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In an industry struggling with retention and wage disparity, how can operators build a business that is both profitable and truly equitable? In this episode, we talk to Ji Hye Kim, the celebrated chef-owner of Miss Kim and a leading advocate for One Fair Wage. She shares the innovative and practical systems she uses to foster a transparent and engaged team culture. From daily "Best Next Time" conversations that empower staff voices to "Gross Games" that make open-book finance an exciting team sport, Ji Hye offers a blueprint for a new kind of restaurant management. She details the evolution of her compensation model—from no-tip to a base pay plus tip-share system—and explains how it has eliminated the front-of-house/back-of-house divide, creating a unified and motivated team.

Key Takeaways

• Simple Tools for Engagement: Learn about "Best Next Time," a simple post-shift framework to encourage open, constructive, and action-oriented feedback from the entire team.
• Making Open-Book Finance Fun: Discover how "Gross Games" transforms the abstract concept of sales numbers into a fun, daily competition that connects the team's effort directly to the restaurant's performance.
• A Fair Compensation Model: Ji Hye breaks down her base pay plus tip-share model, which ensures all staff earn well above minimum wage and fosters collaboration between the kitchen and dining room.
• Transparency Builds Trust: Understand why creating a simple, easy-to-understand pay structure is crucial for building trust and ensuring everyone feels valued.
• Retention Through Empowerment: Hear Ji Hye’s philosophy on retention—that creating a safe, empowering environment where personal goals are discussed is key to making restaurant jobs a viable long-term career.

Resources Mentioned

• Miss Kim Restaurant: https://www.misskimannarbor.com/
• Zingerman's Community of Businesses: https://www.zingermanscommunity.com/
• One Fair Wage: https://onefairwage.site/

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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What if your dishwasher earned the same as your most tenured line cook? At bartaco, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s the reality. In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco, to discuss the innovative strategies fueling their nationwide growth. Anthony pulls back the curtain on their revolutionary compensation structure, where every hourly employee receives the same base wage and an equal share of tips, eliminating pay disparity between the front and back of house. He explains how this model has not only provided a true living wage but also fostered unprecedented teamwork and a self-managing labor force. We also dive into bartaco's philosophy on technology as a tool to enhance hospitality and their unique leadership academy that invests in developing the whole person, not just the employee.

Key Takeaways

• Tech as an Enabler: Learn bartaco's philosophy on using technology to handle transactional tasks, giving staff more time to engage with guests and enhance the human element of hospitality.
• A Radical Pay Structure: Discover how bartaco implemented a system where every hourly employee—FOH and BOH—earns the exact same base wage and receives an equal percentage of tips.
• The Unintended Benefits of Equal Pay: Hear how the equal-pay model has led to remarkable teamwork and a culture where the team holds each other accountable, creating a self-managing labor model.
• Developing People, Not Just Managers: Explore the "bartaco Leadership Academy," a program that provides executive-level coaching on life skills to every salaried employee, leading to profound personal and professional growth.
• Career Pathing That Works: Understand their "edible carrots" approach to career development, which provides clear, accessible, and attainable steps for advancement within the company.

Resources Mentioned

• bartaco: https://bartaco.com/

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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Do you ever wonder if your restaurant's technology is ahead of the curve, just keeping pace, or falling behind the competition? In a tough environment where 44% of restaurants are missing their labor targets, knowing where you stand is the first step to getting ahead.

In this special solo episode, host D.J. Costantino walks you through the four distinct stages of a restaurant's digital journey: from "Analog" paper-and-pen operations to a fully "Optimized" and integrated tech stack. Discover where your restaurant fits in this framework and get a clear, practical roadmap for what comes next.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to identify your restaurant's current stage of tech maturity, from Analog to Optimized.
• Why 44% of restaurants are missing labor targets and how real-time data can give you back control.
• The direct link between modern tools, a positive employee experience, and improving your team's retention rate.
• How automating manual tasks can free up hours of your time to work on your business, not just in it.

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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How do you take six distinct fast-casual brands and scale them under a single, efficient operational umbrella? In this episode, we sit down with Lauriena Borstein, Chief Operating Officer, and Kyle Mark, Chief Information Officer of WOWorks—the restaurant group behind Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, and Garbanzo, among others.

They share the "One WOW Way," their philosophy for unifying operations, technology, and communication across their entire portfolio. Lauriena details how creating repeatable systems while maintaining flexibility is the key to scaling, and why franchisee profitability is their non-negotiable north star metric. Kyle explains the monumental task of consolidating disparate systems into a single tech stack and how proving the ROI—like a 30-35% increase in digital sales—is crucial for getting franchisee buy-in. This conversation is a masterclass in managing growth, the c between operations and technology, and why a strong culture is built on communication.

Key takeaways

• Building repeatable systems. Scaling any brand requires creating consistent, repeatable systems with flexibility for local execution.
• The "one WOW way" is A core philosophy for shared services like tech and supply chain, which creates efficiency across a multi-brand portfolio.
• Franchisee profitability is #1. Franchisee profitability is the primary metric for success, as no initiative is scalable if it isn't profitable.
• Unify your tech stack for growth. A single tech stack (POS, online ordering, loyalty) simplifies operations, reduces training, and unifies data analysis.
• Communicate, communicate, communicate. Build a strong culture with a consistent communication cadence, ensuring franchisees hear a unified message from all leadership.
• Don't be afraid to fail fast. Growth-minded operators must try new things and be willing to fail fast, dropping what doesn't work to move on quickly.

Resources

• Learn more about WOWorks and their family of brands:
• Connect with the guests on LinkedIn:
  • Kyle Mark
  • Lauriena Borstein

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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What does it truly take to turn a successful restaurant into a scalable franchise? In this episode, D.J. sits down with Shawn Saraga, a franchise development expert who has been involved in opening nearly 1,000 franchise locations. Shawn shares his journey from nightclub DJ to franchise guru and dives deep into the realities of restaurant expansion. He explains why franchising is not an exit strategy but an entirely new business that requires immense dedication. Listeners will learn the critical systems and benchmarks a restaurant must have in place before franchising, the "devil in the details" of standardizing your secret sauce, and, most importantly, the non-teachable personality trait to look for in a potential franchisee: persistence.

Key Takeaways

• Prove the Model First: Before you even consider franchising, you need a replicable model. This means having at least two or three successful locations to prove the concept works beyond your direct, daily involvement.
• Franchising is a New Job, Not an Exit: Thinking of franchising as a way to step back is a mistake. It’s an entirely new, full-time role focused on recruiting, real estate, operations, and support. You are no longer just an operator; you are a "king maker."
• Systemize Your Intangibles: The "little things" that make your restaurant special—like your networking style or community involvement—must be documented and turned into a trainable system for your franchisees to follow.
• Location is Non-Negotiable: As Shawn says, "50 feet from great is not great." You cannot afford to compromise on real estate. Diligent, multi-day scouting and research of a location is critical before signing a long-term lease.
• Hire for Persistence: You can teach someone how to make your food, but you can't teach them the grit to get through the hard days. Persistence is the single most important personality trait of a successful franchisee.

Resources

• The Franchise Academy: Learn more about Shawn and his consulting services at thefranchiseacademy.ca.
• Upcoming Book: Keep an eye out for Shawn's book, How to Choose the Right Franchise for You, releasing in early 2026.

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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What does it truly take to grow a restaurant concept from a single unit to a multi-location brand? In this episode, we're joined by Garrett Mills, Partner at Uncommon Brands, for a deep dive into the world of restaurant growth and investment. Garrett shares his unique journey and unpacks the key financial and qualitative factors his firm evaluates when partnering with emerging brands. From the importance of a strong employee culture to the challenges of letting go of control, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for any operator looking to scale their business and build a lasting brand.

Key Takeaways

• The Financial Trifecta: When evaluating a business, focus on three key ratios: sales-to-investment, store-level margin, and cash-on-cash returns. Achieving strength in at least two of these areas is crucial for attracting investment and ensuring sustainable growth.
• Embrace the GM-Driven Model: To scale effectively, founders must transition from being hands-on in every detail to empowering their general managers. This requires building trust and creating systems that allow unit-level leaders to take ownership of their stores.
• Culture Drives Experience: Your employees are the ones driving the guest experience. Investing in a strong employee culture is fundamental to creating a restaurant experience that keeps customers returning.
• Technology Should Inform Decisions: The most valuable technology partners provide clear information that helps you make better, faster decisions, especially around food and labor costs. The goal is to get GMs out of the back office and onto the floor with guests and staff.
• Growth Isn't Easy: The path to scaling a restaurant is a grind. Surround yourself with experienced advisors and be prepared to overcome significant challenges along the way.

Resources

• Uncommon Brands
• Uncommon Brands on LinkedIn
• 7shifts

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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What does it take to grow a restaurant from a single location to a global phenomenon? In this episode, D.J. sits down with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palate America, the holding company for the rapidly expanding Japanese fast-casual brand, Pepper Lunch. Troy pulls back the curtain on his extensive career, from his early days in the kitchen to leading a global brand. He offers a masterclass on scaling a restaurant business, detailing the crucial transition from hands-on manager to visionary executive. Listeners will learn the key metrics and, more importantly, the mindset required to franchise, the right way to enter new markets successfully, and how to use data to understand your customer on a deeper level. This is a must-listen for any operator with ambitions to grow.

Key Takeaways

• The 3-Thing Rule: To let go effectively, identify the 1-3 things you are most passionate about in your business and focus on them. Outsource everything else to people who are passionate about those specific areas.
• Are You Franchise-Ready? Franchising means leaving the restaurant business and entering the business of providing service to your franchisees. It's a fundamental mindset shift.
• Grow Methodically: The biggest mistake brands make is jumping from one market to another with single stores. Instead, grow adjacent and open at least three locations in a new market quickly to achieve penetration and build an audience.
• Master Market Research: Use technology like geofencing to get demographic and sociographic data on your customers, where they come from, and where else they shop. But don't discount analog research—stand in line at a local grocery store and ask people what they value in a restaurant.
• Real Estate is Everything: After choosing your franchise partner, selecting the right real estate is your most critical decision. It is the most common, painful, and costly mistake. Never call the number on the "For Lease" sign yourself; get professional representation.

Resources

• Pepper Lunch: pepperlunchrestaurants.com
• Connect with Troy: LinkedIn
• Mentioned Tools:
  • Site Zeus

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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The restaurant industry is at a crossroads, with two powerful forces shaping its future. On one hand, there's the explosive growth of AI and automation, a major topic at the recent National Restaurant Association Show. On the other, there's the timeless need for genuine human connection. This episode explores both.

First, D.J. considers the impact of AI on restaurant operations. Then, he dives into a conversation with Shawn Walchef, the founder of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media, who champions the power of storytelling as a restaurant's ultimate competitive advantage. Shawn provides a practical guide for using the phone in your pocket to build a community, create a loyal following, and drive business. This episode is an essential listen for any operator looking to balance the efficiencies of new technology with the irreplaceable magic of a well-told story.

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing Tech and Touch: While AI is poised to revolutionize restaurant operations, it cannot replace the genuine connection that comes from authentic brand storytelling.
• Your Story is Your Most Valuable Asset: In an increasingly automated world, the unique story of your people, your food, and your passion is what sets you apart.
• The Smartphone is Your Studio: You don't need a massive budget or a marketing team to start building your brand online; the tools are already in your pocket.
• Action Creates Momentum: The most important step is the first one. Start creating content, even if it's imperfect, to begin building your digital presence.
• Digital Hospitality: The modern guest experience is a blend of in-person service and digital engagement. Your online presence is an extension of your restaurant's four walls.

Resources:

• Cali BBQ Media on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CaliBBQMedia
• Shawn Walchef on Instagram: @shawnpwalchef
• Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwalchef/

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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The restaurant industry has long struggled with the divide between front and back-of-house compensation. In this archive episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, Chef Katie Button of Cúrate and La Bodega by Cúrate in Asheville reveals how she completely transformed her restaurant's pay structure after the pandemic shutdown. Katie details her journey from engineering PhD student to award-winning chef, and explains why she took the bold step of eliminating sub-minimum wage pay, implementing a weighted tip pool, and creating transparent pathways for advancement. She candidly discusses the challenges and benefits of this transformation, from staff reactions to financial adjustments, ultimately showing how creating more equitable compensation has strengthened her restaurant team and culture.

Resources

• Connect with Katie Button on LinkedIn 🔗
• Visit: Cúrate and La Bodega by Cúrate 🍽️
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Blog 📝

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Katie Button and Pre-Shift Podcast
• 00:57 - From engineering PhD to award-winning chef (Katie's background story begins)
• 03:52 - The decision to transform restaurant compensation (discussion of sub-minimum wage issues)
• 07:20 - Understanding the front/back of house pay disparity (holiday season example)
• 08:50 - Katie's personal experience with pay differences
• 11:13 - Creating a new compensation model post-shutdown (weighted tip pools explained)
• 14:16 - How the new model affects team morale and culture
• 15:31 - Financial adjustments required to implement higher wages
• 19:34 - Comprehensive benefits package implementation (healthcare, PTO, etc.)
• 21:07 - PTO structure and fairness for new vs. veteran employees
• 22:00 - Transparency in pay and performance expectations (posting tip pool breakdowns)
• 22:48 - Using Seven Shifts software for transparency
• 23:15 - Introduction to La Bodega (second restaurant)
• 24:08 - Closing and contact information

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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Building a company culture worth celebrating takes more than just words. In this archive episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we revisit our conversation with Michel Falcon, founder and CEO of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, who shares his journey from management consultant to restaurant entrepreneur. Michel reveals how he built a fast-casual concept with an astonishing 17% employee turnover rate in an industry that typically sees 100-200%. He breaks down exactly how he crafted meaningful core values, implemented an innovative personalized onboarding process, established fair wage practices beyond minimum wage, and created unprecedented pay transparency across all positions. This episode offers practical strategies for operators looking to attract and retain talent while building a values-driven restaurant business.

Resources

• Connect with Michel Falcon on LinkedIn 🔗
• Visit: Brasa Peruvian Kitchen 🍽️
• Book: People-First Culture by Michel Falcon 📚
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Blog 📝

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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Finding and keeping great restaurant staff is harder than ever in 2025. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Alice Cheng, Founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, about how smart restaurants are winning the hiring game. After 13 years of connecting restaurants with talent, Alice breaks down what works. She explains the "missing middle" skills gap hurting restaurants today and shares practical ways to make your job listings stand out. Whether you're struggling to hire line cooks or looking to build a reputation as a great workplace, Alice offers real solutions you can implement immediately to attract better candidates.

Resources

• Connect with Alice Cheng on LinkedIn 🔗
• Visit: Culinary Agents🍴
• Explore: Hospitality Career Paths 📊
• 7shifts Hiring Guide 📝

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Alice Cheng
• 02:51 - Evolution of restaurant hiring technology
• 07:53 - What makes Culinary Agents unique
• 13:12 - Current hiring trends in hospitality
• 18:41 - The skills gap in restaurant staffing
• 25:17 - Benefits and perks restaurants are offering
• 31:35 - Hospitality technology integration trends
• 43:00 - Hospitality Career Paths platform
• 47:33 - Advice for positioning as a great employer

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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Want to build a restaurant career that doesn't leave you burnt out? In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we chat with Justin Khanna, a chef who's cooked at some of the world's best restaurants, before switching gears to become an educator and founder of Repertoire. Justin takes us behind the scenes of his days at Per Se and The French Laundry, sharing what those kitchens taught him about way more than just cooking great food. He explains why running a successful restaurant isn't just about having a superstar chef but about creating systems that work even when you're not there. Justin also dives into how his education platform helps restaurants keep their best staff by actually measuring what makes someone good at their job. If you want to level up your restaurant career or build a team that sticks around, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can use immediately.

Resources

• Connect with Justin Khanna on LinkedIn and TikTok 🔗
• Visit: Repertoire 📚
• Watch: Justin's YouTube Channel 📺
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Training Guide 📝

Chapters

• 0:00 - Justin's culinary background and content creation
• 2:12 - Fine dining kitchens
• 5:40 - What fine dining kitchen culture is really like
• 11:10 - Finding your own voice as a chef
• 15:35 - Restaurant concepts vs chef personalities
• 21:30 - From pop-ups to full-time content creation
• 23:30 - The evolution of restaurant content creation
• 27:55 - Why Justin created Repertoire
• 33:25 - Repertoire's focus
• 38:50 - Justin advice for aspiring hospitality content creators

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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AI is changing the restaurant marketing game in ways that can save you time while boosting your revenue. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, I chat with Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who's truly mastered the marketing side of the business.

Josh breaks down how restaurants of any size can use AI tools like ChatGPT to create better email campaigns, design loyalty programs that actually work, and analyze menu performance - all without needing a marketing degree.

What I love about Josh's approach is how practical it is. He shows you exactly how to get started, even if you've never used AI before. And for just $20 a month, you can access tools that Josh says are like "hiring an expert instead of a teenager."

Restaurant owners drowning in spreadsheets and those looking to bring more guests through the door will find Josh's strategies helpful for saving hours each week while potentially adding thousands to monthly revenue.

Resources

• Connect with Josh on LinkedIn 🔗
• Check out JoshKopel.com 🌐
• Join Josh's monthly 5-day challenge for restaurant owners 🚀
• 7shifts: How Top Multi-Unit Restaurants are Using Tech to Grow📱

Chapters

• 01:27 - Meeting Josh Kopel
• 05:15 - Getting started with AI (even if you're intimidated)
• 07:05 - Creating marketing campaigns that actually convert
• 13:14 - Building loyalty programs inspired by credit card companies
• 19:39 - Using AI to identify menu winners and losers
• 22:44 - The future of restaurant tech that excites Josh
• 28:13 - Final advice for the overwhelmed restaurant owner

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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Breaking free from being the "superhero" operator can transform your restaurant's future. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Avery Ward, third-generation CEO of Little Italy Ristorante in Groveport, Ohio, about how he turned around his family's struggling business. Avery shares how his tech background helped him implement smart systems that let him step back from daily operations. He breaks down exactly how he delegates tasks, documents processes, and builds accountability at every level - allowing him to expand from a single location to a growing restaurant group. Both struggling operators managing everything themselves and successful owners looking to scale will find valuable takeaways in Ward's practical approach to working on your business instead of just in it.

Resources

• Connect with Avery Ward on LinkedIn 🔗
• Watch: Slice of Life on YouTube 📺
• Visit: Little Italy Ristorante 🍕
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Blog 📝

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Avery Ward (CEO of Little Italy restaurant)
• 01:19 - The 60-year history of Little Italy Restaurant
• 07:00 - How technology transformed restaurant operations
• 09:32 - Finding time to work ON your business, not just IN it
• 12:17 - Building accountability through clear expectations
• 20:05 - The "lightbulb theory" of delegation
• 23:57 - Creating company structure and role clarity
• 27:56 - The path to opening Main Ground Coffee
• 33:30 - Building an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan)
• 40:10 - Why documenting your restaurant's story matters
• 44:48 - Conclusion and Main Ground Coffee opening details

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty in today's restaurant industry. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sit down with Jay Ashton, Canada's Restaurant Guy, to discuss how Canadian restaurants can adapt to tariffs and economic challenges.

Jay shares practical strategies from his 35-year career. These go beyond simply raising prices to tactics like creating salads without lettuce and developing multiple revenue streams through newsletters and digital merchandising. Whether you're concerned about the current tariff situation or looking for always-relevant business advice for navigating uncertain times, Jay's approaches and timeless wisdom offer valuable insights for restaurants looking to thrive during economic shifts.

ResourcesConnect with Jay on LinkedIn 🔗
Site: Canada's Restaurant Guy 🍁
Listen to The Late Night Restaurant Show 🌃
Strategies to offset tariffs newsletter 📰

Latest Updates on Canadian Tariffs | restaurantscanada.org 🇨🇦

Chapters0:00 - Introduction to Jay Ashton, Canada's restaurant guy
2:00 - Understanding the tariff situation for Canadian restaurants
4:00 - The impact of tariffs on restaurant inventory and pricing
7:30 - Menu innovation: "You can make salads without lettuce"
8:15 - The flex burger: Reducing costs through creative protein options
9:00 - Using the "why column" to evaluate every menu ingredient
12:00 - Preparing your business without panicking
14:00 - Cash flow is king: Smart inventory management
16:30 - Technology solutions for tracking costs and inventory
19:00 - Communicating price changes to your customers
22:00 - Why restaurants need five revenue streams
25:00 - Newsletter marketing as an additional revenue source
31:00 - Using Uber Eats as an e-commerce platform
33:30 - Developing CPG product lines and merchandise
35:45 - Final advice: Don't panic, have a plan

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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For many 16-year-olds, a first job is just a way to make some extra side cash—nothing more than a temporary gig. But for Julianna Blackhurst, a part-time job in high school became the foundation of her lifelong career.

In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sat down with the Senior Director of Franchise Operations at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, to talk about two types of growth: career growth and franchise growth.

Resources:

• Check out Jeremiah’s Italian Ice 🍦
• Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn 🔗
• Follow Jeremiah’s on Instagram 📸

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and welcome
• 00:50 Juliana's career journey at Jeremiah's
• 03:33 The importance of company culture
• 05:48 Jeremiah's core values
• 12:25 The franchising model
• 17:17 Going outside of Florida
• 21:38 Leadership lessons
• 23:41 The 14-flavor offering model
• 25:16 Advice for young people
• 30:51 Juliana's favorite Jeremiah's menu item
• 35:40 Conclusion

Guest Bio:

Julianna Blackhurst, Senior Director of Franchise Operations, oversees the Operations for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, responsible for the company’s 100+ locations in 11 states. She oversees the company’s ongoing expansion, as it is projected to reach 180+ units in 2025. In her previous role with Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, she was Director of Training and Operational Growth. Julianna was responsible for developing and administrating Jeremiah’s training program (“Cool School”) and the New Store Opening Process. Amidst her tenure, Ms. Blackhurst has been recognized by QSR Magazine in the 2021 issue of Young Leaders to Watch. Julianna takes pride in being active in the community, volunteering as a coach for Pop Warner sports. In 2017, Ms. Blackhurst received a Bachelor of Arts in History degree from the University of Central Florida and Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, Rollins College 2021.

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About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

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What if mandatory training didn’t have to be boring? With creative storytelling and an irreverent approach, ARROW UP Training makes engaging, effective training programs for restaurant teams.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Berkowitz, the founder and CEO of ARROW UP Training.

Jason offers insights into building consistent employee experiences and the role of continuous training in fostering a strong team—and a better guest experience. He also discusses the importance of structured onboarding, developing strong leaders, and the power of storytelling in training.

ResourcesCheck out ARROW UP Training ⬆️
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn 🔗
Connect with Jason on Instagram 🤳
Get Jason’s Book 📖
FREE video mini-course: Unlocking effortless restaurant scheduling 📲

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:50 Meet Jason Berkowitz: From Restaurant Ops to ARROW UP
• 03:33 The Birth of ARROW UP
• 05:48 ARROW UP's Unique Training Approach
• 12:25 Implementing ARROW UP in Restaurants
• 17:17 Effective Onboarding and Training Practices
• 21:38 Growth Mindset in Restaurant Management
• 22:31 The Role of Supervisors
• 23:41 Building Effective Training Programs
• 25:16 Managing Friends and De-escalation Techniques
• 30:51 The Importance of Checklists
• 35:40 Customizing Training for Different Restaurant Cultures
• 37:49 Exciting Developments at ARROW UP
• 41:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

Send us a text

📲 Connect with D.J.
DJ's Email
Follow on LinkedIn

More 7shiftsSpotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter
7shifts on YouTube
Follow us on TikTok
Read the 7shifts Blog
About Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

View Details

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode, 'Restaurant Unstoppable' host Eric Cacciatorre teams up with industry experts James Schonzeit from Square and D.J. Costantino from 7shifts to tackle the pressing challenges of staffing and technology in the restaurant world.

Through a series of insightful discussions, they cover key topics such as hiring and retaining staff, leveraging technology for better operations, and balancing tech with genuine hospitality. The conversation offers practical advice, highlighting how flexible scheduling, proper training, and effective management practices can improve staff retention and satisfaction. They explore the use of kiosks and other tech tools to streamline processes and enhance customer interactions without losing the essence of hospitality. Additionally, the episode underscores the value of actionable strategies, like gradual tech integration, to boost profitability and team engagement. Real-life examples and survey insights provide a roadmap for restaurant owners and managers to navigate modern challenges and thrive in an evolving industry.

00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping
00:57 Meet the Hosts
01:53 Technical Difficulties and Introductions
04:47 Discussion on Restaurant Technology
05:49 Staffing Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
06:31 Survey Insights on Employee Retention
12:59 The Role of Technology in Employee Management
14:26 Customer Experience and Technology
28:08 Discussing Final Trends
28:40 Employee Training and Technology
30:08 Empowering Staff Through Continuous Training
30:49 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
31:36 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction
37:58 Addressing Staff Engagement and Retention
38:09 Q&A Session
38:47 Strategies for Improving Margins
48:27 Innovative Solutions for Staff Engagement
58:38 Closing Remarks

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7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston

About 7shifts7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

View Details

Send us a text

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

This episode of the Pre Shift Podcast focuses on Josh Sharkey, the founder and CEO of meez, an innovative recipe tool and culinary operating system. Josh shares his journey from a Michelin-starred chef to a tech entrepreneur. He discusses the motivation behind creating meez, driven by the loss of his recipe notebook and the need for a specialized tool for culinary professionals. Throughout the conversation, Josh elaborates on the challenges faced in transitioning to tech, the features of meez that enhance operational efficiency, and how it serves chefs and restaurant operators in maintaining consistency and profitability. Sharkey also highlights the importance of empowering teams with the right tools and maintaining a clear vision in business. Tune in for practical advice, real stories, and valuable insights into bridging creativity and profitability in the restaurant industry.

00:00 Introduction and Insight
00:29 Meet Josh Sharkey
01:21 The Birth of meez
03:03 Challenges and Solutions
05:42 Building the Company
08:30 Data and Recipe Management
22:47 Team Empowerment and Retention
27:12 Leadership and Vision
38:36 Exciting Developments
40:10 Conclusion and Farewell

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Apple Podcasts
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7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston

About 7shifts7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

View Details

Send us a text

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode of the Pre Shift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino welcomes Ross Groeneweg, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Pizza Ranch. They discuss the history of the family-owned business, which started in 1981 and grew into a 218-location franchise. Ross explains the company's successful franchise model and the relationship between franchisees and corporate, ensuring a consistent employee experience. He shares his personal journey within Pizza Ranch, starting from high school, advancing through various positions, and eventually becoming a leader. Ross emphasizes Pizza Ranch's core values, vision, mission, and benefits of collaborative franchisee relationships and shared learnings. The episode concludes with a sneak peek at upcoming company initiatives, including a new wing night promotion.

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast
00:18 Meet Ross Groenweg, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Pizza Ranch
01:13 The Origin Story of Pizza Ranch
02:55 Franchise Model and Corporate Partnership
04:06 Ross's Journey Through Pizza Ranch
07:15 Core Values and Vision of Pizza Ranch
09:10 Challenges and Strategies in Employee Retention
13:41 Collaborative Nature of Pizza Ranch Franchisees
15:14 Career Growth and Opportunities at Pizza Ranch
21:12 Future Plans and Exciting Initiatives
22:09 Conclusion and Farewell

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Apple Podcasts
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YouTube
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7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston

About 7shifts7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

View Details

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Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

Mike Bausch, a certified master pizzaiolo and the brains behind Andolini's Worldwide joins DJ Costantino on the Pre Shift Podcast.

In this episode, Mike shares his journey from aspiring Marine Corps officer to leading a 12-restaurant empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recognized nationwide for their exceptional pizza, Andolini's success is attributed to a commitment to quality and a no-half-measures philosophy. Mike outlines his leadership and staff training techniques, explaining why he avoids the term 'family' in favor of a more professional 'team' dynamic. He also discusses his transition into becoming a mentor and educator for the restaurant industry through his Unsliced Restaurant System. Mike offers insights on cross-training staff, maintaining low attrition rates, and the importance of structured employee evaluations. The episode is packed with practical advice and actionable takeaways for building and sustaining a high-performing restaurant team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast

00:23 Meet Mike Bausch: The Pizza Mastermind

01:19 Mike's Journey: From Marine Corps to Pizza Empire

03:04 The Turning Point: Mentorship and Mastery

06:39 Expanding the Brand: Beyond Pizza

09:42 Building a High-Performing Team

15:55 Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Training

16:42 Maintaining Low Attrition Rates

18:34 Employee Feedback and Evaluation Process

21:03 Team Building and Andomania

23:12 Mike Bausch: Mentor and Educator

24:59 The Unsliced Course and Restaurant Systems

26:15 Engaging with the Restaurant Community

31:49 Future Plans and Exciting Developments

32:22 Conclusion and Farewell

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Apple Podcasts
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YouTube
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7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston

About 7shifts7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

View Details

Send us a Text Message.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In the latest episode of the Preshift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino chats with Margaret Pak, chef and co-owner of Thattu in Chicago. Pak shares her inspiring transition from corporate life to culinary arts, detailing her journey from selling spicy ketchup to opening a successful food stall and finally establishing an award-winning restaurant. The episode delves into her passion for Kerala cuisine, her experience with food pop-ups, and her innovative no-tip service model. Pak also discusses the significance of transparent menu pricing, equitable staff wages, and her future plans, including participating in prestigious culinary events and creating retail condiments.

00:00 Welcome to the Preshift Podcast

00:17 Meet Margaret Pak: Chef and Co-Owner of Thattu

01:13 From Corporate to Culinary: Margaret's Journey

02:38 Falling in Love with Kerala Cuisine

03:41 From Prep Cook to Pop-Up Success

07:23 The Birth of Thattu: From Food Stall to Restaurant

10:41 Navigating the Pandemic and Reassessing Plans

11:59 Reopening and Expanding Through Pop-Ups

17:15 Innovative Business Model: No Tips, No Service Charge

27:19 Building a Collaborative and Equitable Team

31:06 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

36:42 What's Next for Thattu?

38:21 Closing Remarks and Thank You

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7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston

About 7shifts7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

View Details

Send us a Text Message.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode of the Pre-Shift Podcast, host DJ Costantino talks with Ellen Yin, founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen shares her journey from a high school summer job to running celebrated dining establishments. The discussion focuses on the importance of building a strong sense of community and belonging within her restaurants. Ellen emphasizes the significance of respecting and empowering employees and effective recruitment, training, and career development strategies. She also highlights the challenges and successes in maintaining a consistent and supportive team culture across multiple restaurant concepts.

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast

00:14 Meet Ellen Yin: Founder of High Street Hospitality

01:14 Ellen's Journey into the Restaurant Industry

04:43 The Success and Longevity of Fork

06:55 Building a Strong Team Culture

14:00 Recruitment and Career Development Strategies

22:08 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

26:40 Future Goals and Exciting Developments

29:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Apple Podcasts
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YouTube
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7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston

About 7shifts7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

View Details

Send us a Text Message.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into what it takes to build great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, the strategies they use, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D. J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode of the Pre Shift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino chats with Zach Feinstein, CEO and co-owner of the Feinstein Group, about an innovative commission-based compensation model that combines a 20% service charge for servers. Zach explains the strategy behind this model, its implementation, and its impact on employee retention, guest experience, and front and back-of-house relationships. Zach also discusses his experience in the restaurant industry, the journey of the Feinstein Group, and the future vision for this compensation approach. This episode is packed with actionable insights for restaurant owners and managers aiming to build high-performing teams.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Pre Shift Podcast
00:13 Meet Zach Feinstein: CEO and Co-Owner of the Feinstein Group
01:29 The Feinstein Group's Journey and Growth
03:08 Innovative Compensation Model: Commission-Based Pay
05:12 Rolling Out the New Compensation Model
07:52 Impact on Staff and Guest Experience
17:22 Front and Back of House Dynamics
21:01 Future of the Restaurant Industry
23:54 Lightning Round: Quick Questions with Zach Feinstein
27:47 Closing Remarks and How to Learn More

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston

About 7shifts7shifts is the complete team management platform for restaurants. 7shifts provides tools that help restaurateurs make more profitable decisions, improve team retention, and get operations in order. 7shifts is made for everyone — from FOH to BOH — and is trusted by over 40,000 restaurants and 1 million restaurant pros.

