Restrocast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Omar Shihab, founder of BOCA Dubai, takes us inside his journey of rethinking what a restaurant can stand for in a city known for rapid growth and high consumption. He shares the early shocks of entering the industry, from franchise struggles to the daily unpredictability of operations, and how those lessons shaped his people-first leadership style. Omar explains why integrity, transparency, and sustainability became BOCA’s guiding principles, leading to recognition with a Michelin Green Star. 

Omar focuses on using local ingredients in Dubai, treating staff well, and building a strong, self-reliant restaurant. He avoids fast trends and proves that sustainability is possible. BOCA is now a leading example of responsible homegrown hospitality in the UAE.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian- LinkedIn 

Omar Shihab- LinkedIn 

In this episode of Restrocast, British restaurateur Jasper Reid, Founder & CEO, International Market Management, shares his journey of building global food brands in India’s tough and competitive market. He talks about how he brought Pizza Express to India, beat Reliance to land Jamie Oliver’s brand, and convinced Wendy’s U.S. CEO to launch a ₹29 burger in India.

Reid explains that high rents in India can take up 20% of sales, why menus should be based on data and kept under 30 items, and long-term success comes from patient investment and strong team culture, not flashy food trends. His three key rules for surviving in India’s food business are: do not hesitate, explore the country, and invest wisely. He also hints at his next project. a ₹100 Desi diner focused on process and people.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian- LinkedIn 

Jasper Reid- LinkedIn 

In this episode of Restrocast, Samer S. Hamadeh, the visionary entrepreneur behind unique hospitality concepts like Akiba Dori and Stereo Arcade. 

From organizing a music festival at the age of 15 to designing industry-defining dining and nightlife experiences, Samer shares his journey of relentless creativity and risk-taking.

Discover how Samer transitioned from nightlife to the dining scene, building Akiba Dori, a Japanese-inspired street food concept with a modern twist. He delves into the challenges of expanding into Saudi Arabia and the importance of understanding local markets. 

Samer also opens up about his love for the “zero-to-one” phase of entrepreneurship, his aversion to traditional operations, and how video games inspire his creativity.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Samer S. Hamadeh- LinkedIn 

In this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian sits down with John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands Global, to discuss his remarkable journey through consulting, hospitality, and franchising. 

John shares how mentorship at Starwood Hotels shaped his understanding of leadership and operational excellence, highlighting pivotal moments like implementing Six Sigma and navigating the leap from operations to brand leadership.

John delves into the challenges of becoming a first-time CEO at Dine Brands Global, managing iconic restaurants like Applebee’s and IHOP, and balancing strategy with execution. He offers invaluable advice on adapting to change, fostering collaboration, and staying grounded in a fast-evolving business landscape.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of John Peyton’s leadership journey and the insights that have driven his transformative impact across industries.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

John Peyton- LinkedIn 

In this episode of Restrocast, Eric Slaymaker, the driving force behind Wingers Alehouse, shares his journey from the world of advertising to building a successful restaurant brand. With early roots in marketing for his father’s franchises, Eric developed a unique perspective on branding, which later inspired him to create Wingers. 

Eric dives into Wingers’ evolution, explaining how he adapted the concept into the popular Alehouse model to meet changing market demands. His conversation covers the balancing act between franchisee autonomy and brand consistency, Wingers’ feedback systems, and the importance of training in ensuring quality. 

Eric also reflects on leadership, sharing his commitment to sustainable growth and the continual effort to improve communication with his team. 

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Eric Slaymaker- LinkedIn 

In this episode of Restrocast, Phil Friedman, shares his remarkable journey over four decades. From his beginnings as a dishwasher to managing food distribution in Vietnam and scaling major brands like Panda Express and McAlister's Deli, Phil offers invaluable insights into leadership, innovation, and resilience. 

He discusses the challenges of navigating economic downturns, including the 2009 recession and the recent pandemic, and how adaptability has been key to his success.

Phil emphasizes the importance of building strong support systems for franchisees and staying ahead with technology. His candid advice for aspiring restaurateurs focuses on mastering the fundamentals and being ready to learn in an ever-evolving industry. With his passion for the restaurant business, Phil inspires listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. 

Tune in to discover how one man's journey reflects the broader dynamics of the restaurant landscape and the lessons that can drive success in a competitive market.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Phil Friedman- LinkedIn 

In this podcast episode, Saer Imad shares his unique career journey from corporate banking in Lebanon to becoming a key figure in Dubai's food and beverage industry. 

Saer discusses his early career advising entrepreneurs at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, where he first gained insights into the F&B world. 

He then shares how he transitioned from an advisor to a hands-on operator, building and franchising brands like JJ Chicken and Derwendi. Saer reflects on the challenges of brand building, the importance of adaptability, and the lessons learned from his experiences in expanding F&B brands internationally.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Saer Imad- LinkedIn 

In this podcast episode, Jerry Baldwin shares his remarkable four-decade career in the food and beverage industry. Starting from humble beginnings as a street food salesman, Baldwin shares how his early experiences in sales and distribution shaped his understanding of supply chain management. 

He delves into the challenges and opportunities within the restaurant industry, particularly in the post-COVID era, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies and strong vendor relationships.

Baldwin also discusses the transformative changes at Steak 'n Shake, including the shift to a franchise partner model and the introduction of self-order kiosks. His insights into navigating supply chain complexities, managing vendor dynamics, and adapting to industry shifts provide valuable lessons for anyone in the restaurant business. 

This episode is a must-listen for those looking to understand the intricacies of supply chain management and the restaurant industry's challenges.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn
Jerry Baldwin- LinkedIn 

In this episode of Restrocast, host Ashish Tulsian sits down with John Haggai, CEO of Burtons Grill & Bar, to explore his extraordinary career journey. From his humble beginnings as a high school busboy, Haggai shares how his initial part-time job evolved into a 30-year career in the hospitality industry. 

He discusses his transition from managing partner at Outback Steakhouse to founding Taza Kitchen, revealing the challenges and emotional shifts involved. Haggai also dives into the importance of blending technology with a personal touch and offers advice for future leaders in hospitality.

Restaurateurs will gain valuable insights into Haggai's approach to navigating the industry's complexities, his philosophy on mentorship, and his vision for the future of hospitality. His story of resilience, strategic thinking, and dedication to core values is a powerful inspiration for anyone looking to make a mark in the business world. 

This episode is a must-list for those interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

John Haggai- LinkedIn  

In this episode of Restrocast, host Ashish Tulsian sits down with Nadine Benchaffai, a trailblazing entrepreneur with a rich background in the food and beverage industry. Nadine shares her journey from working in FMCG with global giants like Kraft and Nestlé to co-founding Tortilla Mexican Grills in the UK, which grew to over 60 stores. She also delves into her experience founding Taqado Mexican Kitchen in the UAE, discussing the challenges of introducing a niche cuisine in a competitive market.

Nadine opens up about the personal and business factors that led to her decision to sell Taqado to Kitopi in 2021, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of exiting a brand she built from the ground up. She also talks about her current role as a venture builder in the agri-tech and food tech sectors, highlighting how she’s helping startups scale and innovate at the intersection of food, technology, and sustainability. 

This episode offers valuable insights into brand building, market adaptation, and the evolving landscape of the food industry, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals alike.

Find us online: 

Ashish Tulsian - LinkedIn 

Nadine Benchaffai- LinkedIn