Atul Sood, CEO of Kitchen United, places a unique emphasis on the power of friends as a driving force for both his personal and professional successes. For him, friendships have been pivotal in his career path and creating enjoyable workspaces.  Listen to this interview to learn about the power of relationships, communicating with authenticity, and sharing your struggles with others. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Kittch is a platform for culinary creators unlike any before. By giving a place for chefs to live stream and connect with a community of fans, CEO Brian Bedol and the Kittch team are helping food entrepreneurs make more money while building their brands. Listen to this interview to learn about monetizing food content online, innovating in the digital storytelling space, and becoming Twitch + OnlyFans for cooks. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVs

Scaling a brick-and-mortar restaurant brand is a big challenge. But Micha Magid and Mighty Quinn's BBQ have found success growing their franchise operation by tailoring each new location to the needs of its local market. Listen to this interview to learn about scaling a business non-traditionally, building a restaurant tech stack, and retaining a passionate team. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Evan LeRoy, co-owner of LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, is crafting boundary-breaking menu items and innovative social media. Recognizing a potential beyond mere views and clicks, his restaurant business focuses on crafting videos, podcasts, and more content with value — fostering a community. Listen to this interview to learn about building an online audience, leveraging digital storytelling, and restaurant technology. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Chip Klose, restaurant consultant and host of the Restaurant Strategy podcast, is on a mission to redefine success in the hospitality industry. He guides his clients toward growth, while also helping them challenge the notion that success should be measured by grueling work hours. Work smarter, not harder. Listen to this interview to learn about making 20% profit, social media as a business tool, and the Marketing Triangle. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Devin Eichler, founder/CEO of Crafty Cow, understands that simplicity and relationships are keys to success — in-person AND online. Establishing connections with audiences is paramount and Crafty Cow is finding a way to thrive in the competitive hospitality world. Listen to this interview to learn about streamlining restaurant operations, connecting with customers through personal branding, and learning to ask for help. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Tony Smith is the CEO and co-founder of Restaurant365, a company that's helping improve the fortunes of more than 40,000 restaurants with its back-office management software. The leader stands out for his commitment to transparency and desire to help businesses thrive.  Listen to this interview to learn about bringing numbers to life with software, the value of in-person events, and how to avoid burnout. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Sara Finnegan, chief of staff at Edley's Restaurant Group, has an inspiring recipe for growth. The main ingredient is a Southern Soul. The restaurant industry leader has emerged with a strong and empowered voice to help others succeed. Listen to this interview to learn about giving back to the community, serving on the Toast Customer Advisory Board, user-generated content, and what it means to be a woman in hospitality. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Soliciting feedback from customers is often a daunting task. But Zack Oates and Ovation have cracked the code with a proven strategy that not only encourages guest feedback, but also establishes a personal connection for exceptional results. Listen to this interview to learn how to get feedback from guests in real time, creating brand loyalty through relationships, and digital storytelling that connects. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Gregg Majewski, the visionary CEO/Founder of Craveworthy Brands (@craveworthybrands), has shown that innovation, forward-thinking, and a commitment to personal connections can lead to exceptional achievements and growth in the hospitality industry. Listen to this interview with @greggmajewski to learn about starting his own Craveworthy Media company, scaling multiple brands, and the need for real people in the service industry. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS —...

Elizabeth Chambers of BIRD Bakery knows the power of Smartphone Storytelling to connect with consumers while celebrating the importance of family and food. She has learned the best way to get your real story told is to tell it yourself on your own terms. Listen to this interview with @elizabethchambers to learn about embracing hospitality in every moment, opening an international location, and building social media awareness. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS —...

In Jon Taffer's eyes, the restaurant industry isn't just about serving food and beverage — it's about creating REACTIONS. The Bar Rescue host and executive producer knows the importance of understanding the psychology behind customers' reactions. It’s at the core of his business philosophy. Listen to this interview to learn about defeating self-doubt, keeping authenticity intact, and being in the reaction business. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Sara Kear, Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos (@condadotacos), has embraced the power of social media as a game-changing tool. Sara and her team strategically mapped out Condado Taco's web presence, understanding the unique expectations of consumers for each channel. Listen to this interview to learn about effective use of social media, how to be a CMO, and being forced to pivot in the restaurant business. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Uzi Wizman's culinary journey began as a 16-year-old dishwasher. After opening PSY Kitchen in the heart of the Sherman Oaks Shopping Center in Los Angeles, his passion for growth and innovation led to him founding Borekas (pronounced Bo-Re-Kas) Sephardic Pastries. Listen to this interview to learn about growing a food brand from an Instagram Story, not rushing to expand your business, and sharing culture with the world. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Bennett Maxwell is the founder of cookie franchise Dirty Dough (@dirty_dough) and host of the Deeper than Dough podcast. He embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth that has shaped both his life and his business.  Listen to this interview to learn about creating a company mission statement, finding balance in content creation, and podcasting with a purpose.  Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

In the competitive global restaurant industry, having a unique concept that captivates both operators and consumers is no easy task. But Pepper Lunch has done it. Listen to this interview from the National Restaurant Show with the executive team behind Pepper Lunch — Troy Hooper, Yuto Tago, and Sumio Matsumoto — to learn about Japanese hospitality, embracing global culture, and the “DIY Teppanyaki” brand story. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Lawrence Longo (@bigshot) is the founder/CEO of Off the Menu, a unique concept created out of providing access to food items not on the menu at popular restaurants. The serial entrepreneur is also an operating partner for Irv’s Burger and Prince St. Pizza. Listen to this interview to learn about being the “Don King of Food Promotion”, the secret to business partnerships, and choosing the right influencers to work with your brand. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS —...

Busboys and Poets, a socially conscious restaurant, bookstore, and community hub, was inspired by one of the most famous busboy poets of all time: Langston Hughes. By providing space for all, the full-service restaurant chain has inspired much more than appetites. Listen to this interview from the Toast HQ with Busboys and Poets COO Joy Zarembka to learn about operating an inviting space and being a stage for the community. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS —...

Steve Chang, the owner of Copa Vida, has a unique perspective on building community through coffee shops. He believes that a cafe like Copa Vida should serve as a gathering space; where a community can organically form by allowing people to connect on their own accord. Listen now to learn about building community with a business, the “Go. Enjoy. Experience.” mantra, and how technology helps businesses adapt. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Harold Walters, CEO of Shootz Restaurant, understands the transformative power of social media storytelling. A crucial mindset shift occurred when he embraced the notion that the opinions of others aren’t his concern. He recognized his purpose is to inspire and bring value to others. Listen now to learn about the benefits of using the Ovation platform, switching to Toast from Clover, and the importance of digital media. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Justin Rosenberg, the founder of healthy food chain honeygrow, finds fulfillment in the happiness of their customers. And the CEO understands that achieving that joy doesn’t happen without being surrounded by a strong, competent, efficient team that knows how to kick ass. Listen now to learn about having a timeline to make mistakes, learning to manage up, and finding joy in your work. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Roll-Em-Up Taquitos and COO Sam Fonseca follow a deliberate approach to keeping their menu — and business — simple and successful. In this interview with host Shawn Walchef live at the Toast Spark LA event, Fonseca describes how Roll-Em-Up chooses to focus on delivering the absolute best experience. Listen now to learn about the power of social media, adjusting for customer expectations, and keeping Mama Karen’s legacy alive. Sponsored by Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, Andy Hooper, CEO and Founding Partner of the Hart House restaurant, is committed to creating a space where plant-based food options are more accessible to all.  Listen now to learn the story behind Kevin Hart’s restaurant company, making plant-based food have the broadest possible appeal, and investing in employees. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Souvla Founder/CEO Charles Bililies (@cbililies) knew opening a Greek restaurant in San Francisco wasn’t going to be easy. But the restaurateur also knew he had something special to offer with his “fast fine restaurant.” Listen now to learn about operating a fast-fine concept, believing in an entrepreneurial vision, and how Toast revamped his restaurant tech stack. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Though he has amassed a big following of more than 10 million on social media, Gustavo Tosta — better known as Guga — did not plan on becoming the star of popular YouTube channels Guga Foods (@gugafoods) and Sous Vide Everything. But as he learned, rules are meant to be broken. Listen now to learn about becoming a viral YouTube Creator, the power of content collaboration, and the cookbook “Guga: Breaking the Barbecue Rules”. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS —...