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.

What if the secret to scaling your business wasn’t just about great food or strong margins but about creating real relationships—with your team, your customers, and your community? Andrew Kim has flipped the script on what it means to run a franchise operation. As CEO of Waba Grill, Andrew went from legal advisor to visionary leader, crafting a brand where franchisees aren’t just partners—they’re family. In today’s episode, we explore how Andrew is bringing humanity back to franchising, the unconventional strategies that turned struggling locations into top performers, and what independent restaurant operators can steal from the franchise playbook to thrive in today’s market. If you’re ready to rethink how you support your team and grow your business, this conversation is a must. For more on Waba Grill’s bold flavors and innovative franchise model, visit https://www.wabagrill.com.

Takeaways

• Andrew's bicultural background provided an advantage in law.
• Waba Grill's founders had a vision for franchise growth.
• Transitioning from consultant to chief legal officer was a significant decision.
• Building strong franchisee relationships is crucial for success.
• The pandemic required a focus on franchisee support and resilience.
• Leadership transition can come from unexpected backgrounds.
• Investing in team support leads to better outcomes.
• Menu innovation is driven by customer resonance and team collaboration.
• Value is defined by customer experience, not just price.
• Anticipating customer needs enhances overall satisfaction.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Law and Business Consulting
05:56 Navigating Franchise Relationships and Challenges
12:13 Leadership Transition: From Chief Legal Officer to CEO
17:55 Menu Innovation and Customer Experience
24:09 Defining Value in a Post-Pandemic World
29:57 Anticipating Customer Needs and Enhancing Experience
35:54 Key Takeaways for Business Success
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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

What does it take to leave a stable career, move across the world, and start fresh in an industry where failure is the norm? For Shawn Uldridge, the answer lies in a combination of entrepreneurial grit, risk management, and a deep passion for creating meaningful experiences. From transitioning out of finance to building the Publishing House B&B in Chicago, Shawn has rewritten the rules of success in hospitality. In today’s episode, we explore his journey, how he balances risk with opportunity, and why perseverance—and a little fun—are the keys to thriving in business and life. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a bold dream into reality, this conversation is for you. For more information on the Publishing House B&B and Chapel Street Café, visit https://publishinghousebnb.com.

Takeaways

• Quitting can be a positive step towards fulfillment.
• Entrepreneurs must balance vision with the ability to pivot.
• Evaluating opportunities should prioritize enjoyment and interest.
• Risk management is crucial for long-term success.
• Avoiding mediocrity requires proactive decision-making.
• Product market fit is essential for business success.
• Creating a supportive team environment enhances productivity.
• Cultural sharing can elevate a business's appeal.
• Work-life balance is vital for personal happiness.
• Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges in business.

Chapters
00:00 From Finance to Hospitality: A New Beginning
05:45 Evaluating Opportunities: Fun vs. Profit
11:48 Navigating the Middle Ground: Avoiding Mediocrity
18:00 The Journey into Solar Energy
23:50 Creating a Supportive Team Environment
30:00 The Importance of Family and Work-Life Balance
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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.

Most restaurants don’t fail—they just get stuck. They struggle with slim margins, unpredictable cash flow, and the constant grind of staying afloat. But what if there was a way to break the cycle? In this episode, we reveal the overlooked strategies that separate struggling restaurants from thriving ones. Whether you’re ready to scale or just need more breathing room, this conversation is for you.

Visit www.joshkopel.com today to get free access to the upcoming 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge: 5 Days to a 15% Net Profit.

In an industry where culture can make or break a business, Chris Hall has set a gold standard for what it means to lead with purpose. As co-owner of Unsukay Restaurant Group in Atlanta, Chris has turned his restaurants into more than just places to eat—they’re community hubs rooted in generosity, connection, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Today, we discuss how Chris and his partners have built thriving businesses by focusing on values-driven leadership, the transformative power of philanthropy, and the strategies they use to ensure both their team and their guests feel like they truly belong. For more information on Local Three and their community initiatives, visit https://unsukay.com/.

Takeaways

• At the time Atlanta was still growing, and Mus and Turner's filled a gap.
• Curiosity and humility are essential in learning and growth.
• Partnerships require commitment and open communication, similar to marriage.
• An abundance mindset fosters human connection in business.
• Creating a positive atmosphere for staff leads to better hospitality.
• You can't teach someone to care; it's an inherent quality.
• Purpose and values should guide business decisions, not just profit.
• Engaging advisors can provide valuable insights and support.
• Continuous improvement is key to success in any business.
• A strong partnership is built on complementary skills and trust. We talk about our values every day.
• Culture is defined by what you tolerate.
• What you say no to is more defining than yes.
• Growth is about people, not just opportunity.
• You need systems to standardize operations.
• Profitability is essential for sustainability.
• Great customer experiences drive word-of-mouth.
• Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
• The Giving Kitchen started as a response to need.
• Every day is an opportunity to make a difference.

Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Mus and Turner's
05:11 Navigating Partnerships in the Restaurant Industry
12:28 Purpose, Values, and Mission in Hospitality
17:30 Continuous Improvement and Learning in Business
23:52 Intentional Growth and Leadership
29:13 Profitability: A Necessary Conversation
34:53 The Journey Over the Destination
40:52 Adopting an Abundance Mentality

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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

Reinvention is at the heart of every great success story, and few embody that better than Brian Smith and Robert Hagopian. Starting as franchisees of The Meat House, they faced the collapse of their franchisor and emerged stronger, founding The Butchery, a boutique butcher shop and kitchen that has redefined premium meat retail. Today, we sit down to discuss their transition from franchisees to independent operators, the lessons they learned from the School of Hard Knocks, and how they’ve built a brand rooted in quality, community, and uncompromising service. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to turn challenges into opportunities. For more information on The Butchery and their premium offerings, visit https://www.butcherymeats.com.

Takeaways

• The journey to opening the Meat House began with a shared passion for cooking.
• There is a notable absence of intimate retail grocery markets in Southern California.
• Identifying market gaps can lead to successful business opportunities.
• Strong partnerships are built on mutual respect and understanding.
• Navigating the retail food industry is challenging and requires resilience.
• Having a shared vision and standards is crucial for business success.
• Finding engaged employees in the restaurant industry is increasingly difficult.
• Quality ingredients are essential for creating exceptional meals.
• Listening to each other during disagreements strengthens partnerships.
• Building a knowledgeable team enhances customer experience.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Meat House
03:00 Identifying Market Gaps
06:01 Navigating Business Partnerships
08:54 Building a Strong Team
12:02 Overcoming Industry Challenges
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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.