Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies is a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of marketing.
Join us as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies to attract new customers, build brand loyalty, and drive revenue.
Our expert guests share their insights, experiences, and practical advice on topics like:
-social advertising,
-food photography,
-local SEO, and more.
Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just starting, we'll help you elevate your restaurant's marketing game and achieve sustainable growth.
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Stop Guest Complaints: Building a 5-Star Service Culture with Jess Rowland
Season 1 · Episode 11
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 37:30
Great food isn’t enough anymore; elite restaurant service training is what separates struggling businesses from high-performing ones. If you’re tired of inconsistent service and negative reviews, this episode is your roadmap to a better guest experience.
In this episode of Setting the Table, host Robin B talks with Jess Rowland, co-founder of The Restaurant Launch, about building elite front-of-house teams through daily coaching, clear expectations, and repeatable systems.
00:20 – The Front-of-House Challenge Every Restaurant Faces 00:47 – Meet Jess Rowland, The Restaurant Launch 02:06 – How Jess Fell in Love with Service & Hospitality 03:14 – From Server to Trainer: 26 Years in Restaurants 05:01 – Why Serving Is a Performance, Not Just Order Taking 05:40 – What Acting & Improv Taught Jess About Service 06:51 – How Fast You Can Spot a Great (or Bad) Server 07:28 – Jess’s Biggest Restaurant Service Pet Peeve 08:55 – The #1 Habit Exceptional Front-of-House Teams Share 10:45 – Is Food or Service More Important to the Guest Experience? 11:52 – Why Service Still Matters in Online Ordering & Delivery 12:18 – The 5 Pillars of Great Service (Speed, Accuracy & More) 13:47 – Why Most Service Problems Are Technical, Not Personal 14:39 – What Restaurant Owners Are Shocked to Learn 16:45 – The Culture Problem No One Wants to Admit 18:01 – The Power of Interactive Pre-Shift Meetings 19:02 – The “Silent Killer” That Stops Guests from Returning 19:20 – Should Restaurants Ask for Guest Feedback? 21:56 – Difficult vs. High-Maintenance Guests (There’s a Difference) 23:22 – Customers vs. Guests: Why It Matters 24:04 – Real Results from Elevating Service Culture 25:31 – Why Hiring Is the Most Important System in Restaurants 27:56 – Consistency Beats Perfection in Service Training 28:46 – Overcoming Staff Resistance to Change 30:29 – The Future of Front-of-House Service & AI 32:01 – Why Core Values Matter More Than Ever 32:59 – What Gives Jess the Most Fulfillment Today 35:57 – How to Connect with Jess & The Restaurant Launch 37:00 – Final Thoughts & Subscribe
SCALE YOUR RESTAURANT’S SUCCESS - Is your marketing working as hard as you are? If you're ready to grow your brand and fill more seats, book a free strategy session with us here.
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Follow Jess Rowland & The Restaurant Launch
📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies
Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complexities of running a successful restaurant.
Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, improving operations, building an effective brand, and more all focused on driving revenue growth. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance.
Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
Exploring Ways To Reduce Restaurant Food Cost
Season 1 · Episode 10
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • Duration 22:16
Running a restaurant has never been more challenging. With rising food costs, labor shortages, and constant operational pressures, every decision matters.
Are Your Kitchen Vents a Fire Hazard?
Discover why regular exhaust and exterior cleaning is critical for safety, compliance, and customer experience here.
Is your marketing working as hard as you are to help your restaurant succeed? Find out by scheduling a discovery call with us.
In this episode of Setting The Table, host Robin B sits down with Neil Chand and Mike Wiedower of FoodServiceIQ to break down what today’s restaurant operators can do to cut food costs and protect profits.
Discover how to:
✅ Improve cost control through smarter purchasing
✅ Build better vendor relationships
✅ Use technology without overcomplicating your workflows
✅ Stay profitable through education, knowing your numbers, and sound strategy
Whether you run a single neighborhood café or manage a growing restaurant group, this episode offers practical, real-world insight from experts who’ve been in the trenches.
🎧 Watch or listen now to learn how to make your restaurant more efficient, more resilient, and ready for what’s next.
In this episode of Setting the Table, we sit down with Todd Sagisor of Payments Gallery to uncover how modern restaurant POS systems are transforming restaurant operations management, cutting costs, and boosting profits.
From real stories of employee fraud prevention to the surprising power of using POS as a centralized hub for data syncing, loyalty programs for restaurants, and online ordering integrations, this conversation dives deep into what every restaurant owner needs to know in 2025 and beyond.
Discover how to:
Use your POS data to identify top-selling items and refine your menu
Prevent profit loss through smarter security and employee permissions
Integrate online ordering and mobile-friendly payments
Build powerful loyalty programs that keep customers coming back
Combine text, email, and app marketing for lasting customer retention
From the front of the house to the back, learn how smart systems and simple changes can make your restaurant run smoother — and more profitably.
Behind The Kitchen Door: Restaurant Pest Control 101
Season 1 · Episode 8
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 • Duration 34:11
Restaurant pest control isn’t just about keeping bugs and rodents out of sight—it’s about protecting your customers, your reputation, and your bottom line. Is your marketing doing the same for your restaurant? Schedule a discovery call with us to find out.