View Details

Send us a Text Message.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into what it takes to build great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, the strategies they use, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D. J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode, Pike Howard, co-owner and finance and development director of Felipe's Taqueria, shares the history of the restaurant chain founded in 2006, inspired by Felipe Herrera. Pike emphasizes the significance of having a strong foundational playbook for growth, the importance of transparency and profit-sharing with leadership teams, and the role of consistent execution in a high inflationary environment. He cites influences like Danny Meyer’s book, Setting the Table, and Chick-fil-A’s operational focus. Howard stresses the need for non-defensiveness regarding feedback and aims to exceed profitability expectations.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pike Howard and Felipe's Taqueria

00:09 Founding Story of Felipe's Taqueria

00:23 Growth Strategy and Operational Philosophy

01:11 Leadership and Transparency

01:16 Profit Sharing and Employee Engagement

01:42 Consistency and Adaptation in Operations

02:20 Commitment to Quality and Inspiration

02:49 Operational Excellence and Feedback

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston

About 7shifts7shifts is the complete team management platform for restaurants. 7shifts provides tools that help restaurateurs make more profitable decisions, improve team retention, and get operations in order. 7shifts is made for everyone — from FOH to BOH — and is trusted by over 40,000 restaurants and 1 million restaurant pros.

View Details

Send us a Text Message.

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams.

Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

On this episode, we’re joined by Hassel Aviles, Founder and Director of Not 9 to 5.

Hassel Aviles has built a career in the hospitality and foodservice industry for over two decades working primarily in restaurants, event production and entrepreneurship. In 2018, after years of struggling with mental illness and trauma, Hassel was inspired to co-found Not 9 to 5, a non-profit that empowers foodservice service workers like herself. Hassel’s strategic planning abilities helped grow Not 9 to 5 from a series of workshops, panels and webinars into a global vehicle for change. Her work has contributed to a worldwide hospitality revolution to create work environments that are inclusive and proactive, rather than top-down and reactive. Hassel has used her experience, her social capital and intelligence to speak up for those without the power to make change. She is a visionary and deeply dedicated to revolutionizing the industry for the better.

Topics Covered:

• The contributors to poor mental health in the restaurant industry
• Defining what psychological safety means for the restaurant industry and the signs that a restaurant isn't psychologically safe.
• The causes and identifiers of burnout in restaurant work.

Resources

• Not 9 to 5
• Hassel Aviles on LinkedIn

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

View Details

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams.

Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

In this episode, Chris Britt, Chief Operating Officer of Epic Restaurants, joins us.

For nearly five years, Chris has served in a leadership capacity at Agave & Rye, one of the fastest-growing restaurant concepts in the U.S. He has accumulated a diverse array of experiences since joining the Agave & Rye team in 2018, and through his expertise, Chris has helped continually grow the company into a now multi-brand restaurant group, touting such revered concepts as Agave & Rye, S.O.B. Steakhouse, Shindig Park—and the soon-to-be-unveiled, Trashy Dawg. Chris started as the GM of the original location in Covington, Kentucky, before taking the same position at Agave & Rye’s flagship location in Liberty Township, Ohio. Soon after, he was promoted to Regional Director, followed by a promotion to the Director of Operations role. Chris has been in his Chief Operating Officer role for more than a year, right in time for expansion plans in 2023.

Resources

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

View Details

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams.

Host D.J. Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

On this episode, we’re joined by Stella Dennig, Co-Owner/GM of Daytrip in Oakland, California.

Stella Dennig (she/her) is the Co-Owner/GM of Daytrip, a fermentation-driven party of a restaurant in Oakland, CA. Core to Daytrip’s mission is to push toward a more equitable future for this industry and at the center of that, its workforce. Daytrip has been written up for its employment practices by publications like Bon Appetit, The New York Times, and the SF Chronicle. Daytrip was a Bon Appetit top 10 Best New Restaurant in America in 2023 and Co-Owner/Chef Finn Stern was a James Beard Semifinalist in 2024.

Topics Covered:

• Exploring Daytrip's Business Model: Equal entry-level wages and a shared service charge benefiting all staff challenge industry norms.
• Cultivating a culture of fairness through democratic management and transparent hiring practices.
• How regular team dialogues foster a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Resources

• Daytrip
• RAISE
• 10 Best New Restaurants in America 2022 | Bon Appetit

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

View Details

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams.

Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

On this episode, we’re joined by Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality in Seattle, WA.

Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality, leads a multi-concept operator of full-service restaurants and oversees the successful Revelers Club loyalty program, boasting 80K members and contributing 30% to the company’s revenue since its 2011 inception. El Gaucho, the flagship concept founded in 1996, spans five locations, while Fire & Vine owns AQUA by El Gaucho, Aerlume, and the Witness Tree lounge. The Revelers Club extends to independently owned properties like Walla Walla Steak Co., Crossbuck Brewing, and Yellowhawk Resort in Walla Walla, WA. Drawing from two decades of hospitality expertise, Chad founded Brigado, a consulting and technology firm. He actively serves on Oracle's Customer Advisory Board for the Global Food and Beverage Industry Group and has held leadership roles in associations like the Washington Hospitality Association and Visit Seattle. Chad is a sought-after speaker on adapting compensation models for full-service restaurants in response to the $15 minimum wage.

LinksFire & Vine Hospitality
Brigado

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

View Details

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams.

Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

On this episode, we’re joined by Irene Shiang Li, Cofounder of Prepshift & Mei Mei Dumplings in Boston, Mass.

Irene Shiang Li co-founded Mei Mei in Boston in 2013 and built the brand around ethical, sustainable sourcing and fair and transparent employment practices, including open book management. Mei Mei is now a dumpling company and Irene is now building Prepshift, a tech-enabled coaching and workforce training firm. Prepshift focuses on aligning food business teams around their common goals and empowering them with education and transparency. Irene believes that in restaurants, everyone can win. She is a Zagat and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, six-time James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef nominee, and 2022 James Beard Foundation Leadership Award winner. In 2023, Irene and her sister co-authored Perfectly Good Food: a totally achievable zero-waste approach to home cooking with W.W. Norton.

Additional Resources

• Mei Mei Dumplings
• Prepshift
• One Fair Wage
• Follow Irene Li
• Get Irene’s Book

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

View Details

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams.

Host D.J. Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

On this episode, we’re joined by Ji Hye Kim, Chef/Owner of Miss Kim in Ann Arbor.

Ji Hye was awarded one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs in 2021 and a multi-time James Beard Award semifinalist. She also advocates for fair wages in the hospitality industry, working with organizations like One Fair Wage to enact change. We get into how staff are paid above the industry average at Miss Kim, the tools Kim uses to get her teams engaged, and more.

Additional Resources

• Miss Kim
• Zingerman’s
• Zingerman’s Community of Businesses
• One Fair Wage
• RAISE: High Road Restaurants

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

View Details

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Jason Hammel, Chef and Owner of Lula Cafe

Guest BioChef and owner Jason Hammel grew up in New Haven, CT and is the product of a tight Italian family. He studied writing at Brown University and then traveled in Italy where an accidental stay in an apartment above a produce market left a lasting impact and presaged his career as a chef. Upon returning to the U.S., he received his M.A. in English and moved to Chicago where he met his wife, musician and Lula co-founder, Amalea Tshilds. They live in Logan Square with their two children, Ismene and Cass.

Hammel’s writing has appeared in Bon Appetit and Lucky Peach/MAD feed. He is currently working on a cookbook to be released by Phaidon.

Additional Resources

• Lula Cafe
• Marisol
• Pilot Light
• Lula Cafe Cookbook

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

View Details

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Kwini Reed, Co-owner of Poppy + Rose, Poppy & Seed, and Root of All Foods

Guest Bio

Kwini Reed is a Southern California native, wife, mother, and entrepreneur. She is the co-owner of brunch restaurant, Poppy + Rose in Downtown Los Angeles, Orange County dining destination, Poppy & Seed, and upscale catering company, Root of All Foods with husband and chef of these concepts, Michael Reed.

She and her husband Michael Reed have received numerous accolades for these concepts, including Orange Coast Magazine's “Best New Restaurant” (Poppy & Seed); and CBS Los Angeles’ “Best All-Day Breakfast Restaurants in LA” (Poppy + Rose) - among others.

She pioneers Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed's giving back initiatives as well, coordinating meal donations to organizations across LA, supporting first responders, social justice causes, youth development programs, and more. Kwini is active with local nonprofits, such as Brown Bag Lady, which provides meals to people experiencing homelessness in LA.

Additional Resources

• Poppy & Rose
• Poppy & Seed
• Root of All Foods
• Kwini Reed

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

View Details

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Joe Kahn, Founder and CIO of Condado Tacos and Chris Artinian, CEO of Condado Tacos

Guest BioJoe Kahn is the Founder & Chief Innovation Officer at Condado Tacos. His passion for hospitality started at just 15 years old working at Sizzler and then Pizza Hut. Along the way, he learned to bartend and earned his first management position at The Outpost, a local Chicago venue. After decades of working in all aspects of the restaurant industry, Joe took the plunge to open his own restaurant—which failed. But instead of turning in his apron, he learned from his mistakes, borrowed money from his wife’s 401k, and founded Condado Tacos with several business partners. His focus on creating clean and craveable tacos in an environment that encourages creativity and community was a hit. By 2026, there will be 100 Condado Tacos restaurants! What’s Joe’s secret to success? Treating people well and really great tacos.

Chris Artinian serves as President & CEO at Condado Tacos. He has over 30 years of restaurant and retail experience with private and public companies and extensive experience in restaurant and consumer services. He first encountered Condado Tacos while working at The Beekman Group and loved the concept so much that he joined the company to help chart the brand’s meteoric growth because he has the chops. Chris previously held CEO titles at TooJay’s Gourmet Deli, Bakery & Restaurant, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, and Morton’s. He’s recognized by industry peers for his deep operational experience in developing winning strategies and exceptional teams. he also serves on the Board of Directors of Another Broken Egg, Ted’s Cafe Escondido, and Condado Tacos.

Additional Resources

• Condado Tacos
• Condado Tacos Careers
• 2021’s Breakout Brand of the Year: Condado Tacos Takes the Lead

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

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The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Michel Falcon, Founder & CEO of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen

Guest BioMichel Falcon is a restaurant entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and best selling author. His expertises are company culture, employee performance, and customer experience strategies. As the CEO & Founder of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, he oversees all people and growth initiatives. Since August 2021, Brasa has succesfully opened three corporate-owned locations in Toronto, The company's next growth market in New York City in 2023.

Additional Resources

• Brasa Peruvian Kitchen
• Michel Falcon
• Brasa Peruvian Careers

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

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The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Ron Hsu, Owner of Lazy Betty, Humble Pie, and Juniper Cafe

Guest Bio

Champion of fair wages, equality and great food. James Beard nominated Atlanta restaurateur Ron Hsu envisions an industry where the workforce doesn't rely on the goodwill of customers and strives for changes to the way things have always been done.

Additional Resources

• Lazy Betty
• Humble Pie
• Juniper Cafe
• RAISE High Road Restaurants

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

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The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Eric Huang, Owner of Pecking House

Guest BioEric Huang grew up in a Chinese-American restaurant in New York, a very common tale in the Chinese diaspora. He is an amateur cellist turned subpar college student turned chef. Despite investing many years and taking on crushing student debt to become a college-educated professional, he would return to work in restaurants because that’s where he felt most at home. He has been cooking in New York City for the last decade, honing his craft at Michelin-starred institutions such as Cafe Boulud, Gramercy Tavern and most recently as a sous chef at Eleven Madison Park. His dream was to open his own restaurant that would challenge the Western world’s prejudices against Chinese cuisine, but he encountered a minor obstacle in the spring of 2020. With his family’s restaurant, Peking House, shuttered due to the pandemic, he stepped in to do what he could and started frying chicken and delivering it to New Yorkers trapped in their apartments. This became wildly more successful than anyone planned on it being and thus Pecking House was born. He is now a fried chicken dealer in a restaurant landscape figuring out its direction in the wake of the pandemic. He has fully embraced the fast-casual restaurant life because it's fun, it’s tasty and you can put food on disposable plates.

Additional Resources

• Pecking House
• How Pecking House's Chili Fried Chicken Became a Smash Hit in NYC
• Eric Huang (@eric.p.huang) • Instagram
• Meet Eric Huang - Founder of Pecking House in New York City

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

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The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Katie Button, CEO / Co-Founder of Katie Button Restaurants: Cúrate, La Bodega by Cúrate, Cúrate Trips, curateathome.com

Guest BioAsheville, North Carolina's beloved Cúrate, a collection of restaurants, online marketplace, wine club and culinary journeys designed to create exceptional and experiential access to Spanish culture. A Southern chef with a scientific mind, Button honed her craft in the kitchens of some of the world's best chefs, most notably Ferran Adrià and José Andrés, before venturing out to open Cúrate Bar de Tapas with husband Felix Meana and her family. Since, they have grown the Cúrate brand to include Cúrate Trips, Cúrate Spanish Wine Club, Cúrate at Home and most recently, La Bodega by Cúrate. Cúrate is part of the Katie Button Restaurants family, which includes Katie Button Media and Magnolia Network’s From The Source, a series exploring the origins and stories behind different ingredients.

Among her many accolades, chef Katie Button was featured as one of Food & Wine's 2015 Best New Chefs. Cúrate was named as one of the "40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years" by Food & Wine and one of the "Most Important Restaurants of the Decade" by Esquire. In 2016, Button released her first cookbook, Cúrate: Authentic Spanish Food from an American Kitchen.

In 2022, the James Beard Foundation nominated Katie for a 2022 Best Chefs in America: Southeast award and Cúrate Bar de Tapas won the Outstanding Hospitality award. Throughout it all, Katie continues to challenge the industry standard, steadily building comprehensive benefits to create a sustainable work environment for her living wage-certified restaurant group. She also is an active participant in the James Beard Foundation's Impact programs and is currently serving on the Independent Restaurant Coalition's leadership team.

Additional Resources

• Cúrate
• La Bodega by Cúrate
• Cúrate Trips
• Just Economics

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

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The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Eric Scheffer, Founder and CEO of Scheffer Group.

Here are some of the highlights:

• How to treat your team like family and do it with sincerity
• How Scheffer has kept staff around for years
• What goes into the group's $1620 average annual spend on health and mental wellness benefits per staff member
• Why Eric's restaurants have a 3% kitchen appreciation fee
• Leading with relentless generosity

Guest Bio

Eric Scheffer has been a pioneer and key member of the Asheville food scene for over 20 years.

Originally from Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, Mr. Scheffer left behind a successful television and advertising career in L.A. to chase his true passions: food, wine, and people. After completely revamping The Savoy in 2000 to become one of the country’s preeminent fine dining restaurants—as well as put Asheville on the map as a restaurant destination—he went on to co-found AIR, the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association.

Among Mr. Scheffer’s numerous hospitality ventures are the creation of Dining Innovations, Asheville’s premiere catering & corporate events company, Bodega Gratia, a boutique Argentinian winery, and Victus World Imports, where he imported wines from Argentina, Spain, and France. He currently owns Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian (voted best Italian restaurant in Asheville for 10 years in a row) and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, which sit at number 2 and 3 on TripAdvisor’s best Asheville restaurants, respectively. With a slew of other concepts in the works, Mr. Scheffer is only just getting started.

With the Scheffer Group, he’s proud to showcase the culmination of his hospitality experience. “Relentless generosity brings us closer together,” he often says, and the spirit of that sentiment is easy to see in every project he tackles.

Additional Resources

• The Scheffer Group
• Vinnie's Italian
• Jettie Rae's Oyster House
• Cielo Catering Asheville
• Lantern Health

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

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The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts (formerly The Restaurant Growth Podcast)breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Newton Hoang, Director of Marketing & IT at 7 Leaves Cafe. Here are some of the highlights:

• How your customers and employees are a reflection of one another
• 7 Leaves’ foray into mobile ordering
• Building a Culture of Care that keep employees engaged and boosts retention
• How technology can help make all of the above easier

Guest BioNewton Hoang is a: Marketing and IT unicorn. 25+ year food and beverage industry purist. Straight shooter with a side of empathy. Servant leader. Girl dad first, everything else second.

Additional Resources

• 7 Leaves Cafe
• Join Us - 7 Leaves Cafe
• Newton Hoang on LinkedIn
• AskNicely
• Grandma's House of Hope

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

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The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Kelly Phillips, Founder of Destination Unknown Restaurants. Here are some of the highlights:

• How Kelly started her businesses
• The decision to put many of her staff on a salary
• The impact that salaries have had on the team dynamic
• Why salaried roles in restaurants aren’t all that radical
• And how you can explore new comp strategies at your restaurant

Guest BioKelly is Founder and Partner in Destination Unknown Restaurants, which is known across DC for Ghostburger (2020, 2022), Taqueria Las Gemelas (2021), and Destino (2021). Recent career accomplishments for Kelly include welcoming President Biden into Taqueria Las Gemelas for Cinco de Mayo shortly after the concept's opening, being part of the 2021 RAMMY winning team for the restaurant group's nomination in multiple categories, and landing on Washington Business Journal's 40 Under 40 2022 list and FSR's 2022 "Rising Stars" list. Kelly was also an integral part of the leadership team that transformed Las Gemelas Cocina Mexicana into Destino in December 2021. It reopened to glowing feedback from guests for their ambitious rustic Mexican fare. Shortly thereafter, Destino landed on Washingtonian Magazine's competitive list of the top 25 Best New Restaurants that opened during the pandemic alongside sister restaurant, Las Gemelas. In late summer 2022, Kelly also transitioned her first restaurant, Espita, into Ghostburger's first standalone concept in a full circle moment for the award-winning pandemic pop-up that began in Espita's Mexican kitchen. Across all of these concepts, Kelly has implemented a living wage at all of her restaurants and eliminated tipping, which she hopes will show other restaurateurs that reevaluating your wage structure is possible, and may even make your restaurant more successful.

Additional Resources

• Destination Unknown Restaurants
• Destino
• Taqueria Las Gemelas
• Ghostburger
• Biden calls in Ghostburger takeout order, leaves employee speechless - The Washington Post
• President Biden Surprises a DC Taqueria Owner by Dropping by on Cinco De Mayo - Washingtonian
• Virtual Restaurant Roundtable on Tip Management and Stra

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog CreditsHost & Executive Producer: D.J. Costantino
Editor: Fina Charleston
Producer: Samantha Fung
Designer: Jake Sinclair

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The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

On this episode, we’re joined by Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco. Here are some of the highlights:

• How the restaurant industry has changed over Anthony’s decade-long career
• Bartaco’s heavy lean-in on technology
• The unique approach to training and career development
• Bartaco’s radical wage structure
• And how all of those practices have bartaco poised for growth in 2023

About Anthony Valletta

Anthony Valletta is a restaurant and hospitality industry veteran with over 20 years of experience and deep knowledge in growing brands both big and small. Throughout his career, Valletta has opened two dozen restaurants with varying concepts. He currently serves as the President of bartaco, the upscale street food restaurant brand with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment, and was previously the Company’s SVP of Operations. As President, Anthony is focused on helping bartaco grow while deepening its ties to local communities by creating jobs with growth opportunities. Prior to joining the bartaco team, Valletta served as Chief Operating Officer at restaurant tech concept, Birdcall. Other previous roles include Chief Operating Officer at fine dining concept Michael Mina in San Francisco, as well as Director of Operations at Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, where he oversaw locations in Chicago, Denver, New York City, Washington D.C., and Boston.

Anthony is passionate about humanitarianism and has been named Humanitarian of the Year twice, once in 2014 by the Greg Hill Foundation and again in 2018 by March of Dimes. He received his Bachelor of Hospitality Administration and Hospitality Administration/Management from Boston University.

Additional Resources

• bartaco careers
• GiANT Worldwide
• 1Huddle
• OneDine
• Anthony Valletta on LinkedIn
• Scott Lawton on LinkedIn

Listen, rate, and subscribe!SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsYouTubeTikTok7shifts Blog

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How do you create a restaurant culture that attracts staff and retains them?

We asked someone who’s done it—the one and only Danny Meyer.

Danny Meyer is the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, one of the most prolific restaurateurs of our time. Danny is also a founder of Enlightened Hospitality Investments, which invests in companies that serve the hospitality space.

Danny joined 7shifts CEO, Jordan Boesch, for a talk hosted by Danny Klein of Food News Media. From what culture is, to how it’s built, and how to use servant leadership, a lot of ground was covered. 

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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How do you create a restaurant culture that attracts staff and retains them?

We asked someone who’s done it—the one and only Danny Meyer.

Danny Meyer is the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, one of the most prolific restaurateurs of our time. Danny is also a founder of Enlightened Hospitality Investments, which invests in companies that serve the hospitality space.

Danny joined 7shifts CEO, Jordan Boesch, for a talk hosted by Danny Klein of Food News Media. From what culture is, to how it’s built, and how to use servant leadership, a lot of ground was covered. 

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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The restaurant business is notorious for being a tough one to work in. And for decades, it has been. But we’re at an inflection point—and restaurant leaders are rethinking what it means to be a part of this industry right now. A better work environment is here, and for guys like Adam Lamb, it’s a long time coming.

Adam and I sat down to discuss his career as a chef, when he realized that things needed to change, and how he’s begun to do just that from his position as a leader. We also chat about what the new kitchen culture looks like, and how we can achieve it.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shifts

Since 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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Zunzi’s has one promise: to make everyone walk away saying “Shit Yeah!” Chris Smith, alongside his role as CEO, is the protector of that promise. 

In this episode, we chat with Chris about the culture at Zunzi’s and Zunzibar: the why behind it, how they maintain it, and what they hope it will do for their guests, community, and most importantly, their team. 

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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On the latest episode of the show, we are joined by Amie Kang, the owner of MáLà Project in New York City.

Amelie opened the first location of her restaurant at the young age of 23—and has learned a lot of lessons along the way. Amelie takes us through: 

• How her role (and team!) has changed as they've expanded to three locations
• Her team’s people-first approach to employee management
• Hopes for the future of the restaurant business
• What to order in your Szechuan dry pot
• And more!

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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Matt Plapp and his team have been to more restaurants than anyone. Since 2021, they’ve taken cross country to visit and document America’s best independent restaurants. And they’ve learned what separates successful restaurants from struggling ones.

Matt joins us on the Restaurant Growth Podcast to chat about:

• His career in radio advertising to restaurant marketing
• What 90 to 95% or restaurant are not doing—but should be
• A ton of creative ways to collect customer data
• The importance of storytelling
• Whether or not Matt has taken his van to Hawaii
• And more!

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino. Meet Matt PlappFirst, I’m a husband to Christy for the past 20 years, then a father to Paige & Cole. Next I’m an AVID marketer, CrossFitter, Author, Speaker, Consultant & Business Coach. I’ve owned my marketing firm since 2008 and since then we’ve helped hundreds of companies market with a purpose, that purpose is ROI! Since 2016 our main focus has been to help independent restaurants and today we help restaurants all over the country.

I commonly get asked, “Matt what do you do”?

1 I’m the CEO of America’s Best Restaurants. We help independent restaurants tell their stories, acquire customers and build sales momentum.

2 I’ve written 3 books on restaurant marketing and my 4th is coming out late 2023

3 I’ve personally traveled to over 1,000 restaurants to understand what works and what doesn’t, when it comes to restaurant marketing. CLICK HERE to see what I learned on that path.

4 I’m the host of two podcasts. MPTV is my podcast talking to restaurant owners and fellow entrepreneurs. Restaurant Expert Roundup is the 2nd podcast where I interview authors and influencers in the restaurant business.

At the end of the day, I exist to help independent restaurant owners WIN! And this didn’t start yesterday. It started in 1999 when I first started helping restaurants working for WGRR 103.5 with radio advertising. By 2008 I had become an accidental expert in digital marketing and turned my attention to consulting. Fast forward to 2015 and I’d created an online marketing strategy that helped restaurants FINALLY see results with their marketing and build their customer database like never before.

About 7shifts

Since 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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Alex Canter is a fourth generation restaurateur at Canter’s, the famous Los Angeles deli. And he was very early on the delivery and virtual restaurant game. Now, he’s a leader in the space at Nextbite, creating virtual brands with celebrities and helping small restaurants maximize revenue in the process. We chat about:

• The early days of food delivery in LA
• The growing pains of adding delivery to a decades-old brand
• Alex’s first virtual brand, Grilled Cheese Heaven
• The creation of Ordermark, and later Nextbite
• How to build a brand from nothing
• Fax machines
• And more!

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

Meet Alex Canter

Alex is a restaurant industry innovator, in-demand speaker, and passionate advocate for restaurant operators and workers. He was raised in the kitchen of the world-famous Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles, where he and his team started work on what would become Nextbite. A fourth-generation restaurateur, the restaurant business has been in Alex’s blood for over 90 years. In addition to being the visionary and leader of Nextbite, Alex is active with the Techstars network and enjoys mentoring other restaurant technology entrepreneurs and occasional angel investing. He is a 2019 recipient of the Forbes 30 Under 30, Fast Casual Executive’s Top 25 and a recipient of Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2022 Top 50 Power List. Alex previously led several technology ventures and most recently, Nextbite announced the close of its $120M Series C funding round led by Softbank. About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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Ghost kitchens are hot. But that doesn’t mean they’re for every operator.

Kristen Barnett joins us on this episode of the Restaurant Growth Podcast. Kristen knows ghost kitchens well—and after a stint at Zuul, she went to found her own ghost kitchen, Hungry House. We get into:

• Ghost kitchen myths
• When the ghost kitchen model is a good idea for an operator
• What you need to know to be successful with this restaurant model
• Why Hungry House is called an “anti” ghost kitchen
• And more!

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

Meet Kristen BarnettKristen Barnett is the founder & CEO of Hungry House, a NYC-based startup that partners with digitally-native chefs to bring their culinary ideas into reality through the Hungry House platform.

Kristen started her career in the New York City office of The Boston Consulting Group. She unfortunately soon began to struggle with her health after contracting Chronic Lyme disease and she became seriously ill. Desperate to feel better, she turned to dietary change to feel better and she had miraculous results. Determined to make a bigger impact, she left consulting to pursue a career in the food industry. Since then, she’s worked at DIG (formerly Dig Inn) where she was Director of Strategic Operations and led supply chain strategy, menu development and their food delivery and ghost kitchen business. Kristen then went on to join Zuul, a ghost kitchen tech startup where she served as Chief Operating Officer and led product strategy to develop a proprietary tech platform and multiple virtual brands. After Zuul was acquired by ghost kitchen competitor, Kitchen United in summer 2021, she went on to found Hungry House. Having borne witness to the explosive growth in the ghost kitchen industry, mainly with a commoditized and unhealthy product offering, she decided to found Hungry House in summer 2021 to create the first direct-to-consumer ghost kitchen company focusing on sustainability, diversity, quality & transparency.

Kristen graduated from Cornell University magna cum laude and is passionate about plant-based eating and supporting other women in the food industry through a semiregular women-in-food dinner series.

About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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**Customer loyalty has come a long way from the paper punch card. Now it seems like every restaurant has their own app, their own loyalty programs, and their own way to reward customers and keep them coming back.

We’re joined on this episode by Phil Crawford, the chief technology officer of CKE brands, better known as the parent of Carl's Jr. & Hardees. And we’re talking all things customer loyalty tech. We get into:**

• Why digital loyalty programs are so essential right now
• What type of rewards programs are driving guest satisfaction
• How to use tech to enhance the customer experience—without replacing the human element
• The tech that will be common for restaurants in 2032

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shifts

Since 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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How do you stay on the pulse of what customers want? By paying close attention. 

Mijo Alanis has found success in his career by staying ahead of the curve—opening a juice and smoothie shop long before they were as ubiquitous as they are now. Mijo tells the story of Beyond Juicery from the way beginning of his career, how they’ve grown through franchising, and the “bus tub” moments that have helped him give the people what they want.

In this episode, we cover:

• The moment that Mijo Alanis and his wife, Pam Vivio, decided to start a juice bar
• Beyond Juciery + Eatery’s early days
• Expansion through franchising
• How to step away from the day to day as you grow
• The “bus tub” moments that give you customer insights

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shifts

Since 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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As editor at Food News Media, Danny Klein has a 30,000-foot view of everything that's going on in our industry. So from curbside pickup to QR codes, to the labor shortage to loyalty, Danny has a ton of thoughts to share. It's an episode that's just packed with breakdowns, some hot takes, and knowledge bombs that you can take back to your teams.

In this episode, we cover:

• The different challenges facing both major brands and independents after the pandemic
• What advantages that independents have right now
• Emerging trends like the “next-gen casual” restaurant
• Pandemic trends that will last—and what won’t (hint: QR codes)

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

Meet Danny Klein

Danny Klein is the Editorial Director at Food News Media, publisher of QSR and FSR magazines. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, Danny spent more than a decade covering high school, college, and professional sports throughout Florida before joining Food News Media as the associate editor of FSR magazine in 2015.

Big Ideas

There is a ton of opportunity for independent diners to leverage loyalty programs

“How can you create a community of loyal diners, who you're giving them a reason to come back. And for independents, that opportunity is as big, or if not greater than it is for quick service, because you tend to have really loyal, guests, you have people who I've talked to, people who go to the same local place three or four times a week and have been doing it for years. It's generational and they've passed it down.

Maybe it's a texting program, maybe it's an email program, but just what are ways that you can offer that person something to join where you're constantly communicating with them, letting them know what's happening, giving them options to support you. And so I think there's a there's a lot of white space there.”

“Next-gen Casual” restaurants are an emerging trend

“So what this essentially is, is a combination of those two worlds, because you have a section of chains, basically in the full service space.

They operate in and live the world of being an independent restaurant and how they look inside the type of food that they offer yet. They are mid-size and they're growing. So they kind of are able to handle what's happening yet at the same time. Give the consumer what they want, and also deliver on some convenience and tech things that are out of reach for a lot of independence from a financial standpoint.”

Examples of next-gen casual restaurants mentioned are Walk-On’s Sports Bistreax and Agave & Rye.

The brands that make employee experience better will surge to the forefront

“If you could tell [employees], ‘you can work, pick your hours, you could be flexible. You have the ability to work whatever shifts you want to work around whatever you're doing outside of working here.’ [Or,] ‘we understand it's a one-stop for you,’ or, ‘Hey, look, if you work here for a year, we'll give you this, and then you can become a GM, and you'd be making six figures.’ All that kind of stuff I think is sort of surging to the forefront.”

About 7shifts

Since 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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Brandon Poole spent his career building national restaurant brands at restaurants like Pita Pit, and now he’s using what he’s learned to help businesses do this same with his new venture, BrandGabs. In this episode, Brandon and DJ chat about the value in creating a brand that drives decisions, how to use it to create competitive advantage, and how to foster what Brandon calls “grounded certainty” in your business. 

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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The hospitality industry doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to work-life balance. Monte Silva wants to change that. After a successful run as GM from Wolfgang Puck led to burnout, Silva is determined to figure out how to run profitable restaurants without sacrificing himself. Now, he teaches what he learned to restaurant owners through his coaching business, #Restauranteur. Monte joined us on the podcast to tell us his story and offer listeners tips on how to work “on” their business, not “in” their business.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by DJ Costantino.

About 7shifts
Since 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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This episode of the Restaurant Growth Podcast features David Scott Peters. He's a restaurant coach and speaker who teaches restaurant operators how to cut costs and increase profits with his restaurant prosperity formula.  We break down what a prosperous restaurant does. How to find and train managers that compliment you and go through new ways to tackle a few familiar labor cost scenarios.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick, “DJ” Costantino
About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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The conventional methods of measuring restaurant labor cost—as a percentage of sales—are no longer enough to ensure success. One way to find success is to start measuring labor productivity—the number of customers your team can serve. We chat with Jim Taylor, founder of BenchmarkSixty, about why restaurants should be tracking labor productivity, the data you need how to do that and the huge impact it can have on your restaurant success.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick, “DJ” Costantino

About Jim TaylorBefore going into business for himself, Jim had a long and successful career with Cactus Club Cafe restaurants. Operating in multiple roles and several markets, Jim took a lead role in both the growth and financial strategies that helped make Cactus restaurants a household name in Canada.

Jim is the creator of Benchmark Sixty - A one-of-a-kind restaurant financial optimization strategy designed for restaurateurs to dramatically increase their profit margins by understanding data, implementing benchmarks, and using metrics to improve productivity. This signature platform has helped hundreds of restaurants start on the right foot, land on their feet, or position for solid growth moving forward. It has also been battle-tested during the challenging Covid-19 restrictions.

Using a proprietary strategy, Jim and his team work with restaurant operators to navigate the new normal of the restaurant industry where everything from wage structure to menu pricing and cost management have changed.

Jim's business goals are focused primarily on doing what he can to improve the overall state of the restaurant industry. Having grown up in it and witnessing firsthand the challenges it and the people working in its face, he aspires to make it better for the next generation of restaurateurs.

Ultimately Jim aims to "Change the way the entire restaurant industry looks at labor costs in order to protect profit AND employee experience."

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Restaurant growth is the sum of getting a lot of things right: company culture, real estate, SOPs, and more. Lauren Fernandez has done it as a franchisee at Chicken Salad Chick, and now at Full Course, where she and her team invest in and help single-unit restaurateurs grow their brands at scale.

In this episode, we chat about:

• making the right real estate decisions
• systematizing as you scale your brand
• offering the right benefits in a changing labor market

**The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by Dominick “D.J.” Costantino.

About Lauren Fernandez**Lauren Fernandez is the CEO and founder of Full Course, a non-traditional restaurant investment and development firm created for operators by operators that is changing the way new businesses grow their brands. The company partners with restaurants in the early stages of development to optimize existing operations, develop strategies for sustainable growth and bring the right investors or franchise partners to the table. Fernandez is a restaurant industry veteran with two decades of experience. She previously served as General Counsel and Head of Franchise Administration for FOCUS Brands and was Co-Founder, President and Operating Partner for multi-unit franchise developer Origin Development Group, acting as a strategic growth partner for brands such as Chicken Salad Chick.

About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team is comprised of people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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ClusterTruck is not your average restaurant. They have no front of house staff, no dining rooms, and a menu with 80+ items, delivered within 10 minutes of being boxed up. How do they do it? With a combination of cutting-edge software, savvy menu engineering, and a commitment to great hospitality. We chat with Charles Wright, ClusterTruck’s VP of Operations, about staffing a delivery-only restaurant, the logistics of huge menus, and more on this episode of the Restaurant Growth Podcast.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by Dominick “D.J.” Costantino. About Charles WrightCharles has spent a majority of their professional career working in the restaurant industry in operations. His time was split between Panera Bread, YUM! Brands, and most recently Chipotle. In 2020, Charles made the leap and began working for startup companies in Indianapolis, and he currently serve as the Vice President Of Operations at ClusterTruck.

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\What helps set your restaurant apart as an employer? Is it wages, benefits, or how you treat your team? At &pizza, it’s all of it, and they’re growing at a rapid pace despite what many are calling a labor shortage. Learn from &pizza’s President, Andy Hooper about how they’ve been able to lead the charge when it comes to employee experience, how to offer creative benefits and why they haven’t had much trouble hiring these past two years.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by Dominick “D.J.” Costantino.

About Andy Hooper

Andy Hooper is a restaurant industry veteran with over 15 years of people, operations, brand and technology leadership experience. He has led diverse multi-unit teams for both domestic and international brands, responsible for shaping culture, product and culinary innovation, talent development and guest satisfaction and engagement.

Andy currently serves as President for &pizza, having previously served as Chief People Officer and Chief Operating Officer, since joining the brand in 2018. Prior to &pizza, Andy served as the Chief Innovation Officer and Chief People Officer for Cafe Rio Mexican Grill. In his early career, Andy held a variety of leadership roles in human resources for Burger King Corporation, both domestically and internationally. Andy earned a degree in marketing and human resources from the University of Miami Business School. He and his family live on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

About 7shiftsSince 2014, 7shifts has helped restaurant managers schedule, evaluate, and communicate with their workforce. Our team comprises people who live and breathe restaurant culture and strive to help our customers simplify team management, every single day.

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The Restaurant Growth Podcast by 7shifts brings together restaurant leaders from all corners of our industry: full-service, quick-service, tech, and everyone who helps push hospitality forward. In short, 15- to 20-minute episodes, you’ll come away with practical tips, new insight, and tactics to help your restaurant grow.

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How do you beat the restaurant industry labor shortage? By focusing on the people already working for you. In this employment landscape, team member retention is more important than ever before. 

We chat with Dan Simpson, CEO of Taziki's, which with nearly 100 locations and 3000 employees, manage to retain staff at a rate higher than the industry average. How? By developing a keen understanding of who works for them and what they can do to provide them with a career that is reflective of that. 

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts and hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino

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Restaurant Marketing doesn’t begin and end—it’s ever moving. We sit down with Chip Klose, founder of Restaurant Strategy to chat though the restaurant marketing flywheel of attract, retain, evangelize, with strategies for how to win at each. The best part? The marketing flywheel applies both to customers and your own team. 

The 7shifts' Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino

About 7shifts

7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We  help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their  staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team  communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a  time.

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What would it be like to get paid every day? Now, it’s possible. Learn about the financial revolution that is real-time pay and earned wage access, and how Nico Simko and the team at Clair are making financial wellness attainable for hourly workers. We also chat about how 7shifts and Clair work together to provide restaurant owners with this compelling benefit to offer their teams.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "DJ" Costantino, 7shifts content writer

About Nico Simko

Nico Simko is the CEO and Co-Founder of Clair, a New York-based  fintech company that is breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle by  offering fee-free on-demand pay to America's workers.

Prior  to co-founding Clair, Simko led the M&A due diligence process for  J.P. Morgan’s payments division. There, he gained insight and expertise  into the lesser-known financial pain points that many Americans face —  including high-interest payday loans — which eventually led to the  conception of Clair.

Since  its founding in 2019, Clair has become accessible to millions of hourly  workers across America. The company closed a $15M Series A earlier this  year that it plans to use to continue fine-tuning its on-demand pay  product, as well as expand its suite of financial tools for America’s  workforce.

Originally from Switzerland and Argentina, Nico holds a B.A in Economics from Harvard University.

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Are you meeting the demand of local diners? Are you leveraging social media properly? Are you leaving money on the table? These are all questions that you should ask as you lay the foundations for a $10 million dollar restaurant. Josh Kopel, restautauateur and content creator, lays the blueprint for reaching profitability and then some in this tactic-packed episode.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is brought to you by 7shifts and hosted by Dominick “D.J.” Costantino

About Josh Kopel

Josh Kopel is a restaurateur, tech pioneer and environmental advocate. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the spawn of bootleggers and retail giants, he was bred for the hospitality industry. Throughout Kopel’s 20+ year career in hospitality he has managed venues ranging from the Alligator Bayou Bar, located on Alligator Bayou Road, seated on Alligator Bayou (it was exactly how you’re picturing it in your mind) to the hottest Hollywood nightclubs, bars, and ultra-lounges (far less glamorous than you’re picturing it in your mind).

Kopel went independent in 2010, opening his first concept Five0Four, a New Orleans-inspired bar, on the Walk of Fame in the heart of Hollywood. In subsequent years, he would open the Michelin-rated fine dining concept, Preux & Proper as well as South City Fried Chicken, voted the best fried chicken in Los Angeles by LA Weekly. Despite his success, he saw foundational issues within the industry and set out to fix them himself.

In 2018, Kopel founded FLO Hospitality Solutions, a company solely focused on leveraging tech to bring more humanity to the customer service experience, not less. His first product, FLO, launched in 2019 offering an all-in-one communication solution for restaurants, saving restaurateurs 1,500 labor hours per year while increasing their profits, on average, 5-15%. .

In 2020, the pandemic offered another opportunity for Kopel to serve the industry. In response to the devastation he saw, Josh created FULL COMP, a podcast, blog and video series dedicated to seeking out thought leaders from within and outside of the hospitality industry, using their wisdom to help the restaurateurs survive the present and thrive in the future.

Kopel’s varied interests and talents have landed him several positions of influence including board seats on the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council and the California Restaurant Association. He is also a co-founder of the Friends of Runyon Canyon, a non-profit focused on the protection of local Los Angeles Park areas.

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The restaurant industry is anything but predictable. But there are two major costs that you have more control over: food costs and labor costs. These two combined make for prime costs, which can be even better manged with the use of modern restaurant technology. Steven Downer from XtraChef by Toast came by to chat about the micro-adjustments made possible by restaurant tech that can help restaurant owners stay more on top of their controllable costs.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts, and hosted by Dominick "DJ" Costantino.

About 7shifts

7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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For our tenth episode, we welcome the authors of Delivering the Digital Restaurant, Carl Osbourn and Meredith Sandland. Delivering The Digital Restaurant explores the world of off premise food and the massive disruption facing American restaurants through first-hand accounts of restaurateurs, food industry veterans, and start up entrepreneurs. We chat about how the book came about, who it's for, and how technology can help restaurant during the labor crisis.

The Restaurant Growth Podcast is presented by 7shifts, and hosted by Dominick "DJ" Costantino.

About Meredith Sandland

Spent two decades in consulting, corporate strategy, and restaurant development. After building 1000+ restaurants as the Chief Development Officer at Yum! Brands’ Taco Bell, Meredith observed that the on-demand economy was starting to affect restaurants. Meredith joined ghost kitchen start-up Kitchen United as employee #4 to create their business model, raise initial capital, and serve as the public face of the GV (Google Ventures) backed disruptor. Meredith lives in Orange County, California with her three favorite guys: husband, Scott; son, Lincoln; and dog, Kobe.

About Carl Osbourn

Carl led BP-owned ampm and its billion-dollar grab-and go food and beverage offering across the brand’s 1000+ convenience retail locations. At BP, Carl obsessed over consumer convenience, and transformed ampm’s fresh food offerings to deliver record growth. In 2018, Carl joined

Kitchen United to lead Operations, working with restaurant brands to reinvent an operating system that capitalized on the rapidly changing face of

food delivery. Carl, his wife Elicia, and their two cats, Positano and Ravello, live in Orange County, California.

About 7shifts

7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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How do you train a deskless workforce with modern technology? Through our great uniter—the text message. We welcome Rachael Nemeth, Co-founder and CEO of Opus Training on the show to discuss Opus' text message-based learning platform for frontline workers, onboarding and training the deskless workforce, and how a great training program can help keep employees around.

The 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino, 7shifts' Content Writer.

About Rachael Nemeth
Rachael Nemeth is the CEO and Cofounder of Opus, a platform that helps employers design and deliver text message-based courses to their "deskless" workforce. Her background combines decades of experience in the service industry, instructional design, and second language acquisition. Before Opus, she worked in Operations and HR for Danny Meyer's, Union Square Hospitality Group, Baked, and Hot Bread Kitchen, an NGO that teaches baking production skills to underrepresented women. Her first company, ESL Works brought industry-relevant English training to New York City kitchens. Rachael is an alum of The New School and is from Kansas City (the Kansas side, if you're wondering).

About 7shifts
7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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We have a very special episode to share with you all, featuring the one and only Danny Meyer. We had the pleasure of hosting Danny (virtually) in our offices for a fireside chat with our CEO, Jordan Boesch. Danny went over his career, philosophy on hiring for his teams, the state of the restaurant industry, the early days of restaurant technology, and answered some questions from our team. It's an episode that you don't want to miss. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

About Danny MeyerBorn and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Danny Meyer grew up in a family that relished great food and hospitality. Thanks to his father’s travel business, which designed custom European trips, Danny spent much of his childhood eating, visiting near and far-off places, and sowing the seeds for his future passion. In 1985, at the age of 27, Danny opened his first restaurant, Union Square Cafe, launching what would become a lifelong career in hospitality.

Thirty years later, Danny’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) comprises some of New York’s most beloved and acclaimed restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, Maialino, and more. Danny and USHG founded Shake Shack, the modern-day “roadside” burger restaurant, which became a public company in 2015. USHG also offers large-scale event services, foodservice solutions for public and private institutions, industry consulting, and educational programming.

