Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates

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Sullivan Finlay joins Zack Oates to explore why authenticity, consistency, and relatable storytelling matter more than ever in today's social media landscape. After leaving a career in accounting and enterprise software, Sullivan built a full-time career creating comedy that resonates with millions by capturing the realities of corporate life. Along the way, he's learned valuable lessons that apply far beyond comedy—including how restaurant brands can create content that people actually want to watch.
Zack and Sullivan discuss:
Why authentic content consistently outperforms polished marketing
 How creators develop ideas that resonate with audiences
 The importance of consistency before something goes viral
 What restaurant brands can learn from content creators
 Why collaboration helps expand audiences
 Simple ways to improve watch time and audience retention
Thanks, Sullivan!
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/sullyfinlay/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@sullyfinlay
https://www.youtube.com/@sullyfinlay
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sullivanfinlay/
https://sullyfinlay.com/

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Sharon Arthofer, Founder and CEO of SIP Fresh Juice, joins Zack Oates to discuss building a beverage brand around fresh fruit, hospitality, and guest engagement. Sharon shares the story behind SIP Fresh Juice, how the concept was inspired by craft mixology, and why sampling and human interaction remain central to the guest experience.
Zack and Sharon discuss:
How SIP Fresh Juice was inspired by cocktail culture
 Creating a healthy indulgence beverage category
 The role of sampling in driving trial and loyalty
 Why guest experience starts with human connection
 Balancing speed, quality, and hospitality
 Lessons from building brands in mall environments
Thanks, Sharon!
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/sipfresh/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-arthofer-4a646329/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sip-fresh-franchise/
https://www.sipfreshjuice.com/

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Atul Sood, Chief Business Officer at Curry Up Now, joins Zack Oates to discuss the evolving relationship between restaurant operators and technology providers. Drawing from leadership roles at McDonald's, Kitchen United, and across the food tech ecosystem, Atul shares why relationships still matter, how operators should evaluate technology partners, and why the future belongs to companies that solve real problems rather than simply adding features.
Zack and Atul discuss:
Why buyers purchase when they're ready, not when sellers push
 The difference between a product company and a feature company
 How restaurants should evaluate technology vendors
 Balancing best-in-class solutions with platform consolidation
 Why caring is at the center of great guest experiences
 How AI is changing the future of restaurant technology
Thanks, Atul!
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/curryupnow/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/atulsood/
linkedin.com/company/curry-up-now
https://www.curryupnow.com/

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Lance Salsman, SVP of Operations at Mike’s Red Tacos, joins Zack Oates to talk about scaling an experiential restaurant brand while staying obsessed with guest feedback. From his early days working at Pizza Hut as a teenager to leading operations at some of the biggest taco and pizza brands in the country, Lance shares what it takes to build systems that support both team members and guests.
Zack and Lance discuss:
How Mike’s Red Tacos built a cult-like following
 Why guest feedback shapes the menu and operations
 The connection between team member experience and guest experience
 Using technology to improve accuracy and speed
 Scaling food truck operations into a growing chain
 Why restaurant GMs are the most important role in the business
Thanks, Lance!
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/mikesredtacos/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsalsman/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mikes-red-tacos/posts/
https://www.mikesredtacos.com/

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Michael Montagano, CEO of Dog Haus, joins Zack Oates to talk about thoughtful restaurant growth, franchise alignment, and why strong hospitality starts with building the right foundation. Drawing from his family’s restaurant background and years in finance and operations leadership, Michael shares how Dog Haus is scaling while staying true to its culture and guest experience.
Zack and Michael discuss:
Why restaurant brands should grow slower and smarter
 The importance of systems before scaling
 How Dog Haus approaches franchise partnerships
 Using guest data to improve operations and profitability
 The strategy behind the Jake Paul partnership
 Building restaurant culture that lasts
Thanks, Michael!
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/doghausdogs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmontagano/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dog-haus/
https://doghaus.com/