In this episode of Setting the Table, host Robin B sits down with Alan Clark and Will Forest of Modern Pest Control, a trusted, family-owned company serving Houston and surrounding areas, to uncover what every restaurant operator needs to know about pest prevention.
You’ll learn:
Why restaurant pest control is critical for health department compliance and food safety
The most common pest hotspots in restaurants—drains, dumpsters, ceilings, rooftops, and under booths
Seasonal pest challenges restaurants face in Houston, from rodents and crickets to insects attracted to lighting
Simple preventive measures that reduce risks: door sweeps, weather stripping, flylights, and regular drain cleaning
Red flags restaurant operators should watch for—like odors, droppings, and gaps that let pests in
How proper documentation and logbooks help pass inspections and avoid shutdowns
Whether you run a local café, a high-volume full-service restaurant, or manage multiple locations, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to keep your business safe, compliant, and pest-free.
Don’t Get Burned: Restaurant Cleaning Mistakes That Could Shut You Down
Season 1 · Episode 7
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 25:37
Restaurant owners, operators, and facility managers — this episode is a must-listen if you care about kitchen safety, compliance, and keeping operations smooth. We dive into the often overlooked but critical topic of vent hood and grease exhaust cleaning. Our guest, Ann Tran from Albedo’s Return Power Washing, breaks down how often commercial kitchens should be cleaning their hoods, what inspectors are really looking for, and why first-time cleanings are sometimes more expensive, and more.
You’ll also learn the most common mistakes restaurant operators make, from skipping filter cleanings to letting grease build up far too long between services. Plus, we talk about dumpster area maintenance and how it impacts sanitation, staff and customer experience, and pest control.
What Insurance Do Restaurants Really Need? Insider Info About Business Interruption, Liability & More
Season 1 · Episode 6
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 • Duration 35:07
Are you 100% sure your restaurant’s insurance coverage protects you from fires, hurricanes, employee theft, or even a delivery driver's accident? Most owners aren’t, which is why this episode is a must-watch.
In this episode, insurance expert Lisa Stephens breaks down the exact coverage restaurant and bar owners need today, from business interruption and liquor liability to third-party delivery protection. You'll also learn how to reduce costs in a challenging market, why being listed as an “additional insured” could save you thousands, and what camera placement could prevent a lawsuit. Plus, Lisa reveals insider tips to protect against fraudulent claims and theft, even from your staff.
💡 Bonus tip: Lisa strongly recommends that restaurant owners consider setting aside money in an interest-bearing account to help cover high deductibles in today’s market. That way, you can lower your premiums without taking on extra risk. Smart move, most people overlook!
Want more expert tips like this to help grow and protect your restaurant?
📱 Follow us for the latest updates, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes content:
A Restaurant Success Story: Grupo Herrera’s Journey
Season 1 · Episode 5
Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 34:10
In this episode of Setting the Table, Robin B sits down with Dario Herrera of Grupo Herrera Restaurants — the family behind some of the most beloved restaurant brands in Cypress and the greater Houston area.
From Alicia’s Mexican Grille to Dario’s Steakhouse & Seafood, the Herrera family has built a successful restaurant group by blending family values with a commitment to quality, smart innovation, and deep community roots.Dario shares their inspiring family restaurant success story — how his parents’ dream turned into a thriving restaurant business with seven locations, how they overcame today's hospitality industry challenges, and the marketing strategies that keep loyal guests coming back.
✨ Key Takeaways from This Episode:
How to build a restaurant brand and how family values can shape and strengthen a brand’s identity.
Innovative ways to adapt and evolve your restaurant without losing your core customers.
How creating engaging customer experiences like wine and tequila dinners has helped the Herreras keep their restaurant relevant and top of mind.
Tips for staying ahead of restaurant trends and refreshing menus regularly.
The importance of community connection in driving long-term restaurant success.
Real-world lessons on building and scaling a restaurant business from scratch.
✅ If you're looking for restaurant branding strategies, actionable restaurant marketing tips, or simply want inspiration from a real-world success story, this episode is packed with insights you can use immediately.
👉 Watch the full episode now to hear the full Herrera family journey — and walk away inspired to grow your own lasting restaurant brand!
To learn more about Grupo Herrera's Restaurants click the links below!
Serving Success: Using Restaurant Data to Drive Sales
Season 1 · Episode 4
Thursday, March 27, 2025 • Duration 37:08
How Restaurant Analytics and AI Can Help Drive Restaurant Success! 🚀🍽️
In this episode, Robin B sits down with Rebeccah Rybalski, founder of Springboard Management, Inc (formerly Rybalski Consulting Group), to uncover how restaurant analytics can help restaurateurs personalize marketing, optimize operations, and grow sales.
🔍 Key Takeaways: ✅ Common mistakes when doing restaurant analytics and how to avoid them. ✅ How AI-powered tools can turn your POS system into a goldmine of insights. ✅ The power of personalized marketing—using AI to create customized customer experiences. ✅ Why combining social media insights with restaurant sales data can be game-changers for restauranteurs. ✅ The future of AI in the restaurant industry and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve.
💡 Stop Guessing and Start Growing! Robin and Rebeccah break down practical restaurant analytics and strategies to help restaurant owners and operators make smarter, data-driven decisions with ease.
🔥 Don’t miss out! Hit play now to learn how restaurant analytics and AI can help catapult your business. 📊
Showcasing Your Restaurant’s Unique Story With The Power Of Video
Season 1 · Episode 3
Thursday, February 20, 2025 • Duration 32:26
In this episode, Robin B sits down with Mike Wilson, president of Crusader Media, to uncover the game-changing power of videography in the restaurant industry. From capturing mouthwatering dishes to showcasing the full dining experience, professional video content can make your restaurant stand out in a crowded market—and Mike tells us exactly how.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why great videography isn’t just about food—it’s about storytelling & atmosphere.
✅ The secret to capturing irresistible food videos that make customers crave your menu.
✅ Essential tips on lighting, movement, and editing for social media & beyond.
✅ Why planning your video content ahead of time saves time and money.
✅ How to use special events to film customer reactions.
If you want to create restaurant videos that stop the scroll and bring in more customers, this is the episode for you! 🎥🔥
Unleashing The Power of Storytelling in Branding and PR
Season 1 · Episode 2
Thursday, January 23, 2025 • Duration 37:06
Ready to take your restaurant’s brand to the next level? In this episode of Setting The Table, Robin sits down with Rachel Austin, founder and CEO of Rachel Austin PR and Hometown Social, to uncover the secrets of using effective PR to deliver an authentic, compelling brand story.
With over a decade of PR expertise and a client roster that includes iconic brands like Buc-ee’s and The Original Ninfa’s, Rachel reveals how PR can position your restaurant as a must-go destination for restaurant-goers. Discover:
✅ The power of local narratives to build a strong and engaging restaurant identity.✅ How to leverage PR, bloggers, and influencers to boost visibility and attract loyal customers.✅ Expert tips on developing a unique selling proposition, cultivating your brand’s “cool factor,” and navigating DIY and professional PR.
Whether you’re a restaurateur or a marketing professional, this episode is packed with actionable PR advice to help you stand out in a competitive market and connect with your audience like never before.
👉 Don’t miss out—watch now and start unleashing the power of restaurant PR.
3:36 – Biggest Challenges for Independent Restaurants Today
5:36 – Why Knowledge is Power in Restaurant Operations
6:57 – How FoodServiceIQ Saves Restaurants Money Without Changing Suppliers
10:36 – Practical Tips to Control Food Costs and Reduce Waste
14:58 – Adapting to Rising Costs in 2025: Labor, Rent & Supply Chain
18:10 – Smart Technology Use: Perfect Workflows Before Automating
21:24 – Success Stories: Real Restaurants Benefiting from FoodServiceIQ
21:59 – Final Advice & How to Connect with FoodServiceIQ—----------------------------------------------------------------
📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies
Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complexities of running a successful restaurant.
Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, improving operations, building an effective brand, and more all focused on driving revenue growth.
Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance.
Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
00:00 Introduction – Meet guest Todd Sagaser from Payments Gallery
01:00 The evolving role of POS systems in restaurant operations
04:00 How POS connects front-of-house and back-of-house teams
07:30 Simplifying payment processing and improving efficiency
10:15 Choosing the right POS system for your restaurant
13:00 Why great customer service and vendor support matter
16:00 Using POS data for smarter marketing and retention
18:30 Overcoming fears about “giving too much away” in loyalty programs
21:00 The true ROI of loyalty and customer retention
24:30 Real-world examples of loyalty programs that work
27:00 Using email, text, and app notifications to drive repeat visits
29:00 Lessons from COVID: Why communication channels matter
30:00 Inside Payments Gallery – boutique POS consulting in Houston
31:00 Final takeaways on using technology to grow restaurant success
32:00 Connect with Todd Sagissor – paymentsgallery.com
📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies
Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complexities of running a successful restaurant.
Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, building brand loyalty, and driving real revenue. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance.
Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
Discover why regular exhaust and exterior cleaning is critical for safety, compliance, and customer experience here – https://youtu.be/azOD7d5lYP4
📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies
Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of restaurant marketing.
Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, building brand loyalty, and driving real revenue.
Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance.
Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
📌 Restaurant owners, operators, and facility managers — this episode is a must-listen if you care about kitchen safety, compliance, and keeping operations smooth. We dive into the often overlooked but critical topic of vent hood and grease exhaust cleaning. Our guest, Ann Tran from Albedo’s Return Power Washing, breaks down how often commercial kitchens should be cleaning their hoods, what inspectors are really looking for, and why first-time cleanings are sometimes more expensive, and more.
You’ll also learn the most common mistakes restaurant operators make, from skipping filter cleanings to letting grease build up far too long between services. Plus, we talk about dumpster area maintenance and how it impacts sanitation, staff and customer experience, and pest control.
📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies
Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of restaurant marketing.
Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, building brand loyalty, and driving real revenue. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance.
Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
