
I welcome your questions to questions@RestaurantOwnerLessons.com and I’d love to answer!
#restaurant #cheflife #restaurantmanagement #entrepreneur #bizdev #food
Tony Aiazzi of ChouxBox.com...helping to keep your money RIGHT!
We talk about openings, closings and what his company does to make your day just a LITTLE bit easier, and A LOT more financially fit!
Thanks for your time Tony, checkout ChouxBox at www.Chouxbox.com
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Welcome to the RestaurantOwnerLessons.com podcast. After 31 years in the game, it’s time for me to share as much knowledge as I can about our industry and get down to the dirt to not only survive, but THRIVE!
Whether you are a wanna be operator, a long time veteran or somewhere in the middle… I hope you glean knowledge and proof that you can build an amazing restaurant business AND have a life!
I welcome your questions to questions@RestaurantOwnerLessons.com and I’d love to answer!
#restaurant #cheflife #restaurantmanagement #entrepreneur #bizdev #food
Creating your Brand, Digital Cameras & a new iPad?
Scatterbrained?! 😱👀
Whether you are a wanna be operator, a long time veteran or somewhere in the middle… I hope you glean knowledge and proof that you can build an amazing restaurant business AND have a life!
I welcome your questions to emailto:questions@RestaurantOwnerLessons.com and I’d love to answer!
#restaurant #cheflife #restaurantmanagement #entrepreneur #bizdev #food
CONTROL freak?!
“Yep, gonna be slow...it’s August you know!?”
Get off your butt and REPRESENT!
Quick thoughts on marketing/advertising/social in 2o18
Thanks for watching, go get at em!
Get out once in a while!
Get your money right... ya never know.
Share great news with the BOH too...here's how
Don't Practice Self Limiting Beliefs...
The Universe listens, and delivers whatever you speak on.
Don't be a b, and limit yourself by speaking into existence the negativity that plays handball in your head.
#restaurant #cheflife #restaurantbusiness #thoughtsbecomethings #bethesda
Realize Your True Impact...
Your business can grow to new levels when you think about the greater cause and how you impact people around you.
Thanks for listening, and we'd LOVE to hear your comments!
www.RestaurantOwnerLessons.com
Restaurant Business = Problem Solving
Catch on fire Fryer, water line construction, digging elevator holes...the list just goes on.
Thanks for listening everyone...
www.RestaurantOwnerLessons.com
Mid Year update-how is YOUR business
Learn something 24/7/365...
Podcasts, YouTube, etc...give you amazing access to free content from the right people that can change your life and your business!
Thanks for listening, see you on the next episode.
Perfect sucks.
Crush your fear about bad reviews!
Listen and learn about how to respond quickly, with compassion…whether the review was positive or negative.
You can be a shining star and reverse a negative situation by how, and when you respond.
Let's get those "star ratings" climbing in the right direction!
Authenticity ALWAYS wins.
Listen in on authenticity, and why it should be your dominant ingredient, and should help you win the game.
Now let me get back to my java...
Thanks for listening, be authentic with your guests today.
How to cook for people with allergies...
We want to keep everyone safe and healthy, but also as a guest...please don't use the word "allergy" unless you're serious.
It's all about communication, thanks for listening.
If you find value, can you please share and tell a friend??
We're on all kids of platforms now too, easy to find Chef Tony!
How can we get this thing to fit?!
We must innovate!
Don't get stuck in old ways, be creative, try things, fail...keep going!
Technical Listen: New Recording (bear with me)
Real content episode tomorrow!
How do you stay inspired??
The Podcast is growing...want to be a guest?
How does this sound...can I get some feedback?
Does the background driving noise make you not want to listen?
Is is any big deal?
Should I "produce" a bit at home?
Just fyi, this episode was recorded driving home, but I WAS able to tweak a bit in GarageBand and cut out some background noise.
Would love to hear your feedback...thanks for listening!
Thanks for listening!
Comments are welcome!
Find the podast @
Apple Podcasts
Anchor.FM
PocketCasts
www.facebook.com/cheftony
www.Twitter.com/cheftony
www.RestaurantOwnerLessons.com
How important the right ENERGY is to your business...
How you handle yourself, talk with your staff, talk with your guests, even how you "talk" to your restaurant!
Hear a few examples of how we've gone above and beyond with our guests...sometimes just by chance!
Thanks for listening!
Comments are welcome!
www.facebook.com/cheftony
www.Twitter.com/cheftony
www.RestaurantOwnerLessons.com
What's all this SOCIAL MEDIA?!
If you're in the game, this might be a little "1.0" for you, but hopefully we start to get better conversations around how social media (and email marketing actually) can impact your business.
Reservations Part II + "Pick your battles"
Thanks for listening!
Comments are welcome!
www.facebook.com/cheftony
www.Twitter.com/cheftony
www.RestaurantOwnerLessons.com
How do you handle Reservations?! and we have a problem.
But lately since we're blessed with a lot of business, an issue has come up that we need to address.
Listen in and as always, we WELCOME your feedback!
Thanks all,
Chef Tony
What do you do on a SNOW day?? Here are my ideas...
(psst...you can too!)
What is YOUR inspiration for being in the hospitality biz?
Best ways to hear feedback from your guests...and a recent "interesting" dining experience for me!
Why exactly are you listening?
It took 8 YEARS??!
Love to hear your feedback, and incase you want to ask a question or be a guest on the show, leave a comment or download the Anchor app!
Thanks for listening, rock the day!
How are you creating digital media for your restaurant?
Do you use takeout services like Uber Eats? why or why not?
Quick tip 836:find a handy woman...
Quick Tip #237:switch seats!
Beta Episode, how do we handle promotions?