Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates
Ovation
An ad free resource for restaurateurs! Over 100 episodes and a new episode every Monday. Listen in to learn from industry leaders how to grow your restaurant, i...
The Secret to Consistent Success with Joseph Sample
Send us a textIn 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 exceptional guest experiences.Zack and Joe discuss:The key question every GM should ask to drive operational excellenceWhy having one standard is critical for consistencyHow autonomy and trust improve both team and guest experiencesHiring tactics to identify top-performing restaurant leadersSimple changes that elevate the guest experience, like redefining rolesTune in to hear how Joe’s leadership style and operational insights have helped Crave Management Group thrive in a competitive industry!Thanks, Joe!
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17:12
Building Purpose-Driven Brands for a Sustainable Future with Seth Goldman
Send us a textIn 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 and Seth discuss:How Seth transitioned from politics to entrepreneurship to drive lasting changeThe story behind Honest Tea, its evolution into Just Ice Tea, and the focus on transparency and qualityWhy PLNT Burger empowers customers to invest and participate in its growthThe importance of offering inclusive menu options to delight diverse guestsHow purpose-driven brands can make a real impact on health and the planetTune in to hear how Seth’s vision and leadership continue to inspire and transform the food and beverage industry!Thanks, Seth!
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20:49
Tech, Guest Experience, and Growth with Ming-Tai Huh
Send us a textIn 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 ever-evolving market.Zack and Ming discuss:The intersection of hospitality and technology—how to use tech without losing the human touchKey lessons from the restaurant world that translate into successful tech leadershipHow to approach restaurant technology with a problem-first mindset rather than a solution-first approachThe importance of feedback loops in creating an exceptional guest experienceStrategies to balance expansion and maintaining quality across multiple locationsTune in to hear Ming’s insights on how restaurants can leverage technology while staying true to their hospitality roots and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.Thanks, Ming!
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15:33
From Food Truck To Food Phenom with Andrew Dana
Send us a textIn 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:The transition from corporate life to launching a food businessHow authenticity and community drive brand successThe key elements of delivering a memorable guest experienceWhy employee happiness is crucial for customer satisfactionThe strategies behind scaling without losing brand identityTune in to hear how Andrew’s bold moves and dedication to hospitality have turned his dream into a growing culinary empire!Thanks, Andrew!
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15:21
The South Block Story with Amir Mostafavi
Send us a textIn 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 connections and building better communities on every block they serve.Here’s what you’ll learn: From Passion to Purpose: How Amir turned his love for fruits and smoothies into a thriving 17-location brand with a purpose-driven mission. The Power of Guest Experience: Why focusing on guest feedback is Amir’s number one KPI and how it drives South Block’s success.Quality Without Compromise: How South Block maintains authenticity and premium quality in their açaí bowls and juices while scaling operations.Using Feedback to Innovate: The role of technology, pre-ordering systems, and smart workflows in improving guest experience.Leadership Through Culture: Amir’s commitment to creating meaningful career paths and fostering a supportive company culture.Tune in to discover how Amir Mostafavi is blending community-building, exceptional products, and heartfelt hospitality to redefine what it means to be a mission-driven brand.
About Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates
An ad free resource for restaurateurs! Over 100 episodes and a new episode every Monday. Listen in to learn from industry leaders how to grow your restaurant, improve your guest experience, turn your customers from strangers to friends, and to leverage data and marketing tools to increase your revenue.
Listen to Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates, The Entrepreneur Experiment and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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