Chef Andre Natera's evolution from culinary leader to media mogul showcases the changing landscape of professional mentorship. Over his 27-year career, he mastered every position from dishwasher to executive chef, holding nine executive chef positions across diverse culinary environments. Chef's PSA emerged during the pandemic when Andre felt compelled to continue mentoring his staff after COVID-related layoffs. What started as sarcastic Instagram posts evolved into a comprehensive media...

Kimberly Flear shares her transformative journey from a 15-year-old server at a truck stop to becoming a recovery coach for hospitality professionals. Through raw honesty and deep insight, she reveals how the industry's unique culture shaped both her struggles and her path to redemption .   Key Discussion Points: How the hospitality industry's accessibility creates both opportunities and challenges The unique skillset developed in restaurant work, from crisis management to personal...

In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Christine Smith, founder of CS Consulting, to explore how self-awareness transforms restaurant operations and team dynamics. From her early days scooping ice cream to becoming a respected industry consultant, Christine shares insights on leadership development, team building, and creating exceptional guest experiences through enhanced internal relationships . What You'll Learn How self-awareness in leadership directly...

Discover the power of fundamentals as Simon Zatyrka shares essential strategies for restaurant excellence. From menu costing to building a learning culture, this episode delivers actionable insights for immediate implementation. Follow and Connect with Simon • www.culinarymechanic.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠ • Simon's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-zatyrka/ • ⁠⁠⁠Simon's Instag⁠⁠ram⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/simonsez.me • ⁠Simon's Tiktok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@simonsez.me •...

In this milestone 40th episode, host Simon Zatyrka opens up about his dramatic career pivot and the valuable lessons learned along the way. From impromptu consulting gigs to building a personal brand, discover how one chef's quest for fulfillment evolved into a mission to transform restaurant leadership.   Follow and Connect with Simon www.culinarymechanic.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Simon's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-zatyrka/ ⁠⁠⁠ Simon's Instag⁠⁠ram⁠⁠⁠:...

In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, host Simon Zatyrka welcomes back Christin Marvin, a dynamic force in the hospitality industry. Christin brings fresh perspectives on restaurant leadership and employee well-being, drawing from her extensive experience and insights from her new book, "The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap." Key Topics Discussed: Christin's Journey in Hospitality • From bartender to consultant: Christin's career evolution • Lessons learned from various roles in the...

In this episode, we dive deep into the latest restaurant industry trends with expert consultant Aja Beard, founder of Ask Aja Restaurant Consulting. Aja shares her wealth of experience and insights, offering valuable strategies for restaurant owners and managers navigating the challenges of 2024 and beyond. Key Topics Discussed: Aja's Journey in the Restaurant Industry From teenage McDonald's manager to corporate dining executive Transition to consulting and entrepreneurship Launch of her...

In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, we sit down with Robert Simmelink, Director of Culinary Services at Ignite Food Service Solutions, for a deep dive into the evolving world of food service and culinary careers. Robert shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings as a dishwasher to his current role as a leader in the food service equipment industry. With 27 years of experience at a single company, Robert offers unique insights into career longevity and the importance of continuous...

Join Ryan Gromfin, 'The Restaurant Boss,' as he shares his journey and insights on revolutionizing restaurant management. Discover the power of micromanaging systems, not people, and why the industry desperately needs change.   Follow and Connect with Ryan www.therestaurantboss.com www.clickbacon.com https://www.youtube.com/@Therestaurantboss https://www.instagram.com/ryangromfin/   Follow and Connect with Simon www.culinarymechanic.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Simon's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠:...

In this eye-opening episode of the Culinary Mechanic podcast, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Dave Gieselman, a former chef who's transformed his career into a breath work expert and stress management coach. Dave shares his remarkable journey from the chaos of professional kitchens to a life dedicated to helping others find calm in high-pressure environments. Key topics covered: [00:01:30] Dave's early start in the culinary world at age 13 [00:05:45] The addictive nature of kitchen chaos...

Experience the primal allure of cooking with fire as Chef Cory Untch shares his passion for outdoor cuisine. From Forbes five-star restaurants to mountaintop dinners, Corey reveals how he creates unforgettable dining experiences and ignites culinary passion in others.   Follow and Connect with Cory Cory's Email: [email protected] Cory's website: https://www.infinityculinary.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-untch-52067a49/ Instagram:...

Uncover the secrets behind Charlie's barbecue business success. From food truck to brick-and-mortar restaurant, learn how he's building a barbecue empire based on quality, hospitality, and community engagement.   Follow and Connect with Charlie Single Tree Nation Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@singletreebbq https://www.instagram.com/singletreebbq/ https://www.tiktok.com/@singletreebbq https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlieeblen/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/single-tree-bbq/...

Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, community, and cuisine with Ross Chanowski of NuMarket. Learn how this groundbreaking crowdfunding platform is dishing out hope to struggling restaurants while giving food enthusiasts a chance to invest in their local favorites. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about preserving the heart and soul of their community's food scene. Ross Chanowski is the founder of NuMarket, a platform that introduces an innovative...

Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, community, and cuisine with Ross Chanowski of NuMarket. Learn how this groundbreaking crowdfunding platform is dishing out hope to struggling restaurants while giving food enthusiasts a chance to invest in their local favorites. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about preserving the heart and soul of their community's food scene. Ross Chanowski is the founder of NuMarket, a platform that introduces an innovative...

Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the restaurant industry in this eye-opening episode. Matt Wampler of Clear Cogs discusses his journey from sandwich slinger to AI entrepreneur, offering insights on technology adoption and the future of dining Matt is an ex-operator turned tech-founder. He spent close to a decade as a Jimmy Johns franchisee winning awards for Highest COMP and Highest Sales Increase in the chain. Matt is currently the CEO of ClearCOGS with the mission to...

Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the restaurant industry in this eye-opening episode. Matt Wampler of Clear Cogs discusses his journey from sandwich slinger to AI entrepreneur, offering insights on technology adoption and the future of dining Matt is an ex-operator turned tech-founder. He spent close to a decade as a Jimmy Johns franchisee winning awards for Highest COMP and Highest Sales Increase in the chain. Matt is currently the CEO of ClearCOGS with the mission to...

Join host Simon Zatyrka as he interviews Christian Fischer, the 'Disruptive Chef,' who shares his journey from Austrian kitchens to becoming a culinary entrepreneur. Discover how Fischer is revolutionizing the chef industry with innovative approaches to masterminds,side hustles, book writing, and purchasing power. Follow and Connect with Christian Christian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianjfischer/ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/ Christian's...

Join host Simon Zatyrka as he interviews Christian Fischer, the 'Disruptive Chef,' who shares his journey from Austrian kitchens to becoming a culinary entrepreneur. Discover how Fischer is revolutionizing the chef industry with innovative approaches to masterminds,side hustles, book writing, and purchasing power. Follow and Connect with Christian Christian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianjfischer/ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisruptivechef/ Christian's...

Dive into the world of restaurant leadership with Jason E. Brooks as he reveals the keys to success from his book 'Every Leader Needs Followers.' Learn how to balance managing, leading, and coaching to create a thriving hospitality environment. Jason Brooks has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry in multiple leadership roles with 6 of the Top 100 hospitality brands today. Jason coach’s hospitality executives in the art of not just goal setting, but goal getting. He also...

Dive into the world of restaurant leadership with Jason E. Brooks as he reveals the keys to success from his book 'Every Leader Needs Followers.' Learn how to balance managing, leading, and coaching to create a thriving hospitality environment. Jason Brooks has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry in multiple leadership roles with 6 of the Top 100 hospitality brands today. Jason coach’s hospitality executives in the art of not just goal setting, but goal getting. He also...

In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka talks to Laura Wilber, a sales expert who helps restaurants acquire and retain expense account guests. Laura shares her unique perspective from both sides of the dining experience and reveals how restaurants can tap into the lucrative business traveler market through strategic partnerships. Follow and Connect with Laura Follow and Connect with Simon ⁠⁠www.culinarymechanic.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Simon's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Simon's...

In this episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka talks to Laura Wilber, a sales expert who helps restaurants acquire and retain expense account guests. Laura shares her unique perspective from both sides of the dining experience and reveals how restaurants can tap into the lucrative business traveler market through strategic partnerships. Follow and Connect with Laura Follow and Connect with Simon ⁠⁠www.culinarymechanic.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Simon's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Simon's...

In this episode of The Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka talks with Jeff Fell of Fell Into Food about his unique path in the culinary world. From growing up on a farm to becoming a food broker, Jeff shares insights on industry trends, the importance of systems in kitchens, and the evolving role of technology in food service. The conversation explores the changing landscape of culinary careers and the value of adaptability in the modern food industry. Jeff Fell grew up on a...

In this episode of The Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka talks with Jeff Fell of Fell Into Food about his unique path in the culinary world. From growing up on a farm to becoming a food broker, Jeff shares insights on industry trends, the importance of systems in kitchens, and the evolving role of technology in food service. The conversation explores the changing landscape of culinary careers and the value of adaptability in the modern food industry. Jeff Fell grew up on a...