Under Danny’s leadership, USHG is renowned not only for its acclaimed restaurants but also for its distinctive and celebrated culture of Enlightened Hospitality. This guiding principle of prioritizing employees first and foremost has driven and shaped USHG’s ongoing evolution from a small group of restaurants into a multi-faceted hospitality organization.

Danny and USHG’s diverse ventures have added to the hospitality dialogue in many contexts including dining options in museums, sports arenas, and cultural institutions, as well as prescient investments in burgeoning neighborhoods.

Danny’s groundbreaking business book, Setting the Table (HarperCollins, 2006), a New York Times Bestseller, articulates a set of signature business and life principles that translate to a wide range of industries. A celebrated speaker and educator, Danny has set industry standards in areas such as hiring practices, innovative leadership, and corporate responsibility and addresses a wide range of audiences on such topics around the country.

Danny has been generously recognized for his leadership, business achievements, and humanitarianism, including the 2017 Julia Child Award, the 2015 TIME 100 “Most Influential People” list, the 2012 Aspen Institute Preston Robert Tisch Award in Civic Leadership, the 2011 NYU Lewis Rudin Award for Exemplary Service to New York City, and the 2000 IFMA Gold Plate Award. Together, Danny and USHG’s restaurants and individuals have won an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Restaurateur (2005) and Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America (1996).

Danny and his wife, Audrey, live in New York City and have four children. About 7shifts7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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What are your restaurant's core values? If you're not sure, this episode of the podcast will help you figure that out. We sit down with Kelly McCutcheon, VP of People at Hopdoddy Burger Bar to chat about how Kelly and her team sat down and whittled down a list of 50 characteristics into four core values that drive the 32 location machine that is Hopdoddy Burger Bar.

The 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino, 7shifts' Content Writer.

About Kelly McCutcheonIn her hospitality career spanning 20 years, Kelly’s skill for training has grown into a passion for leading and developing others. She’s had the pleasure of leading the creation of a TM to GM career development program, where over 100 Team Members have turned their passion into purpose by advancing their career into a position of leadership. Through experience opening over 60 new restaurant locations, she’s discovered that great training aligns what we do with what we say we do, and great business performance begins by pouring into our people. Her training mission is to help people grow into the best version of themselves. Kelly is currently VP of People for Hopdoddy Burger Bar based in Austin TX. She’s also the Regional Training Director for the Council of Hotel & Restaurant Trainers and a dog mom of 2 adorable rescues.

About 7shifts7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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Now that guests are coming back into your restaurant, it means there are more tables to clean, more guests to attend to, and more side work to complete.

The problem of restaurant task management is not a new one. Restaurateurs named employee engagement their third-biggest challenge going into 2020, meaning that figuring out how to keep your staff productive and motivated has been (and continues to be) a top priority in the restaurant industry.

In this episode, we’ll help you answer that question. Keep listening for our tips on making your staff more efficient and ensuring no task is left incomplete when you go home for the day.

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Opening a restaurant is a big challenge that requires a huge investment of time and money. But the challenges don’t stop there—once open you have to focus on improving processes, managing labor schedules, and controlling restaurant costs.

Whether it’s food cost increases due to inflation or a labor cost rise due to rising minimum wage, cost increases, like taxes, are pretty much a guarantee in the restaurant industry.

This episode answers these questions and more. You’ll learn almost everything you need to know about restaurant costs so that you can remain profitable.

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Welcome to the 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast, where sit down with the best minds in the restaurant industry to inspire you with new ways to improve your business. On this episode, we dive into how to deal with negativity in the restaurant industry, coming both from guests as well as your own team. Ken also leaves with some advice for restaurant employees who are still unsure about going back to work.

The 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino, 7shifts' Content Writer.

About Ken McGarrieKen McGarrie is the cofounder of Korgen Hospitality, a nationwide consulting firm dedicated to helping restauranteurs reach their absolute potential with effective leadership and maximum profitability. For the past two decades, he has helmed many successful restaurants, bars, and entertainment-based venues with a relentless focus on anticipatory service, staff empowerment, and attentive hospitality. He has helped launch new concepts and train hospitality leaders throughout the U.S. and Canada. After failing to start an exceptional college band with only average talent, Ken worked as a server/bartender while writing for magazines and newspapers. He started in management the same way that many people do – by surprise. When his GM asked if he would take a set of keys and open the restaurant on occasion, he was suddenly promoted to manager with no training or preparation, like so many others in the industry.

Ken went on to open and manage numerous successful restaurants and entertainment venues. With Korgen Hospitality, he has an exceptional client list, including helping open over a dozen restaurants with celebrity chef Fabio Viviani nationwide. An amateur guitarist, avid podcast enthusiast, and stand-up comedy devotee, Ken is currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Learn more at www.korgenhospitality.com.

About 7shifts
7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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Welcome to the 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast, where sit down with the best minds in the restaurant industry to inspire you with new ways to improve your business. In this episode, Shrad Rao, CEO of Wagepoint, discusses just how far restaurant tech has come in the last decade, and the wealth of technology available to restaurants right now. We also dive into some payroll best practices (and horror stories) and discuss how solid payroll practices can help retain employees.

The 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino, 7shifts' Content Writer.

About WagepointWagepoint is built just for small businesses and the bookkeepers and accountants who serve them. That goes for everything from product features and pricing to how we define our customer model — in a way that ensures our customers feel like Wagepoint is a friend who just happens to know a lot about payroll.

About 7shifts
7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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Welcome to the 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast, where sit down with the best minds in the restaurant industry to inspire you with new ways to improve your business. On this episode, Jensen Cummings, chef, and creator of Best Served Creative, chats about the labor shortage and what red flags to look for when looking for jobs in the restaurant industry.

The 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino, 7shifts' Content Writer.

About Jensen CummingsJensen Cummings is a fifth-generation Chef & Certified Cicerone, based in Denver, CO.. His brands Best Served Creative and Best Served Podcast are working tirelessly in the pursuit of valuing and focusing on Why and Who before what and how for the Hospitality Industry. Their mission is to advance acknowledgment of our purpose and our people through storytelling, marketing and evolving the business model of restaurants and F&B hospitality.

About 7shifts7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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Welcome to the 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast, where we sit down with the best minds in the restaurant industry to inspire you with new ways to improve your business. We had the chance to sit down with Shawn P Walchef. Shawn is the owner of Cali Comfort BBQ in San Diego and hosts the Digital Hospitality podcast. Since 2008, Cali Comfort has generated $25 million in sales from just one location. They just opened their second—a"friendly" ghost kitchen—a new chapter in the Cali BBQ story, with plans to scale with a "slow food fast" mentality.

The 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino, 7shifts' Content Writer.

About Shawn WalchefSince opening Cali BBQ in 2008, Shawn and Rositsa Walchef have incorporated the Bulgarian traditions of hospitality into every facet of their expanding business empire, from evolving their restaurant for 2020 and beyond with easy online ordering of BBQ online, to publishing podcasts and other digital media through Cali BBQ Media.

About 7shifts7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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Not sure how to schedule employees effectively? We got you covered.

Effective employee scheduling is simple in theory: Create optimal work schedules, so you’re never over or understaffed. But in practice, it’s anything but.

With the many types of shifts to choose from like rotating, fixed, and on-call shifts, and over 500 shift patterns, creating a schedule that’s right for your business can be a huge challenge. And even once you’ve created a schedule, there’s no guarantee it'll remain optimal as you have to contend with last-minute shift changes and requests for time off.

Thankfully, there’s good news. In this episode, you’ll learn what the keys to effective scheduling are and how to schedule employees effectively in 8 simple steps. View the keys to effective scheduling as the building blocks for creating a schedule.

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Welcome to the 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast, where we sit down with the best minds in the restaurant industry to inspire you with new ways to improve your business.

The 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino, 7shifts' Content Writer.

About Eric CacciatorreEric Cacciatore is the host of Restaurant Unstoppable, the number one restaurant industry podcast. Since 2013, Eric has been sharing the stories, ideas, knowledge, values, energy, recommendations, and mentorship from proven successful restaurateurs.

About 7shifts7shifts is a team management platform designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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Welcome to the 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast, where we sit down with the best minds in the restaurant industry to inspire you with new ways to improve your business.

The 7shifts Restaurant Growth Podcast, is hosted by Dominick "D.J." Costantino, 7shifts' Content Writer.

About Preston Junger

Preston is an optimistic entrepreneurial-minded sales leader, advisor & board member with international chops. Raises the bar for success with a unique perspective and commitment to building & growing with execution from the ground up. Excels in coaching & inspiring others to rally around a common mission to get things done utilizing the resources you have.

A lifelong builder & believer in creating impact-based solutions and working with great people to grow businesses, Preston is currently Vice President of Sales & Head of U.S. Operations for 7shifts, the leader in simplifying labor management and improving performance for restaurants, freeing up time for managers to focus on serving their customers.

Prior to 7shifts, Preston provided experience from Apple, Yahoo! & IAC (Evite, Citysearch, Ticketmaster, Match.com, Expedia, and others) to build and scale Yelp's business from $2MM to $700MM in annual revenue, and 80 to 4,000 employees from 2008 through 2016.

Preston also formerly co-founded Mile Square Labs as a startup consulting company and is currently a board member for the company, which consists of 30+ expert advisors providing hands-on business consulting, sales and customer success guidance for early-stage to scale-up companies in Europe, Scandinavia, South America & North America. Through his work, Preston has advised, mentored, coached or worked directly with 200+ company founders, investors and accelerators helping them grow their businesses and expand into new markets and segments.

About 7shifts
7shifts is a labor management software designed for restaurants. We help managers and operators spend less time and effort scheduling their staff, reduce their monthly labor costs and streamline team communication. The result is simplified labor management, one shift at a time.

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In this episode, we’ll define a feasibility study, outline the sections restaurant feasibility should have, and identify the best practices you should follow when conducting one. 

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A restaurant interview can take many forms – a group interview, an open interview, or a scheduled one-on-one interview, to name a few. No matter the setting, having poise, being authentic, exuding confidence, and articulating knowledge will help you stand out from other candidates.

Dew Smith, the Brand Strategist at 7shifts, shares 12 restaurant interview questions you might be asked to answer, as well as some guidelines on how to answer them to help you prepare for your interview. 

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How do you start moving up? What are the restaurant management skills you need to succeed and how do you acquire them? Is it difficult to get the right training? Do you need a degree? 

Let’s take a look at what a restaurant manager does, what skills they need, and how to brush up on those skills.

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In this episode of 7shifts Audio Series we are going to explore how to create a comprehensive restaurant staff training manual. It will be everyone’s guide for instructions, processes and all the answers to common questions, while being a great reference point to ensure staff feel engaged and supported.

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In this episode of 7shifts Audio Series we explore how restaurants can create a new, upgraded marketing plan and gain a competitive edge in 2021. As we all know, 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone — especially those in the restaurant industry — but a strong marketing plan will help you get back on track.

Download the marketing plan in PDF format - bit.ly/33A4jdp