Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling built Branded Hospitality to invest in tools that help restaurant operators win. Their podcast has become a key part of that mission—fueling awareness, driving deal flow, and building relationships across the industry. Listen now to learn how a unique blend of friendship, investment focus, and a ‘takes a village’ mindset is helping hospitality brands grow with purpose. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

From butcher shops to fine dining, Chef Brad Wise has built a reputation for world-class steaks and top-tier hospitality. As his Trust Restaurant Group expands he’s proving that smart risks, self-belief, and hard-earned lessons are the keys to scaling his business. Listen to learn about the power of trust, the balance between growth and hospitality, and the similarities of running a butcher shop and restaurant.  Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Alba Huerta is an award-winning mixologist and owner of Julep in Houston, Texas. She has spent more than a decade shaping cocktail culture. After countless awards, and 110 drinks on the menu, she has gained international acclaim for her bartending prowess. Listen now to learn about the art of mixology, embracing her Mexican-American heritage, and leading a James Beard Award winning cocktail program. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Though he has amassed a big following of more than 10 million on social media, Gustavo Tosta — better known as Guga — did not plan on becoming the star of popular YouTube channels Guga Foods (@gugafoods) and Sous Vide Everything. But as he learned, rules are meant to be broken. Listen now to learn about becoming a viral YouTube Creator, the power of content collaboration, and the cookbook “Guga: Breaking the Barbecue Rules”. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Kareem Queeman (@mrbakesweets) didn’t become Mr. Bake overnight. He has been baking since 8. Now a rising voice in the LGBTQ+ community, he found his purpose by answering a difficult question: "If I was to leave this Earth tomorrow, would I be happy with the life that I've lived?" Listen now to learn about using media to share your voice, telling stories with products, and leaning into your power. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Steele Smiley, founder of Steele Brands, is a successful entrepreneur who built a fitness empire before entering the restaurant business. Despite the differences between those two industries, Smiley says there is a common thread of respect that ties them together.  Listen now to learn about fitness and restaurant hospitality, creating a hospitality ecosystem, and Steele Brands being the nice and cool kids at the lunch table. Sponsored by Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

It’s time Shawn sits in the hot seat. Shawn Walchef is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and host of this show. In this episode the tables are turned. Our friend Will Eppard (Regional VP of Sales at Toast) took the mic at Spark Los Angeles to interview Shawn about his media empire and more. Listen now to learn about turning into a media company and building communities. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Josh Halpern, CEO of Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, has a track record of building successful brands with successful teams. That’s why Shaq, the Big Man himself, tapped Halpern to be Big Chicken’s first top executive.   Listen now to learn about having big fun and doing big work with Shaquille O’Neal, opening a restaurant in space, and moving as one team with one dream. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Serial Entrepreneur Jeff Fenster is the founder of the successful healthy food chain Everbowl. He is now founding his own media company that focuses on providing value to his audience instead of just pushing products.  Listen now to learn about ditching the commercials for content, the Relationship Bank Account, creating The Jeff Fenster Show, and asking for help. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Ford Fry is the chef-owner and founder of the Rocket Farm Restaurants. The Rocket Farm umbrella includes popular food spots like State of Grace, Superica, and many more across Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Houston. Listen now to learn about the dream to help others, the increasing role of technology in hospitality, and creating emotional connections with customers. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Chris Do, CEO of The Futur, is no stranger to simultaneous praise and criticism as an influencer. Nevertheless, the Emmy-award winner’s ultimate goal is one of empowerment. In the age of New Media, Do knows that anyone can have a platform to share their message with the world. Listen now to learn about self-development, creating the best content, and The Futur Euro Tour. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

PepsiCo’s Digital Lab is helping restaurants future-proof their businesses and unleash their digital potential. As Head of PepsiCo Foodservice Digital Lab, André Moraes uses the expertise he has gathered over the years to optimize digital hospitality. Listen now to learn about using digital tools effectively, technology being an enabler, and the positive culture at PepsiCo. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Téa Ivanovic (@teaiva) is the co-founder and COO of Immigrant Food, a “cause-casual” restaurant in Washington, D.C. whose mission is to celebrate immigrants and push for progressive change in the US. Listen now to learn about Immigrant Food’s 3-Pillar Mission, retaining quality employees, and enhancing media exposure the right way. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Kevin Seo has had a colorful career. He achieved viral success with his NFT-themed restaurant, as well as a traveling pop-up restaurant centered around Sonic The Hedgehog. Fans can now enjoy Sonic’s favorite chili dogs, cheese fries, and more. Listen now to learn about partnering with SEGA to bring Sonic The Hedgehog Speed Cafe to life, listening to fans, and running multiple businesses Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Jamie & Kayla Giovinazzo built a healthy food empire. But success took time, talent, and teamwork. The founder of Eat Clean Bro combined his passions of cooking and fitness to make a meal prep company. Then the hard work began. #eatcleanbro   Listen now to learn about prioritizing customers, the business of healthy eating, and building  culture with clear communication. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Ari Weinzweig, founder of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (@zingermanscommunity), used visioning and tried-and-true beliefs to grow the Zingerman’s brand in big, but thoughtful, ways. Listen now to learn about opening Zingerman’s Delicatessen, the process of creating a vision for your business, and humbleness being vital to a company’s ecosystem. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ  

For Charlie Eblen, founder of Single Tree BBQ and host of Single Tree Nation Podcast, “Just Do It” is both a motto and rallying cry. His mission is to transform his business into “the Nike of BBQ”. Listen now to learn about building community with the perfect plate of barbecue, capturing customer data, and the power of podcasting. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Meredith Sandland, CEO of Empower Delivery, is one of those people with a knack for creating positive change. In layman’s terms, her company helps simplify complex ordering processes to make them more efficient. Listen now to learn about the tie that binds moving parts in a business, overcoming customer friction, and the follow-up to Delivering the Digital Restaurant. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Kim Malek of Salt & Straw bet it all on the idea of a unique ice cream shop, one that builds community while innovating. Drawing inspiration from her time at Starbucks as it revolutionized coffee, she sought to do the same with ice cream. Listen now to learn about organic storytelling collaborations, remaining authentic during expansion, and building back after tragedy. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Rob Dyrdek (@robdyrdek) Manufactures Amazing by optimizing life. The serial entrepreneur, MTV star, athlete, and founder of Dyrdek Machine is on a mission to be as efficient as possible by designing a sustainable — and scalable —  existence. Listen now to learn about multi-dimensional business strategies, manifesting a desirable future, and conquering by taking action. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

CookUnity CEO Mateo Marietti is on a mission to reconnect farmer to chef to eater. CookUnity is an innovative “chef collective” that sells personalized meal subscription plans with an emphasis on healthy eating, quality ingredients, and sustainability. Listen now to learn about founding the meal subscription service, improving the food system, and living up to being dubbed the “Spotify of Food Delivery.” Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

David “Rev” Ciancio (@revciancio) knows it takes courage to tell your story online. The marketing expert created the Branded Restaurant Marketing Summit to highlight honest stories and useful strategies from 32 of the biggest and brightest names in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about the importance of publishing video content, simplifying branding, and creating a new type of restaurant conference. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Chef turned Content Creator Ryan Peters (@ryanpeterspgh) founded Peters Pasta and quickly built an online following of millions, which allowed him to turn content creation into a business. Now he is taking his brand to the next level. Listen now to learn about going viral on TikTok, transitioning to a full-time content creation career, and picking the right brand partners for collaboration. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Chef Joe Isidori (@joeIsidori) learned a secret that resonated with him: “Cut the BS.” Thanks to leaning into his authenticity, the Michelin starred restaurateur has built a global brand and growing food empire.  Listen now to learn about opening Arthur & Sons NY Italian, being a successful brand online, and leveraging social media. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere TV — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Despite not having any prior restaurant experience, Loycent Gordon breathed new life into Neir’s Tavern, a historic Queens landmark made famous in the movie Goodfellas. Dubbed “The most famous bar you’ve never heard of” by PBS, the restaurant and bar is on its way to a 200 year anniversary. Listen now to learn about entering the restaurant business, telling the story of your business, and taking a leap of faith. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Brett Sussman of Kabbage from American Express (@kabbageinc) has embraced the new economy and is determined to help small business owners adapt to how people learn and buy. Listen now to learn about helping small businesses with a TikTok collaboration, branding and marketing online, and the future of shopping on social media. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Virtual Dining Concepts CEO Stephanie Sollers (@cregansollers) uses inspiration drawn from athletics to create unique opportunities for brands to collaborate with the innovative restaurant technology company. Listen now to learn about marketing and branding in the creator economy, the importance of storytelling, and working with Mr. Beast, Faze Clan, and more. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc DAVO Sales Tax — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Cattle, X-Pot, and an organization that battles Cyber Bullying. Listen now to learn about getting on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List 2022, what goes into creating a successful business, and why everyone should create social media content. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Hospitality Leadership Coach Matt Rolfe (@matt_rolfe_coaching) uses his personal story of triumph and a healing journey through therapy to inspire others. Listen now to learn about setting boundaries in life and work, creating positive leverage, and being honest as a leader. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

