The Pre-Shift

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The Pre-Shift

7shifts

68 episodes

2 weeks ago

Finding and keeping great restaurant staff is harder than ever in 2025. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Alice Cheng, Founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, about how smart restaurants are winning the hiring game. After 13 years of connecting restaurants with talent, Alice breaks down what works. She explains the "missing middle" skills gap hurting restaurants today and shares practical ways to make your job listings stand out. Whether you're struggling to hire line cooks o...

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Finding and keeping great restaurant staff is harder than ever in 2025. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Alice Cheng, Founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, about how smart restaurants are winning the hiring game. After 13 years of connecting restaurants with talent, Alice breaks down what works. She explains the "missing middle" skills gap hurting restaurants today and shares practical ways to make your job listings stand out. Whether you're struggling to hire line cooks o...

Show more...

Episodes (20/68)

The Pre-Shift

Winning the restaurant hiring game in 2025 with Alice Cheng | 061

Finding and keeping great restaurant staff is harder than ever in 2025. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Alice Cheng, Founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, about how smart restaurants are winning the hiring game. After 13 years of connecting restaurants with talent, Alice breaks down what works. She explains the "missing middle" skills gap hurting restaurants today and shares practical ways to make your job listings stand out. Whether you're struggling to hire line cooks o...

2 weeks ago

41 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Building skills beyond the kitchen with Justin Khanna | 060

Want to build a restaurant career that doesn't leave you burnt out? In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we chat with Justin Khanna, a chef who's cooked at some of the world's best restaurants, before switching gears to become an educator and founder of Repertoire. Justin takes us behind the scenes of his days at Per Se and The French Laundry, sharing what those kitchens taught him about way more than just cooking great food. He explains why running a successful restaurant isn't just abo...

4 weeks ago

39 minutes

The Pre-Shift

AI marketing strategies that boost restaurant revenue with Josh Kopel | 059

AI is changing the restaurant marketing game in ways that can save you time while boosting your revenue. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, I chat with Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who's truly mastered the marketing side of the business. Josh breaks down how restaurants of any size can use AI tools like ChatGPT to create better email campaigns, design loyalty programs that actually work, and analyze menu performance - all without needing a marketing degree. What I love a...

1 month ago

31 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Stop fixing light bulbs and start delegating with Avery Ward | 058

Breaking free from being the "superhero" operator can transform your restaurant's future. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Avery Ward, third-generation CEO of Little Italy Ristorante in Groveport, Ohio, about how he turned around his family's struggling business. Avery shares how his tech background helped him implement smart systems that let him step back from daily operations. He breaks down exactly how he delegates tasks, documents processes, and builds accountability...

1 month ago

45 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Navigating Tariff Uncertainty for Canadian Restaurants with Jay Ashton | 057

Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty in today's restaurant industry. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sit down with Jay Ashton, Canada's Restaurant Guy, to discuss how Canadian restaurants can adapt to tariffs and economic challenges. Jay shares practical strategies from his 35-year career. These go beyond simply raising prices to tactics like creating salads without lettuce and developing multiple revenue streams through newsletters and digital merchandising. Whether...

2 months ago

38 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Growing careers (and franchises) at Jeremiah's Italian Ice | 056

For many 16-year-olds, a first job is just a way to make some extra side cash—nothing more than a temporary gig. But for Julianna Blackhurst, a part-time job in high school became the foundation of her lifelong career. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sat down with the Senior Director of Franchise Operations at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, to talk about two types of growth: career growth and franchise growth. Resources: Check out Jeremiah’s Italian Ice 🍦Connect with Julianna on ...

2 months ago

33 minutes

The Pre-Shift

The end of boring training for restaurants with Arrow Up | 055

What if mandatory training didn’t have to be boring? With creative storytelling and an irreverent approach, ARROW UP Training makes engaging, effective training programs for restaurant teams. In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Berkowitz, the founder and CEO of ARROW UP Training. Jason offers insights into building consistent employee experiences and the role of continuous training in fostering a strong team—and a better guest experience. He also discusses the importance of structured onbo...

3 months ago

42 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Insights for serving up restaurant excellence with Square | James Schonzeit, Square, Eric Cacciatore, Restaurant Unstoppable | 054

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In this episode, 'Restaurant Unstoppable' host Eric Cacciatorre teams up with industry experts James Schonzeit from Square and D.J. Costantino from 7shifts to tackle the pressing challenges of staffing and technology in ...

