Send us a text Avery Ward, CEO of Little Italy Pizza, shares how he transformed his family's business from a small pizza shop into a multi-million-dollar restaurant group. In this episode, Avery talks about the power of content marketing, building lasting relationships with customers, and staying true to core values while innovating. From the “Slic…

Send us a text Jane Abell, Executive Chairwoman and Chief Purpose Officer of Donatos Pizza, joins Zack Oates live to discuss how leading with love and purpose has fueled Donatos' growth and guest loyalty. Jane shares how a people-first mindset, innovation, and agape capitalism shape every decision, from store operations to franchise relationships. …

Send us a text Bob Andersen, President of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, joins Zack Oates live at RLC to share how the brand delivers full-service hospitality in a fast-casual setting. Bob discusses the art of preserving authentic experiences while scaling rapidly, the role of franchisee relationships in sustainable growth, and why Mediterran…

Send us a text Rob Ertmann, President of Mo’ Bettahs, joins Zack Oates live to share how the brand scaled from 22 to over 60 locations while staying true to its “be aloha” culture. Rob explains how simplicity, consistency, and operational focus helped Mo’ Bettahs deliver great guest experiences at every stage of growth. He shares insights on traini…

Send us a text Oliver Barwin, CEO of Bushfire Kitchen, joins Zack Oates live to share how he transitioned from Wall Street to hospitality, building a fast-casual brand focused on healthy food, hospitality, and smart growth. Oliver explains how technology upgrades, streamlined operations, and a better-for-you menu helped Bushfire Kitchen scale durin…

Send us a text Jeff Perera, founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run, joins Zack to share how a passion project turned into one of the fastest-growing bagel brands in the country. From baking fresh bagels all day long to building real connections with guests, Jeff explains how focusing on hospitality, simplicity, and genuine joy helped grow his business to 12 l…

Send us a text Lawrence Longo, serial food entrepreneur and founder of Off the Menu, joins Zack to share how building craveable products, creating genuine hospitality, and staying relentlessly simple have driven his success across multiple brands. As CEO of Prince Street Pizza, Irv’s Burgers, and The Bar Next Door, Lawrence talks about what it real…

Send us a text Yasaman Stewart, Senior Director of Marketing at Brix Holdings, joins Zack to share how consistency, energy, and real connection drive powerful guest experiences. Drawing from her deep operations and marketing background, Yasaman explains how brands can inspire their teams, build authentic connections, and turn recognition into loyal…

Send us a text Kendall Ware, keynote speaker and franchise growth coach, joins Zack to share strategies for building memorable guest experiences rooted in authenticity, consistency, and connection. With a deep background in franchise leadership and hospitality, Kendall offers insights on what really drives guest loyalty—and how small moments make a…

Send us a text Sebastian Stahl, former hospitality operator and now founder of Breadth, joins the show to talk about how restaurants can build marketing systems that actually work. As the host of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Sebastian shares how guest experience starts long before a diner walks through the door—and how to align your team, tech, an…

Send us a text Chef Troy Guard, founder of TAG Restaurant Group, joins the show to share how creating a vibe, embracing the unexpected, and mentoring talent have helped him grow multiple restaurant concepts across states. From dishwasher to executive chef, Troy reflects on his journey and how guest experience is driven by feeling—not formulas. Zack…

Send us a text Dr. Melissa Hughes joins Zack to explore the neuroscience behind the guest experience. As a keynote speaker and author, Melissa breaks down why small missteps in a restaurant can have an outsized impact, and how operators can respond to reviews with empathy and intention. Zack and Melissa discuss: How the brain's negativity bias affe…

Send us a text Chris Schultz, CEO of Voodoo Doughnut, joins Zack to share how the brand’s rebellious spirit and cult following stem from bold choices and intentional culture. With decades of experience in hospitality, Chris explores how staying weird can still mean staying operationally sharp. Creating a culture that celebrates personality and crea…

Send us a text Shaz Khan, co-founder of Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks, joins Zack to share how he's built a beloved multi-unit brand without losing the feel of a local favorite. With an engineering mindset and a passion for hospitality, Shaz breaks down the systems, tech, and transparency that drive guest loyalty and operational excellence. Zack and…

Send us a text Zack sits down with David Scott Peters, restaurant coach, speaker, and author of Restaurant Prosperity Formula, to break down how independent restaurant owners can create financial and operational freedom. He shares why delegation without documentation leads to failure, how to build a system that works without you, and why great gues…

Send us a text Zack welcomes Stacey Kane, a fractional CMO for emerging and beyond brands, to discuss the importance of brand voice, guest experience, and tactical marketing strategies in the restaurant industry. With experience leading marketing efforts for multiple brands, Stacey shares how businesses can define their identity, engage guests, and…