From restaurants to media, Emeril Lagasse (@emeril) has had a remarkable career. Through it all the famed chef and humanitarian has been able to grow his business empire by prioritizing people. Listen to learn about making memorable moments with hospitality, putting relationships first, and creating content with purpose.  Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB

Sanjiv Razdan, president and CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (@thecoffeebean), provides a global experience in a mug. Listen now to learn about making the most of nontraditional opportunities, brewing customer curiosity, capitalizing on user-generated content, and inspiring industry leaders with the nonprofit GLEAM Network. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Employee retention is one of the more difficult things on the long list of necessities for business owners. For Jason Berry, co-founder of Knead Hospitality + Design (@kneadhd), hospitality for his employees is non-negotiable. Listen now to learn about loving what you do, creating a revamped work week, and leading by committee. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB

Daniel Stoller started Square Pie Guys (@squarepieguys) with his friend turned business partner as a solution to Oakland’s lack of a proper pizza spot. It’s becoming so much more. Listen to learn about building culture from the inside out, using media as a learning tool, and creating the Domino’s Pizza of the next generation. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

After Richie Romero (@richieromero1) realized his knack for helping people have a good time, the NYC native embarked on a legendary career in hospitality. Listen now to learn about putting relationships at the forefront of business, the celebrity economy, and a mission to have NYC become “The City That Never Sleeps” again. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc AtmosphereTV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ •Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB

Andy Lederman created Bucket Listers (@bucketlisters) because he saw a chance to help others discover new adventures and experiences. As his company grew, so did he. Listen to this interview to learn about standing out as a content creator, testing social media growth hacks, and building trust through strong core principles. Sponsored by: Toast Restaurant Point of Sale System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try AtmosphereTV — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ Try DAVO Sales Tax — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB

Josh Kopel’s journey from successful restaurateur to media personality and business coach is one of resilience, vulnerability, and a commitment to helping others. As the host of Yelp for Restaurant’s podcast Full Comp, he has asked the hard questions and shared his battle scars through more than 400 episodes. Listen now to learn about making hospitality media, the benefits of scarcity, and elevating the restaurant industry. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

For Norfolk State track and field star Rayquan Smith (@rayquansmith), his throne as the King of the NIL was earned through a strong self-worth and ability to navigate rejection to keep running forward. Listen to this interview to learn about personal branding, being more than a student athlete, and profiting from name, image, and likeness. Sponsored by: Toast Point of Sale — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc DAVO Sales Tax — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB AtmosphereTV — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Cop-turned-Chef Wayne Carrington (@officialchefwayne) found inspiration to enter the restaurant business from the 2008 movie The Ramen Girl. He acted on his big idea and has now built a brilliant food empire. Listen to this interview to learn about mentorship, being a constant learner, and creating a strong family business. Sponsored by: Toast Restaurant Point of Sale — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc DAVO Sales Tax — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB AtmosphereTV — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

In 2011 Marguerite Zabar Mariscal was an intern at Momofuku (@momolongplay). By age 30 she was CEO. Listen to this interview to learn about building strategic partnerships, new technology, and not being obsessed with perfection. Try TOAST Tech to Make Your Restaurant Run Smoother and Stronger — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Never Worry About Sales Tax Again. Try DAVO and Get Your 1st Month FREE — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Produced by Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media

