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Tips, tools & resources to help restaurant owners and managers Rock Their Restaurant! Engaging conversations with industry leaders and fellow restaurateurs.
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What if I told you that the difference between struggling and thriving in the restaurant industry is just one conversation away? I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who’s spent decades building blockbuster brands across every tier of dining. I know the challenges you’re facing—because I’ve been there. That’s why I created FULL COMP. Every week, I go one-on-one with the smartest minds in the game—restaurateurs, chefs, and industry insiders who’ve cracked the code. Together, we unp ...
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Keith Benjamin on Crafting the Vision for a Restaurant Empire
33:06
33:06
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The numbers tell the story. Statistically, it’s nearly impossible to scale massively within our industry which is why so few do so. Keith Benjamin is the exception. With over 15 locations under his belt, Keith has broken the mold by systematizing that “it factor” we’re all looking to achieve. In today’s conversation, we discuss how to build with in…
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Office Hours: Mass Marketing is Killing Your Restaurant--Do This Instead
8:14
8:14
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I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
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446. Mastering Restaurant Operations with The Disruptive Chef - Christian Fischer
41:31
41:31
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Roger sits down with Christian Fischer, also known as the Disruptive Chef, to delve into key aspects of restaurant operations and running a successful restaurant!⭐️ The Top 3 Restaurant Profit Killers & How To Fix Them Fast (Free Video Training): https://restaurantrockstars.com/profits⭐️ Restaurant Profit Maximizer Mini-Masterclass: (Only $7 for li…
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Chef Rob Rubba on Redefining Sustainability
32:37
32:37
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James Beard award-winning chef Rob Rubba seems to have it all: a blockbuster restaurant that’s great for the environment, a happy staff, and work life balance that most of us would kill for. None of this happened by accident. In today’s conversation we sit down with the chef to discuss how he architected the life and career of his dreams through th…
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Karen Akunowicz on The Linear Path to Success
33:57
33:57
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What are you chasing? Is it the money, the fame, or maybe the acclaim that comes with being a successful restaurant owner? Deep down, I think we all know that if we follow our passions, we’ll get all three. Few stories illustrate this more beautifully than today’s guest Chef Karen Akunowicz. In our conversation, she shares her evolution from chef t…
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Office Hours: Stop Discounting, Start Enrolling
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8:17
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I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
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Owning Your Destiny: James Bailey on Rejection, Resilience, and Running Momofuku
34:12
34:12
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What does it take to go from butcher to executive chef at one of the most iconic restaurant brands in the world—without burning out or selling out? For James Bailey of Momofuku Las Vegas, it’s not just about talent. It’s about patience, identity, and leadership. In this episode, we dive into the real story behind James’ rise through the ranks, how …
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445. Build Team Retention & Morale with Recognition and Rewards - David Strange & Laurie Camara
41:40
41:40
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41:40
Boosting Team Morale and Recognition in the Hospitality Industry | Restaurant Rockstars PodcastIn this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, host Roger Beaudoin is joined by David Strange from My Employees and Laurie Camara from Magna Hospitality to discuss the critical elements of building a strong, cohesive team in the hospitality industry…
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Jonathan Sawyer on Building a Business That Lasts
34:54
34:54
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I think fear is a massive motivator for so many restaurateurs. So many of us fail to make decisions that move us towards what we want because we’re busy making decisions that move us away from what we fear. But what happens when what we fear becomes our reality? What does the end of the road look like? As it turns out, it looks like a new beginning…
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Tech That Pays You Back: Jeremy Julian on Restaurant Systems That Save Time, Labor, and Sanity
36:00
36:00
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Restaurant tech isn’t just about bells and whistles—it’s about ROI. And no one understands that better than Jeremy Julian. With nearly 30 years in restaurant technology and operations, Jeremy has helped thousands of restaurants plug into tools that actually make life easier and businesses more profitable. In this episode, we explore how to audit yo…
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444. Guide to Restaurant Management Best Practices & Team Success - Chef Daniel Lugo
33:36
33:36
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Discover restaurant management best practices with Chef Daniel's unique team-building philosophy. Learn how to build a strong, motivated kitchen and front-of-house team.The Top 3 Restaurant Profit Killers & How To Fix Them Fast (Free Video Training): https://restaurantrockstars.com/profitsRestaurant Profit Maximizer Mini-Masterclass: (Only $7 for l…
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How To Scale : Ensuring Profitability with Michael Mina
33:08
33:08
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For over 30 years, Michael Mina has dominated the restaurant scene and today we sit down with the chef to find out how. In today’s conversation we dive deep into the tactics tools and strategies Michael has developed over decades to acquire talent, develop leaders, scale operations, and ensure profitability. This is a masterclass in restaurant owne…
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Stop Running a Restaurant—Start Running a Business: Roger Beaudoin on Systems, Sales, and Scaling Culture
41:23
41:23
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Most operators are stuck running restaurants. Roger Beaudoin teaches them how to run businesses. A 23-year restaurateur turned global coach and the founder of Restaurant Rockstars, Roger has helped thousands of owners escape burnout by installing the systems, culture, and leadership that scale. In this episode, we break down his approach to profita…
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443. How to Reduce Turnover in Restaurants: Boosting Team Culture, Leadership, and Data-Driven Insights - Russ Hawkins
34:40
34:40
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Struggling with high turnover in your restaurant? In this episode, Roger and Russ dive into how to reduce employee turnover, boost team morale, and lead with purpose. Learn how POS data, AI, and strong culture can transform your operations and keep your best people longer.The Top 3 Restaurant Profit Killers & How To Fix Them Fast (Free Video Traini…
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Serving the Story: Kathy & Ben Sidell on Building Restaurant Brands That Create Emotional Loyalty
43:29
43:29
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What if your restaurant wasn’t just a place to eat—but a part of your guest’s identity? Kathy and Ben Sidell have mastered the art of emotional branding, turning Saltie Girl and Sweet Boy into lifestyle experiences people feel proud to align with. In this episode, we explore how they’ve built high-volume, high-loyalty concepts without sacrificing s…
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I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
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Rethinking Restaurant Metrics: Jim Taylor on the One KPI That Changes Everything
46:46
46:46
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Most restaurant operators are flying blind—tracking the wrong metrics and chasing problems that don’t actually exist. Jim Taylor, founder of Benchmark Sixty, is on a mission to fix that. With decades of experience in operations and a passion for data-driven decision-making, Jim has helped hundreds of restaurants ditch outdated systems and find free…
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442. How to Establish Strong Restaurant Leadership - Roger Beaudoin
28:58
28:58
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In this episode, Roger discusses the fundamental differences between a manager and a true leader, focusing on how to get optimum performance from your team members through a culture of accountability. He introduces a comprehensive framework for effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of recognizing talent, empowering employees, and fosteri…
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Mastering the Vibe: Lee Maen on Creating Iconic Restaurants That Endure and Scale
38:50
38:50
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Some restaurants chase trends. Lee Maen builds brands that shape them. As co-founder of Innovative Dining Group, Lee has redefined what it means to create restaurants that are as memorable for their vibe as they are for their food. From Sushi Roku to BOA Steakhouse, he’s turned hospitality into a high-performance art form—blending ambiance, precisi…
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Office Hours: The #1 Hack to Transform Your Restaurant's Marketing
7:30
7:30
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I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
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Creating a Legacy Brand : Chef John Currence
32:50
32:50
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Chef John Currence did not set out to build an empire when he opened his first restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi but that’s what happened. John is a guy a lot like us. He built one concept, then two, then three in a very linear way over time. Then can Big Bad Breakfast. This is a restaurant that John launched for $65,000 and it became a national br…
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441. Navigating Restaurant Growth and Challenges - Chef Giovanni Mauro
40:05
40:05
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40:05
In this captivating episode of the Restaurant Rockstars podcast, I had the pleasure of delving into the inspiring journey of Chef Giovanni, an acclaimed restaurateur with a vibrant family legacy in the restaurant industry. With three thriving locations in Las Vegas, Chef Gio shares his experiences, challenges, and insights into building and maintai…
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Curing Burnout: Anese Cavanaugh on Leadership, Burnout, and Creating High-Impact Teams
39:59
39:59
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Burnout isn’t about working too much—it’s about what drains you. Anese Cavanaugh has spent the last two decades helping leaders master their Intentional Energetic Presence (IEP) to create thriving, engaged teams without running themselves into the ground. Her work with Zingerman’s and top companies worldwide has proven that energy, not time, is our…
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Office Hours: How to Build an Unforgettable Brand
6:54
6:54
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I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
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Redefining Teamwork: Shawn Gawle on Building Culture, Mentorship, and Michelin-Level Dining
37:50
37:50
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Great food gets guests in the door, but a great team keeps them coming back. Shawn Gawle, the awarded chef behind Camaraderie, has mastered the art of creating exceptional dining experiences by prioritizing mentorship, culture, and intentional leadership. In this episode, we explore Shawn’s journey from celebrated chef to chef-owner, how his philos…
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Episode 5: The New Landscape of Restaurant Real Estate
29:42
29:42
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The fires have dramatically altered LA’s real estate market, creating both challenges and opportunities for restaurant owners. Real estate expert Dan Fagan shares insider knowledge on where the best opportunities are now, how to negotiate stronger lease terms, and how consumer behavior is reshaping restaurant site selection. Whether you're looking …
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440. Improving Restaurant Operations: A General Manager's Guide - Andrew Roy
30:00
30:00
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Andrew shares what it takes to be a remarkable General Manager and his journey in the restaurant industry, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to enhance their establishment's operations and culture. His experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for restaurant professionals aiming to refine their operations and build a robust company…
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Culture Is Your Competitive Edge: Lisa Schultz on Eliminating Drama and Creating High-Performing Teams
37:21
37:21
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Most restaurants accept drama and dysfunction as part of the business—but what if eliminating them was the key to higher profits and better retention? Lisa Schultz, Managing Partner of Zingerman’s Roadhouse, has spent the last 20 years proving that culture is the real secret to success. By implementing no-drama leadership, open-book finance, and em…
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Office Hours: The 3 Keys to Escaping Day to Day Operations
8:33
8:33
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I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
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