Send us a text On this episode of Give an Ovation, Johnathan Chen, CEO and Co-Founder of 5&5, joins Zack Oates to discuss how restaurants can optimize their technology stack to improve operations and guest experience. With years of experience in restaurant tech and digital services, Johnathan shares insights on streamlining systems, avoiding tech o…

Send us a text On this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack Oates welcomes Michael Halen, Senior Restaurant and Foodservice Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence and host of Chopping It Up. Michael shares his insights on industry trends, value perception, and the impact of inflation on restaurant profitability. He discusses how brands like Texas Roadhouse …

Send us a text Zack welcomes Julie Zucker, CMO and Partner at Branded Strategic Hospitality and producer of the Hospitality Hangout podcast. With years of experience in restaurant marketing and guest experience, Julie shares invaluable insights into building genuine guest connections, leveraging technology, and fostering a hospitality-driven cultur…

Send us a text Mitch Baker, VP of Marketing at Robeks, shares his expertise on evolving marketing strategies in the hospitality industry. With a background spanning Hollywood entertainment, Disney, and more, he dives into the role of guest data, technology, and omnichannel marketing in shaping brand success. Mitch also discusses the vital relations…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Erin Levzow, a hospitality marketing and technology expert with nearly 20 years of experience at brands like Caesars, MGM, Wingstop, Freebirds, and Del Taco. Erin shares her insights on how to blend technology with human connection to create exceptional guest experiences. Zack and Erin d…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Jennifer Dodd, a 30-year restaurant industry veteran and the CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. Jennifer has led in QSR, casual dining, and franchising, making her a powerhouse in restaurant operations and leadership. Zack and Jennifer discuss: Why hospitality is—and always will be—a people-f…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Joe Sample, President of Crave Management Group, the multi-unit, multi-brand operator behind top-performing Taco Bell locations and Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. With over 22 years of experience, Joe shares his proven strategies for creating high-performing teams and delivering exceptio…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea and Just Ice Tea, chairman of Beyond Meat, and co-founder of PLNT Burger. Seth’s journey from government and activism to launching purpose-driven brands showcases his commitment to health, sustainability, and creating positive social impact. Zack an…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Food and Beverage at Square and a restaurateur with over a decade of experience through Cambridge Street Hospitality Group. Ming brings a unique perspective, blending his deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge restaurant technology to help operators thrive in an …

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Andrew Dana, founder of Call Your Mother Deli and Timber Pizza Company. Andrew’s journey from the corporate world to building thriving restaurant brands is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences. Zack and Andrew discuss: Th…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack welcomes Amir Mostafavi, the Founder and CEO of South Block, a mission-driven smoothie and juice bar brand based in the DC area. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Amir shares his journey of creating a brand that’s not just about great products, but also about fostering connecti…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we’re joined by Abney Harper, CEO and Founder of Prima Après, a unique fast-casual concept combining fresh pasta and pavlovas with a focus on thoughtful design, quality ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality. Abney shares her journey from fine dining and fashion retail to creating a chef-driven bra…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we’re joined by Jason Sobocinski and Etkin Tekin, the co-founders of Haven Hot Chicken, who are on a mission to redefine the fast-casual dining space. From their roots as winners of the Perfect Pitch competition to expanding to nine locations, Jason and Etkin share the secrets behind their explosiv…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, Rick Malir, founder of City Barbeque, shares his journey from selling John Deere tractors to building a nationally recognized barbecue brand. With 25 years in the business and 75 locations, Rick dives into what it takes to deliver top-notch barbecue and create unforgettable guest experiences. Zack …

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Austin Titus, president of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza and a seasoned expert in the franchise industry. Growing up in a family of franchise entrepreneurs, Austin has developed a unique eye for brands that stand out in a crowded marketplace. Zack and Austin discuss: The story behind Cannoli Kit…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Jim Knight, a former executive at Hard Rock Cafe who has transformed his experiences into a dynamic career as a speaker and author. Known for his engaging style, Jim blends the charisma of Guy Fieri with the motivational prowess of Tony Robbins. Zack and Jim discuss: The importance of bu…

Send us a text Markus Pineyro is not just a restaurant owner—he’s a visionary reshaping how we think about dining experiences. As the co-founder of OOMI Digital Kitchen, Markus has created a food hall that operates almost entirely through digital interactions, yet still boasts a remarkable 4.9-star rating. On this episode of Give an Ovation, we div…

Send us a text Joey Cioffi is the founder and CEO of The Salad House, a fast-growing franchise with a passion for offering customizable, fresh meals for everyone. From his New Jersey roots to building a brand that’s now expanding to 19 locations, Joey has always prioritized hospitality and quality. In this episode, we explore how Joey’s background …

Send us a text Few people understand the art of blending people and technology in fast-casual dining like today’s guest, Doug Willmarth. As the President of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes and a seasoned leader with experience at brands like Mongolian Concepts and Pizza Hut, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge that we were excited to explore in this e…

Send us a text You could argue that there’s no one more passionate about building successful restaurant brands than today's guest, Sherif Mityas. Sherif is the CEO of BRIX Holdings, overseeing iconic brands like Friendly’s, Clean Juice, and Red Mango. We were excited to tap into his wealth of insights on this episode! In this episode, Zack and Sher…

Send us a text Neal Parisawan is the owner of Nara Thai and a former consultant, bringing a unique perspective to how tech can enhance guest experiences rather than complicate operations. We were thrilled to hear his insights on this episode! In this episode, Zack and Neal discuss: Why restaurants struggle with adopting and maintaining technology H…

Send us a text You could argue that there's no one more experienced in leading fast-casual restaurants than today's guest, Beto Guajardo. Beto is the President & CEO of Blaze Pizza and has held leadership roles at Starbucks, Levi Strauss, and Schlotzsky’s. We were excited to tap into his extensive insights on this episode! In this episode, Zack and…

Send us a text You could argue that there's no one on the planet who has thought about hospitality more than today's guest, Will Guidara. Will is a restaurant icon, former leader of Eleven Madison Park, and NYT Bestselling Author of "Unreasonable Hospitality" (mandatory reading at Ovation). We were lucky to tap into his insights on this episode! In…

Send us a text Want to unlock the secrets behind a seamless restaurant grand opening? Richmond Green, VP of Operations at gusto!, joins us to share his invaluable insights from his extensive experience, including his tenure at Chick-fil-A. Discover why he compares grand openings to major sporting events and how adaptability and thorough preparation…

Send us a text In today’s competitive restaurant landscape, having the right tools can make or break your guest experience. On this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack Oates talks to Kelly Esten, CMO of Toast, about the journey behind one of the industry’s leading POS systems and how it helps restaurateurs succeed by focusing on what truly matters: th…

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to run iconic restaurants in some of the most bustling locations in the world? Join us as we sit down with Chef Glenn Rolnick, the mastermind behind the culinary operations of Carmine's and Virgil's. With over two decades of experience, Chef Glenn shares the captivating journey of Carmine's—from its humble…

Send us a text In the world of hospitality, few voices are as respected and influential as Peter Romeo's. With nearly 40 years of experience covering the restaurant industry, Peter has seen the rise and fall of countless concepts and the evolution of guest expectations. In this episode of "Give an Ovation," host Zack Oates dives deep with Peter to …

Send us a text In today’s episode of Give an Ovation, we have the pleasure of chatting with Melissa Cummings, VP of Digital Marketing at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including a significant role at Domino's managing one of the largest loyalty programs, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and …

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast, host Zack Oates sits down with Jason Morgan, CEO of Original ChopShop, a rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant known for its "better-for-you" menu. Jason shares insights on how his team, with experience from Zoe’s Kitchen, scaled Original Chop Shop from t…

Send us a text Creating an exceptional guest experience goes beyond just serving great food—it’s about making every interaction meaningful. On this episode of "Give an Ovation," Zack Oates chats with James Vitrano, co-owner of Sucre, who shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming a leading restaurateur. James opens up about his unique appro…

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, host Zack Oates sits down with Dawn Lafreeda, one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs and restaurant leaders in the industry. From starting as a server at Denny’s at 16 years old to becoming the largest female franchisee in the full-service restaurant industry, Dawn shares her incredible journey an…

Send us a text Flame Broiler isn’t just a restaurant; it's a thriving brand with deep roots in Korean cuisine and a strong commitment to guest experience. In this episode of Give an Ovation, we sit down with Christian Lee, the second-generation leader of Flame Broiler, to explore how his family's values and focus on fundamentals have shaped the bra…

Send us a text Curious about the secret sauce behind scaling a successful restaurant brand? Get ready to learn from Brandy Blackwell, VP Head of Marketing for Another Broken Egg Cafe, as she shares her journey from key roles at Tijuana Flats, McAlister's Deli, Dunkin', and Jimmy John's. Discover the essential elements of real estate, location, and …

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, host Zack Oates talks to Scott Henderson, CEO and co-founder of Salad Station. Scott shares how his agricultural roots in South Louisiana inspired him to create a fast, healthy restaurant concept that has grown to over 36 locations. He discusses the importance of maintaining freshness, cleanliness,…