What do you need to succeed in today’s competitive restaurant landscape? Some of us spend our days trying to determine the answer to that important question and some are closer than ever to having an answer. Today we sit down with celebrity chef and co-founder of MAJC, Matt Jennings, and his co-host Carolyn Grillo, to discuss what it takes to create the operating system for the hospitality industry and how the first step in that process turned out to be a–of all things–a podcast.

You can find their podcast, Restaurant Ready, on all podcast platforms and be sure to sign up for early access to the MAJC platform by visiting www.majc.ai.

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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

New York City is one of the toughest markets in the world for restaurants, and omakase is one of its most competitive niches. But Cheng Lin, the mastermind behind Shota Omakase, has carved out a space that’s truly unique. From sourcing the rarest ingredients to crafting an intimate, story-driven dining experience, Cheng is redefining what it means to serve sushi in the U.S. Today, we uncover how he brought a 10-year vision to life, the risks he took to challenge industry norms, and the business strategies that make his 18-seat restaurant a standout success. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to turn passion into profit, this episode is packed with insights. For more information on Shota Omakase and their extraordinary omakase experience, visit https://www.shotaomakase.com.

Takeaways

• Moving to the U.S. was for family, not personal choice.
• Early jobs in restaurants taught valuable lessons.
• Passion for sushi developed over time, not immediately.
• Focus and patience are crucial for culinary mastery.
• Research and learning are essential for running a restaurant.
• Community engagement is key to restaurant success.
• Success is defined by the team, not just the individual.
• Unique ingredients can set a restaurant apart.
• Marketing and food quality are equally important.
• Continuous learning is vital in a competitive industry.

Chapters

00:00 Journey to the U.S. and Early Experiences in the Restaurant Industry
02:54 Discovering Passion for Sushi and Culinary Arts
05:59 The Importance of Focus and Patience in Culinary Mastery
09:05 Transitioning from Chef to Entrepreneur
12:11 Building a Unique Restaurant Concept
14:56 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement
17:57 Defining Success and Future Aspirations
21:02 Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Chefs
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Check out DUER’s flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP.

Franchising can be a double-edged sword—scaling a brand while maintaining its soul is no easy feat. John Ramsay, a veteran with over 35 years of experience in franchising, who’s leading the charge to transform Taco Cabana into a powerhouse of profitability and culture. In today’s episode, we dive into John’s journey from designing restaurants to developing franchise systems, the strategic pivots that have positioned Taco Cabana for success, and the lessons any restaurateur can apply to their own business. Whether you’re an independent operator or considering franchising, this episode is packed with insights you can use. For more information on Taco Cabana and their exciting expansion plans, visit https://www.tacocabana.com.

Takeaways

• Taco Cabana started as a bar outpost in San Antonio.
• The brand straddles fast food and full-service dining.
• Messaging focuses on variety, convenience, and value.
• Breakfast culture is key to customer engagement.
• Franchising requires a stable brand and committed leadership.
• Unit economics are crucial for franchise success.
• Building a franchise model involves collaboration across departments.
• Ideal franchisees should have restaurant experience and community ties.
• Market selection is based on supply chain efficiency and operational support.
• Catering is essential for revenue and brand building.

Chapters
00:00 The Origins of Taco Cabana
06:08 Breakfast Culture and Customer Engagement
11:46 Franchising Strategy and Timing
17:55 Building a Franchise Model from Scratch
23:47 Market Selection and Growth Strategy
29:56 Catering as a Revenue Stream
35:59 Maintaining Focus on Awareness

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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Check out DUER’s flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP.