Local Leaders Podcast with Jeff Z Johnson

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Dave Sharp, owner and CEO of the multi-location Bricco Dining Group in Akron, OH.  In this episode, Dave discusses event catering business growth, upcoming food truck extension, “benefits” of giving benefits,  restaurant technology and so much more.  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://www.briccoakron.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Tim Halls, owner of Burnt BBQ & Tacos in Plano, TX.  In this episode, Tim discusses old hickory smokers, saucy demos, virtual brand expansion, retailing rubs and so much more.  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://www.burntbbqandtacos.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Bob Roberts, owner of Redwood Smoke Shack in Norfolk, VA.  In this episode, Bob discusses brewing and smoking, driveway selling, location and landlord persistence, the sauce bottling business,  and so much more.  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://redwoodsmokeshack.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Brandon & Ryan Porcasi, partners at Curbside Mexican Grill in South Hempstead, NY. In this episode, Brandon discusses their stroke of pre-covid genius (curbside), surviving the pandemic, boots on the ground marketing, ghost kitchens and so much more.  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Brittany Bivins, a partner with Peach City Brewing in Gaffney, SC. In this episode, Brittany discusses a unique crowd-funding program to fund start-up, divvying up duties, beer distribution and so much more.  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Tony DiDonato owner of Lucca Ristorante in Pittsburgh, PA. In this episode, Tony discusses the importance of managing the financials of the business, expanding reach through delivery apps, understanding when and how to grow, preparing to expand, and so much more.  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://luccaristorante.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Nar Hovnanian and Arrie Augenbaum of Soul Taco and Jewfro, two concepts out of Richmond, VA. In this episode, Nar and Arrie discuss Jewfro, their Jewish and African fusion concept, maintaining cohesive cultures across multiple brands, prepping for growth, community-based marketing and so much more.  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Josh Hedquist, founder and partner of Joey Meatballs based in Minneapolis, MN.  In this episode, Josh discusses his capital-less startup concept, hyper growth, felony and recovery friendly work programs, being so rich that he is weird and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Tom Kane, partner of the Cleveland Draft House in Garner, NC.  In this episode, Tom discusses trading up to ownership, securing growth funding with a solid business plan, challenges of a multi-unit operation, POS systems and restaurant tech and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Frankie DiCarlantonio, CEO of Scaffidi Restaurant Group out of Steubenville, OH.  In this episode, Frankie discusses safe growth, doubling down on technology, top of mind marketing, the year of the Gnocchi and so much more!  Join us to learn more about building a multi-brand business!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Cody Sauers, owner of Fat Kid Filly’s in Sioux Falls, SD.  In this episode, Cody discusses food truck start-up, arena concession business building, overcoming adversity, live video marketing and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- www.fatkidfillys.com

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with David Meinert, owner of The 5 Point Café, Mecca Café & Huckleberry Square in Seattle, WA.  In this episode, David discusses his love of diner concepts, the Lumineers rock band days, restaurant acquisition advice, leveraging technology and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Hass Aslami, Founder and CEO of Pizza 9 Hospitality Group in Albuquerque, NM.  In this episode, Hass discusses the importance of great mentors, building a franchise system, solving ‘slow days’ with his fundraising platform Fundaxi and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Tracy Molyneaux, partner of Coughlin’s Law Kitchen & Ale House in Pittsburgh, PA.  In this episode, Tracy discusses becoming a boss, staffing challenges, digital marketing  and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Mike Lardy, owner of Bravo Burritos in Saint Cloud, MN.  In this episode, Mike discusses restaurant acquisition, improving and updating the business, consistent growth strategy, hot sauce biz, their three pronged catering approach  and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with David Jones, owner of Blazing Onion Restaurant Group out of New Castle, WA.  In this episode, David discusses hybrid service models, leveraging technology, growth strategies, management team advice and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://www.blazingonion.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Adam Lampinstein, owner of The Hayden Diner & Cocktails in San Antonio, TX.  In this episode, Adam discusses creating a scalable concept, delivering great value, tip pools, marketing for top-of-mind awareness and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://www.thehaydensa.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Tim Campbell, owner of Cappy’s Café in New Port Beach, CA.  In this episode, Tim discusses restaurant acquisitions, technology, Yelping, food influencers and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://www.cappyscafe.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Matteo Rachocki of Voodoo Brewing Co. in Meadville, PA.  In this episode, Matteo discusses direct to retail channel, central kitchen, old-school marketing, franchising and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://www.voodoobrewery.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Isaiah Pitchford, partner at The 507 in Mankato, MN.  In this episode, Isaiah discusses the impact of sports on leadership and coaching, restaurant stats, multi-channel marketing, restaurant tech and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Steve Schofield, owner of Pangaea Brewing Company out of Greenville, SC.  In this episode, Steve discusses choosing a location, working through construction challenges, integrating technology to support the guest experience, canning straight from the tap and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://pangaeabrewing.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Andrew, owner of Caplinger’s Fresh Catch in Indianapolis, IN.  In this episode, Andrew discusses the need for infrastructure to support growth, “aquaculture”, overcoming supply chain and pricing challenges  and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out -- https://www.caplingersfreshcatch.com/

Don't forget to subscribe if you enjoyed the show!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Sean Lyons, Managing Partner of Germantown Café in Nashville, TN.  In this episode, Sean discusses creating a next generation restaurant, service choice, supplementing back of house income, quality-inspired marketing and so much more!  Great ideas so be sure to listen!

Check their website out --  https://www.germantowncafe.com/

Don't forget to subscribe if you enjoyed the show!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Ivan Gil-Silva, owner of Mi Empanada in Pittsburg, PA.  In this episode, Ivan discusses the Empanada culture, vegan reengineering, take and bake, exit strategies and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Ted Mitzlaff, managing partner of Goodwood Brewing and Spirits headquartered in Louisville, KY.  In this episode, Ted discusses acquisition and rebranding, diversifying revenue streams, rapid expansion, labor and supply side challenges and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out --  https://goodwoodbrewing.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Monica & Russell Ryan, owners of Highway Inn out of Waipahu, HI.  In this episode, Monica and Russell discuss 3rd generation ownership, surviving hyper growth, pandemic pivots, the importance of supplier relationships and so much more!  You do not want to miss out on this one!

Check their website out --  https://www.myhighwayinn.com

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Paul Peterson, founder of Wake Oasis Coffee based in Apex, NC.  In this episode, Paul discusses his innovative coffee shop in-a-box opportunity, interactive drive thru experiences, building a great team to support franchisees, ergonomics and workflows and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out --  https://www.wakeoasiscoffee.com/

Don't forget to subscribe if you enjoyed the show!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Moe Elhamawi, owner of Big Moe’s Kitchen in Garden City, MI.  In this episode, Moe discusses hiring bosses, building a franchise business, open communication and so much more!  Join us for this awesome new episode!

Check their website out --  https://www.bigmoeskitchen.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Gardy Desrouleaux, co-owner of Craft Food Halls out of Waltham, MA.  In this episode, Gardy discusses their innovative food hall concept, sous vide classic French cooking, street marketing, combatting negativity and so much more!  We know you will enjoy this episode!

Check their website out --  https://www.craftfoodhalls.com/

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Today I had the pleasure of talking with Dan Simpson, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café’s leader.  In this episode, Dan discusses risk taking and leadership, growth strategies, creative approaches to staffing, unit economics and so much more!  We know you will enjoy this one!

Check their website out --  https://www.tazikis.com/

Don't forget to subscribe if you enjoyed the show!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Noella Belvedere, who along with her husband Ottavio, founded the restaurant in 1969 in Camarillo, CA. In this episode, Noella discusses their journey to five restaurants, stalking the POS system remotely to keep tables turning, passing on the business reigns to family, and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Michael Duganier, partner of All In Hospitality which owns Publico Kitchen & Tap, currently a two unit restaurant out of Columbia S.C and Atlanta, GA.  In this episode, Michael discusses their 1 Minute Manager culture, patio igloos, grasshopper tacos, their upcoming pan-asian concept Bocu and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Rami Badh, Derrin Eugene and Matt Guerry all of the Oceana Grill Group.  Owned by Rami and his brother Moe Badh, the group consists of five restaurant concepts including Oceana Grill, Bobby Herberts, Mumbos, Old Nola Cookery and Hideout Bar all located in Metairie, LA.

In this episode, Rami and the boys share restaurant start-up challenges, creating an “opportunities for people” culture, multi-unit marketing tactics and so much more! Hope you enjoy this episode!!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Todd Martin, co-owner of SxNW Hospitality, a three concept, four-unit restaurant group out of Fayetteville, AR.  Their restaurants include #SouthernFoodCompany, #EastsideGrill and #Theo’s.  In this episode, Todd shares he and wife Marti’s journey from the corporate suite to restaurateur, creating a “welcoming” culture, raising their game to attract and retain people, marketing mix and so much more! Hope you enjoy this episode!!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Paige Vidrine, owner of Buffi’s Peauxboys a fast casual restaurant concept in Lake Charles, LA.  In this inspirational episode, Paige shares her restaurant marketing formula for growth, persevering through a natural disaster, connecting with her customers, supporting her team through the pandemic and so much more! Join us and get inspired!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Johnny Clark, partner at Public Table, an elevated food bar concept located in West Allis, WI.  In this episode, Johnny shares challenges with building a low carbon footprint kitchen, traceable food, unlivable wages, franchising as a future and so much more! Great episode that you don’t want to miss!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Erica Couto and Andrew Ferrara, co-owners of Europa Pastries & Coffee Shop in Fall River, MA.  And a shout-out to their partner Kevin Couto who had to keep the place running during our conversation!  In this episode, Erica and Andrew discuss how they “fell” into the restaurant business, European-style customer service, identifying ownership roles and much more!  Grab a cup of java and enjoy the show!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with fast thinking and faster moving Spiros Stogiannis, owner of Easy Pie, a full service restaurant in Revere, MA.  In this episode, Spiros shares his story of handcrafting his Easy Pie restaurant business from the ground up, taking design to the next level, staffing and shortages, ghost kitchens and much more!  Hang on to your hats and get ready for this one!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Snoop Dillard, owner of Dillard Hospitality Group in Atlanta, GA. In this episode, Snoop Dillard discusses the lows and highs of entrepreneurism, restaurant management, her Salon Suite franchise opportunity and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Khaseta Grigg, owner of Big Daddy’s BBQ in Meridian, ID.  In this episode, Khaseta along with Kersten Grigg discuss their journey from catering to food truck to full-service restaurant, educating customers through intensive server training, remembering ‘Hoss’ and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Brooks Shaw from the Old Country Store at Casey Jones Village out of Jackson, TN.  In this episode, Brooks discusses running a multi-concept operation, succession and estate planning, 2nd Chance Workplace staffing solution, and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Check their website out --  https://www.caseyjones.com/

Don't forget to subscribe if you enjoyed the show!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Chris Davis, owner of Pita Wheel in Gastonia, N.C.  In this episode, Chris discusses independent ownership, getting your Aces in places, not outgrowing his britches and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Matt Poirier, owner of three concepts including The Hound, The Depot and Sneak & Dawdle out of Auburn, AL.  In this episode, Matt discusses approachable concepts, menu engineering, “snugs” and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with April and Lamon Mitchell, owners of Pat’s Food Truck and now Big Pat’s Soul Food Café in Burlington, NC.  In this episode, April and Lamon discuss the business of comfort food, expanding to a brick and mortar, using ‘specials’ to work around food shortages and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Andres Delgado, owner of Las Casuelas Nuevas in Rancho Mirage, CA.  In this episode, Andy discusses 3rd generation ownership, staff retention strategies, staff training, marketing shifts and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Danielle Kuhn, owner of Scratchboard Kitchen in Arlington Heights, IL along with Chef Grace Goudie.  In this episode, Danielle and Chef Grace discuss adapting their business model and menu for covid, running a complex kitchen, mentorship and a focus on developing the person, organic marketing and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Michael Fluellen, a founding partner in Kajun Kreol Café in the great state of Texas.  In this episode, Mike discusses his partnership with Wal-Mart, do it yourself SEO, preparing for franchising, building a team of leaders and much more!  Hope you enjoy this episode!