6 months ago

57 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Building an a kitchen OS | Josh Sharkey, CEO of meez | 053

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. This episode of the Pre Shift Podcast focuses on Josh Sharkey, the founder and CEO of meez, an innovative recipe tool and culinary operating system. Josh shares his journey from a Michelin-starred chef to a tech en...

7 months ago

40 minutes

The Pre-Shift

The small town soul behind Pizza Ranch | Ross Groeneweg, Pizza Ranch | 052

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In this episode of the Pre Shift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino welcomes Ross Groeneweg, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Pizza Ranch. They discuss the history of the family-owned business, which started in 1981...

8 months ago

22 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Mastering the art of pizza and business | Mike Bausch, Andolini's | 051

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. Mike Bausch, a certified master pizzaiolo and the brains behind Andolini's Worldwide joins DJ Costantino on the Pre Shift Podcast. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from aspiring Marine Corps officer to le...

9 months ago

33 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Building Chicago's Thattu | Margaret Pak, Chef/Owner | 050

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In the latest episode of the Preshift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino chats with Margaret Pak, chef and co-owner of Thattu in Chicago. Pak shares her inspiring transition from corporate life to culinary arts, detaili...

9 months ago

38 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Fostering community and belonging in the restaurant biz | Ellen Yin, Founder of High Street Hospitality | 049

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In this episode of the Pre-Shift Podcast, host DJ Costantino talks with Ellen Yin, founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen shares her journey from a high school summer job to running celebrated...

10 months ago

30 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Rethinking Server Pay: The Commission Model Revolution with Zach Feinstein

Traditional tipping is broken, but there's a better way to pay your restaurant staff. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Zach Feinstein, CEO of The Feinstein Group, about the innovative compensation model transforming his Tampa Bay restaurants. Zach explains how implementing a 20% service charge coupled with a commission-based pay structure for servers has dramatically reduced turnover, improved front and back of house relationships, and enhanced the guest experience. Inst...

10 months ago

28 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Leadership lessons from Felipe's Taqueria | Pike Howard, CEO | 047

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into what it takes to build great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, the strategies they use, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D. J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In this episode, Pike Howard, co-owner and finance and development director of Felipe's Taqueria, shares the history of the restaurant chain founded in 2006, inspired by Felipe Herrera. Pike e...

11 months ago

43 minutes

The Pre-Shift

The fight for psychological safety in food service | Hassel Aviles, Director of Not 9 to 5 | 046

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. On this episode, we’re joined by Hassel Aviles, Founder and Director of Not 9 to 5. Hassel Aviles has built a career in the hospitality and foodservice industry for over...

11 months ago

30 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Tacos, tequila, and teamwork at Agave & Rye | Chris Britt, COO of Epic Brands | 045

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. In this episode, Chris Britt, Chief Operating Officer of Epic Restaurants, joins us. For nearly five years, Chris has served in a leadership capacity at Agave & Rye,...

1 year ago

42 minutes

The Pre-Shift

Making pay transparency work in restaurants | Stella Dennig, Co-Owner/GM of Daytrip | 044

In this episode of the Pre-Shift podcast, host DJ dives deep into the intricacies of managing successful restaurant teams with Stella Denig, co-owner and GM of Daytrip Restaurant in Oakland, California. Stella shares insights on building a restaurant prioritizing pay equity, equitable compensation, and a strong internal culture. She discusses their unique business model, the challenges of introducing equitable systems, and the importance of legislative change in the industry. Stella also touc...

1 year ago

31 minutes

The Pre-Shift

How commission-based pay for servers transformed this restaurant | Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire and Vine Hospitality | 043

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. On this episode, we’re joined by Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality in Seattle, WA. Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality, leads a multi-concept o...

1 year ago

24 minutes

The Pre-Shift

How restaurants exist beyond four walls | Irene Shiang Li, Cofounder of Prepshift & Mei Mei Dumplings | 042

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. On this episode, we’re joined by Irene Shiang Li, Cofounder of Prepshift & Mei Mei Dumplings in Boston, Mass. Irene Shiang Li co-founded Mei Mei in Boston in 2013 a...

1 year ago

24 minutes