Robert Irvine (@chefirvine) is so much more than a celebrity chef and Food Network host. More than anything, Chef Irvine is a man who believes firmly in the benefits of genuine benevolence and philanthropy. For him, “Nothing is Impossible.” Listen to this interview to learn about the importance of supporting others, having a military culture in business, and the essence of leadership. https://content.calibbq.media TOAST Can Make Your Restaurant Run Smoother and Stronger — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Rodney Scott’s daring approach and “we’ll figure it out” fearlessness has been the foundation upon which his Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ restaurant (@rodneyscottsbbq) empire was built. Listen to this interview to learn about winning a James Beard award, becoming a social media celebrity, and how cooking with soul is vital to sustained success. https://content.calibbq.media Try TOAST Technology to Make Your Restaurant Run Better — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Brewpoint Coffee Founder Melissa Villanueva is the author of “Starting and Running a Coffee Shop”. Like the title suggests, the CEO has aspirations to grow Brewpoint Coffee (@brewpointcoffee) and teach other people of color how to effectively find their way in the café space. Listen to this interview to learn about balancing big ambitions, creating opportunities for others, and equity and inclusion in business. https://content.calibbq.media Try TOAST Tech to Make Your Restaurant Run Smoother and Stronger — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

For the cofounder of Asian-inspired restaurant chain Chicken Meets Rice (@chickenmeetsrice) Shone Tran, a night out drinking with a friend and eventual business partner led to much more than memories of laughter and great conversations. Listen to this interview to learn about pulling inspiration from tragedy, taking small steps, and thriving in business with your best friend. https://content.calibbq.media Try TOAST Today to Make Your Restaurant Run Smoother and Stronger — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Hernán Regiardo and Samantha Trottier, founders of Mate Society (@workbymate), built a reputation for beautiful photos and appealing content. The TikTok stars have even partnered with big companies like Bang Energy drinks and Hello Kitty. Listen to this interview to learn about authentic online connections, being in the creator economy, and choosing the right brand deals. https://content.calibbq.media Try TOAST Technology Today to Run Restaurant Better — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Super Taco Mexican Restaurants (@supertacomex) founder Julian Cervantes knew as a young man that he wanted to own a business. He just didn’t know what to open or even how to get started. Luckily there were people around him who could help. Watch this interview to learn about starting a business from scratch, having a Plan B, and balancing family and a restaurant. https://restaurantinfluencers.media Try TOAST Technology Today to Make Your Restaurant Better — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani has solidified his stature as a titan in the restaurant industry with hard work and a strong personality. Watch this interview with the food entrepreneur and CEO to learn about how culture should be the number one goal for any business, finding — and using — celebrity, and learning to stick to a specific system. https://restaurantinfluencers.media Try TOAST Technology Today to Make Your Restaurant Better — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Michael Schwartz and Bobby Rutter, the dynamic leaders behind Forward Hospitality Group, have transformed the Midwest's entertainment scene. With 12 distinct concepts spanning multiple states and nearly 1,000 employees, their journey is a testament to adaptability, vision, and resilience. Listen now to learn about transforming the entertainment scene in the Midwest and reinvention as a business model Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Javier Correa has spent his entire life in the restaurant industry. His Sombrero Mexican Food restaurant made its mark with a simple marketing technique: good food. Listen to this interview with the third-generation restaurant owner to learn about celebrity endorsements, finding an effective pace, and scaling a business. https://restaurantinfluencers.media TOAST makes your restaurant better: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try POPMENU and Save $100: https://popmenu.com/influencers

Robert “Don Pooh” Cummins has enjoyed success from music to food. He’s done it all by having a keen eye for talent and a willingness to keep trying. Listen to this interview with the Brooklyn Chop House Owner about working in the music industry, opening franchises, and creating avenues for black entrepreneurs. https://restaurantinfluencers.media Try POPMENU ANSWERING and Save $100: https://popmenu.com/influencers TOAST makes your restaurant better: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

It takes great people to run great companies. Levy Restaurants (@levy.restaurants) became great by its commitment to culture. Listen to this interview with Jennifer Allen, vice president of restaurant operations, to learn more about running successful restaurants, being a “restaurant girl,” and her company’s values. https://restaurantinfluencers.media Try POPMENU ANSWERING and Save $100: https://popmenu.com/influencers TOAST makes your restaurant better: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc