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Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Sebastian Stahl
33 episodes
3 weeks ago
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with longtime Miami restaurateur Jimmy Carey, whose journey from dishwasher to chef to multi-location owner and now restaurant broker is filled with hard-earned lessons and practical wisdom. Jimmy shares his 37-year journey through the highs and lows of the restaurant business — from underfunded beginnings and expansion challenges to understanding people, systems, and profitability. Learn how he reinvented himself...
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Entrepreneurship
Business,
Management,
Marketing
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All content for Restaurant Leaders Unplugged is the property of Sebastian Stahl and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with longtime Miami restaurateur Jimmy Carey, whose journey from dishwasher to chef to multi-location owner and now restaurant broker is filled with hard-earned lessons and practical wisdom. Jimmy shares his 37-year journey through the highs and lows of the restaurant business — from underfunded beginnings and expansion challenges to understanding people, systems, and profitability. Learn how he reinvented himself...
Show more...
Entrepreneurship
Business,
Management,
Marketing
Episodes (20/33)
Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
From Chef to Restaurateur to Broker: Lessons from 37 Years in Hospitality
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with longtime Miami restaurateur Jimmy Carey, whose journey from dishwasher to chef to multi-location owner and now restaurant broker is filled with hard-earned lessons and practical wisdom. Jimmy shares his 37-year journey through the highs and lows of the restaurant business — from underfunded beginnings and expansion challenges to understanding people, systems, and profitability. Learn how he reinvented himself...
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3 weeks ago
33 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
From Line Cook to Wealth Advisor: Funding & Scaling Restaurants w/ David Spungen
Former line cook turned wealth advisor David Spungen joins Restaurant Leaders Unplugged to break down the real economics of opening, funding, and scaling restaurants. We dig into what’s working right now outside the major metros, the true cost stack (rent, labor, food), when to use friends & family vs. alternative financing, and how operators can build financial literacy without becoming accountants. We also cover advisory boards, exit planning for fast casual vs. full service, and why pe...
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1 month ago
45 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
How 7shifts Built a Restaurant Tech Powerhouse from Scratch
From working in his dad’s Quiznos to building one of the leading workforce platforms in hospitality, Jordan Boesch shares how 7shifts was born out of pure operational chaos—and how it evolved into a game-changing tool used by thousands of restaurants. In this episode, we dive into the messy MVP days, scaling challenges, real leadership, culture-building, and how 7shifts is tackling hiring and retention at scale. If you’ve ever battled scheduling headaches, struggled with labor costs, or quest...
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1 month ago
40 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Legendary Restaurateur Bob Sambol Shares 50 Years of Wisdom
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, I sit down with Bob Sambol, founder of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, to unpack his remarkable journey from working in his father’s bar to running one of the most respected steakhouses in the country. Bob shares hard-won lessons on leadership, building a loyal team, scaling with consistency, and the simple business philosophy that’s kept him thriving for over 30 years. If you’re a restaurant operator or aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll walk away wi...
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2 months ago
45 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
You Can't Do It Alone: Building Leadership That Lasts with Matt Rolfe
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Matt Rolfe, leadership expert, author, and coach to the hospitality industry's top performers. Matt shares his raw and powerful story—from growing up with a learning disability to becoming a sought-after leader helping restaurant operators prioritize personal growth, build resilient teams, and lead with intention. We explore the silent burnout epidemic plaguing restaurant leaders and what it really takes to step back, delegate,...
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3 months ago
43 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
How BarTaco Scaled to 35 Locations Without Losing Its Soul
Anthony Valletta, CEO of BarTaco, joins Restaurant Leaders Unplugged to share how his team built one of the most unique and people-first brands in casual dining today. From his early days washing dishes to leading a fast-growing concept with over 35 locations, Anthony talks about: Building culture at scale without becoming another big-box brandCreating a “next-gen casual” dining experienceHow AI and guest data are shaping future loyalty and personalizationThe bold wage equity model that’s tra...
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3 months ago
37 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
From Newsroom to Boardroom: Sam Oches on Tech, Talent & True Hospitality
Journalist‑turned‑industry‑insider Sam Oches (Editorial Director, Nation’s Restaurant News & Restaurant Hospitality) unpacks the post‑2024 shake‑up—why value promos are wearing thin, how tariffs could rewrite your P&L, and where the next fast‑casual boom will actually come from. We dig into: The two marketing paths every brand must pick: “irreverent fun” vs. “authentic consistency”Tableside tech, labor math, and the real future of full serviceHow founders like Todd Graves & Peter ...
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3 months ago
45 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
From Combat to CRM: How Perfect Venue is Revolutionizing Restaurant Events
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we’re joined by Luke Hutchison—Army veteran turned tech entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Perfect Venue. Luke shares his journey from the battlefield to the boardroom, and how his event management software is helping restaurants boost revenue, cut admin time, and simplify private event sales. We explore the biggest mistakes operators make with private dining, how to generate more leads from the guests already in your dining room, ...
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6 months ago
36 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Hospitality That Lasts: Tracy Rathbun on Building Restaurants That Stand the Test of Time
What does it really take to build restaurants that last? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Tracy Rathbun—restaurateur, co-founder of Dallas gems like Shinsei and Lover’s Seafood—joins host Sebastian Stahl for a raw and insightful conversation. With over 30 years of experience spanning hospitality, luxury automotive, and entrepreneurial leadership, Tracy shares how her people-first philosophy, relentless adaptability, and creative vision have kept her restaurants not just surviv...
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7 months ago
40 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Leadership Without Hierarchy: Brian Nasajon’s Recipe for Restaurant Success
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Brian Nasajon, chef and restaurateur, shares his journey from a philosophy student to the helm of Beaker & Gray, and now Avenue Gray. Discover his leadership philosophy, the importance of humility in running a restaurant, and why he believes in leading without hierarchy. Brian also discusses the future of the restaurant industry, key mistakes owners make, and what it takes to create a sustainable business in today’s challenging market. Conn...
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7 months ago
40 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Building Iconic Restaurant Brands with Arjun Sen
What makes a restaurant truly unforgettable? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Arjun Sen—former VP of Marketing at Papa John’s and branding expert—reveals the secret to making your restaurant a one-of-one brand. From his journey through iconic brands like Pizza Hut, Boston Market, and Einstein Bros. Bagels to founding Zen Mango, Arjun shares invaluable insights on customer experience, leadership, and marketing strategies that create lasting success. Discover how to craft a bran...
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8 months ago
43 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Mastering Restaurant Profit & Leadership with Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars
Is your restaurant leaving money on the table? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, I sit down with Roger Beaudoin, founder of Restaurant Rockstars, to uncover proven strategies for boosting restaurant profitability, improving leadership, and creating a winning guest experience. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode: ✔️ The key difference between management vs. leadership – and why it matters ✔️ Menu profit strategies: How to maximize margins without losing customers ✔️ Labor & ...
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9 months ago
50 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Chip Klose: Boosting Restaurant Profitability & Marketing | Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Chip Klose, a seasoned restaurant consultant and expert with over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Chip shares valuable insights on how restaurant owners can tackle rising costs, enhance marketing strategies, and create sustainable business models. He discusses the importance of building customer loyalty without relying on discounts, navigating the challenges of increasing labor and food costs, and providing ...
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9 months ago
40 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Master Restaurant Profitability with Kasey Anton of Spark Business Consulting
Are you ready to transform your restaurant's financial health? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Kasey Anton, founder of Spark Business Consulting and author of Profit First for Restaurants. Kasey shares her journey from restaurateur to financial consultant, revealing the strategies behind her Profit First system that have helped countless restaurants thrive. Learn how to: ✔️ Build a business that runs without you ✔️ Manage food, labor, and operating costs effe...
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9 months ago
45 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
From CPA to Michelin Stars: Leadership Lessons with Ignacio Garcia-Menocal
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Ignacio Garcia-Menocal, Co-Founder and CEO of World Bay Hospitality Group, shares his remarkable journey from a CPA to leading a Michelin-starred restaurant group. Discover how he balances core values, innovation, and trust to build successful concepts like Stubborn Seed and navigate challenges in the restaurant industry. Ignacio dives into leadership strategies, scaling businesses, and the importance of branding and financial health for restau...
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9 months ago
40 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Balancing Passion and Leadership in the Restaurant Industry with Christy LoPresto
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl chats with Christy LoPresto, a dynamic restaurateur and wellness entrepreneur redefining leadership in the hospitality industry. Christy takes us on a journey through her 20+ years in the restaurant business, sharing her evolution from server to owner of several acclaimed New York City eateries, including Kin, a fast-casual Thai concept, and Babbalucci, a Harlem favorite. Dive into her experiences of navigating challenges l...
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10 months ago
29 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Mastering the Steakhouse Business: 31 Years of Lessons with Randy Burks
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Randy Burks, the founder of Randy’s Steakhouse in Frisco, Texas. With over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Randy shares the journey of building his iconic steakhouse, navigating challenges like sky-high food costs, labor shortages, and even pandemic shutdowns. From starting as a dishwasher with a notebook of solutions to becoming a revered restaurateur in a historic 1869 house, Randy’s...
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10 months ago
43 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Redefining Success in the Restaurant World: Lessons from Mathieu Giraud of Garçons de Café and L’Appart
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Mathieu Giraud, the visionary owner of Garçons de Café and L’Appart in downtown Los Angeles. Mathieu shares his incredible journey from training in hospitality in France to managing world-class establishments in LA and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship. Discover Mathieu’s candid insights on: The realities of transitioning from corporate restaurant management to ownership.Building a lean, guest-focused team in the evolvi...
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11 months ago
34 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
Crafting Profitable Bar Programs: Ben Potts on the Secrets to Hospitality Success
What makes a profitable and unforgettable bar program? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, I sit down with Ben Potts, co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality and co-owner of The Sylvester in Miami. Ben’s journey is a masterclass in persistence and innovation, from starting as a bar back to becoming one of the most sought-after beverage program consultants in the industry. We dive into: How Unfiltered Hospitality helps restaurants build profitable, guest-focused bar programs.The key ...
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11 months ago
37 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
#14 From $52K to 17 Locations: Rakesh Chandiramani’s Blueprint for Restaurant Success
Rakesh Chandiramani, Co-Founder & Owner of Vin sur Vingt Wine Bars, Jack’s Coffee, and Il Fiorista in NYC, shares how he transformed a $52,000 investment into 17 successful locations. From scaling with purpose to crafting unforgettable guest experiences, Rakesh dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of the restaurant industry. Learn why authentic leadership, team loyalty, and a human-centered approach are at the heart of his success. This episode is a masterclass in building a lastin...
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11 months ago
44 minutes

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged
In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with longtime Miami restaurateur Jimmy Carey, whose journey from dishwasher to chef to multi-location owner and now restaurant broker is filled with hard-earned lessons and practical wisdom. Jimmy shares his 37-year journey through the highs and lows of the restaurant business — from underfunded beginnings and expansion challenges to understanding people, systems, and profitability. Learn how he reinvented himself...