What does it truly take to grow a restaurant concept from a single unit to a multi-location brand? In this episode, we're joined by Garrett Mills, Partner at Uncommon Brands, for a deep dive into the world of restaurant growth and investment. Garrett shares his unique journey and unpacks the key financial and qualitative factors his firm evaluates when partnering with emerging brands. From the importance of a strong employee culture to the challenges of letting go of control, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for any operator looking to scale their business and build a lasting brand.

Key Takeaways

• The Financial Trifecta: When evaluating a business, focus on three key ratios: sales-to-investment, store-level margin, and cash-on-cash returns. Achieving strength in at least two of these areas is crucial for attracting investment and ensuring sustainable growth. 
• Embrace the GM-Driven Model: To scale effectively, founders must transition from being hands-on in every detail to empowering their general managers. This requires building trust and creating systems that allow unit-level leaders to take ownership of their stores. 
• Culture Drives Experience: Your employees are the ones driving the guest experience. Investing in a strong employee culture is fundamental to creating a restaurant experience that keeps customers returning. 
• Technology Should Inform Decisions: The most valuable technology partners provide clear information that helps you make better, faster decisions, especially around food and labor costs. The goal is to get GMs out of the back office and onto the floor with guests and staff. 
• Growth Isn't Easy: The path to scaling a restaurant is a grind. Surround yourself with experienced advisors and be prepared to overcome significant challenges along the way. 

Resources

• Uncommon Brands
• Uncommon Brands on LinkedIn
• 7shifts

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

What does it take to grow a restaurant from a single location to a global phenomenon? In this episode, D.J. sits down with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palate America, the holding company for the rapidly expanding Japanese fast-casual brand, Pepper Lunch. Troy pulls back the curtain on his extensive career, from his early days in the kitchen to leading a global brand. He offers a masterclass on scaling a restaurant business, detailing the crucial transition from hands-on manager to visionary executive. Listeners will learn the key metrics and, more importantly, the mindset required to franchise, the right way to enter new markets successfully, and how to use data to understand your customer on a deeper level. This is a must-listen for any operator with ambitions to grow.

Key Takeaways

• The 3-Thing Rule: To let go effectively, identify the 1-3 things you are most passionate about in your business and focus on them. Outsource everything else to people who are passionate about those specific areas.
• Are You Franchise-Ready? Franchising means leaving the restaurant business and entering the business of providing service to your franchisees. It's a fundamental mindset shift.
• Grow Methodically: The biggest mistake brands make is jumping from one market to another with single stores. Instead, grow adjacent and open at least three locations in a new market quickly to achieve penetration and build an audience.
• Master Market Research: Use technology like geofencing to get demographic and sociographic data on your customers, where they come from, and where else they shop. But don't discount analog research—stand in line at a local grocery store and ask people what they value in a restaurant.
• Real Estate is Everything: After choosing your franchise partner, selecting the right real estate is your most critical decision. It is the most common, painful, and costly mistake. Never call the number on the "For Lease" sign yourself; get professional representation.

Resources

• Pepper Lunch: pepperlunchrestaurants.com
• Connect with Troy: LinkedIn
• Mentioned Tools:
  • Site Zeus

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

The restaurant industry is at a crossroads, with two powerful forces shaping its future. On one hand, there's the explosive growth of AI and automation, a major topic at the recent National Restaurant Association Show. On the other, there's the timeless need for genuine human connection. This episode explores both.

First, D.J. considers the impact of AI on restaurant operations. Then, he dives into a conversation with Shawn Walchef, the founder of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media, who champions the power of storytelling as a restaurant's ultimate competitive advantage. Shawn provides a practical guide for using the phone in your pocket to build a community, create a loyal following, and drive business. This episode is an essential listen for any operator looking to balance the efficiencies of new technology with the irreplaceable magic of a well-told story.

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing Tech and Touch: While AI is poised to revolutionize restaurant operations, it cannot replace the genuine connection that comes from authentic brand storytelling.
• Your Story is Your Most Valuable Asset: In an increasingly automated world, the unique story of your people, your food, and your passion is what sets you apart.
• The Smartphone is Your Studio: You don't need a massive budget or a marketing team to start building your brand online; the tools are already in your pocket.
• Action Creates Momentum: The most important step is the first one. Start creating content, even if it's imperfect, to begin building your digital presence.
• Digital Hospitality: The modern guest experience is a blend of in-person service and digital engagement. Your online presence is an extension of your restaurant's four walls.

Resources:

• Cali BBQ Media on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CaliBBQMedia
• Shawn Walchef on Instagram: @shawnpwalchef
• Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwalchef/

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

The restaurant industry has long struggled with the divide between front and back-of-house compensation. In this archive episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, Chef Katie Button of Cúrate and La Bodega by Cúrate in Asheville reveals how she completely transformed her restaurant's pay structure after the pandemic shutdown. Katie details her journey from engineering PhD student to award-winning chef, and explains why she took the bold step of eliminating sub-minimum wage pay, implementing a weighted tip pool, and creating transparent pathways for advancement. She candidly discusses the challenges and benefits of this transformation, from staff reactions to financial adjustments, ultimately showing how creating more equitable compensation has strengthened her restaurant team and culture.

Resources

• Connect with Katie Button on LinkedIn 🔗
• Visit: Cúrate and La Bodega by Cúrate 🍽️
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Blog 📝

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Katie Button and Pre-Shift Podcast
• 00:57 - From engineering PhD to award-winning chef (Katie's background story begins)
• 03:52 - The decision to transform restaurant compensation (discussion of sub-minimum wage issues)
• 07:20 - Understanding the front/back of house pay disparity (holiday season example)
• 08:50 - Katie's personal experience with pay differences
• 11:13 - Creating a new compensation model post-shutdown (weighted tip pools explained)
• 14:16 - How the new model affects team morale and culture
• 15:31 - Financial adjustments required to implement higher wages
• 19:34 - Comprehensive benefits package implementation (healthcare, PTO, etc.)
• 21:07 - PTO structure and fairness for new vs. veteran employees
• 22:00 - Transparency in pay and performance expectations (posting tip pool breakdowns)
• 22:48 - Using Seven Shifts software for transparency
• 23:15 - Introduction to La Bodega (second restaurant)
• 24:08 - Closing and contact information

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Building a company culture worth celebrating takes more than just words. In this archive episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we revisit our conversation with Michel Falcon, founder and CEO of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, who shares his journey from management consultant to restaurant entrepreneur. Michel reveals how he built a fast-casual concept with an astonishing 17% employee turnover rate in an industry that typically sees 100-200%. He breaks down exactly how he crafted meaningful core values, implemented an innovative personalized onboarding process, established fair wage practices beyond minimum wage, and created unprecedented pay transparency across all positions. This episode offers practical strategies for operators looking to attract and retain talent while building a values-driven restaurant business.

Resources

• Connect with Michel Falcon on LinkedIn 🔗
• Visit: Brasa Peruvian Kitchen 🍽️
• Book: People-First Culture by Michel Falcon 📚
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Blog 📝

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Finding and keeping great restaurant staff is harder than ever in 2025. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Alice Cheng, Founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, about how smart restaurants are winning the hiring game. After 13 years of connecting restaurants with talent, Alice breaks down what works. She explains the "missing middle" skills gap hurting restaurants today and shares practical ways to make your job listings stand out. Whether you're struggling to hire line cooks or looking to build a reputation as a great workplace, Alice offers real solutions you can implement immediately to attract better candidates.

Resources

• Connect with Alice Cheng on LinkedIn 🔗
• Visit: Culinary Agents🍴
• Explore: Hospitality Career Paths 📊
• 7shifts Hiring Guide 📝

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Alice Cheng
• 02:51 - Evolution of restaurant hiring technology
• 07:53 - What makes Culinary Agents unique
• 13:12 - Current hiring trends in hospitality
• 18:41 - The skills gap in restaurant staffing
• 25:17 - Benefits and perks restaurants are offering
• 31:35 - Hospitality technology integration trends
• 43:00 - Hospitality Career Paths platform
• 47:33 - Advice for positioning as a great employer

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Want to build a restaurant career that doesn't leave you burnt out? In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we chat with Justin Khanna, a chef who's cooked at some of the world's best restaurants, before switching gears to become an educator and founder of Repertoire. Justin takes us behind the scenes of his days at Per Se and The French Laundry, sharing what those kitchens taught him about way more than just cooking great food. He explains why running a successful restaurant isn't just about having a superstar chef but about creating systems that work even when you're not there. Justin also dives into how his education platform helps restaurants keep their best staff by actually measuring what makes someone good at their job. If you want to level up your restaurant career or build a team that sticks around, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can use immediately.

Resources

• Connect with Justin Khanna on LinkedIn and TikTok 🔗
• Visit: Repertoire 📚
• Watch: Justin's YouTube Channel 📺
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Training Guide 📝

Chapters

• 0:00 - Justin's culinary background and content creation
• 2:12 - Fine dining kitchens
• 5:40 - What fine dining kitchen culture is really like
• 11:10 - Finding your own voice as a chef
• 15:35 - Restaurant concepts vs chef personalities
• 21:30 - From pop-ups to full-time content creation
• 23:30 - The evolution of restaurant content creation
• 27:55 - Why Justin created Repertoire
• 33:25 - Repertoire's focus
• 38:50 - Justin advice for aspiring hospitality content creators

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

AI is changing the restaurant marketing game in ways that can save you time while boosting your revenue. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, I chat with Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who's truly mastered the marketing side of the business.

Josh breaks down how restaurants of any size can use AI tools like ChatGPT to create better email campaigns, design loyalty programs that actually work, and analyze menu performance - all without needing a marketing degree.

What I love about Josh's approach is how practical it is. He shows you exactly how to get started, even if you've never used AI before. And for just $20 a month, you can access tools that Josh says are like "hiring an expert instead of a teenager."

Restaurant owners drowning in spreadsheets and those looking to bring more guests through the door will find Josh's strategies helpful for saving hours each week while potentially adding thousands to monthly revenue.

Resources

• Connect with Josh on LinkedIn 🔗
• Check out JoshKopel.com 🌐
• Join Josh's monthly 5-day challenge for restaurant owners 🚀
• 7shifts: How Top Multi-Unit Restaurants are Using Tech to Grow📱

Chapters

• 01:27 - Meeting Josh Kopel
• 05:15 - Getting started with AI (even if you're intimidated)
• 07:05 - Creating marketing campaigns that actually convert
• 13:14 - Building loyalty programs inspired by credit card companies
• 19:39 - Using AI to identify menu winners and losers
• 22:44 - The future of restaurant tech that excites Josh
• 28:13 - Final advice for the overwhelmed restaurant owner

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Breaking free from being the "superhero" operator can transform your restaurant's future. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Avery Ward, third-generation CEO of Little Italy Ristorante in Groveport, Ohio, about how he turned around his family's struggling business. Avery shares how his tech background helped him implement smart systems that let him step back from daily operations. He breaks down exactly how he delegates tasks, documents processes, and builds accountability at every level - allowing him to expand from a single location to a growing restaurant group. Both struggling operators managing everything themselves and successful owners looking to scale will find valuable takeaways in Ward's practical approach to working on your business instead of just in it.

Resources

• Connect with Avery Ward on LinkedIn 🔗
• Watch: Slice of Life on YouTube 📺
• Visit: Little Italy Ristorante 🍕
• 7shifts Restaurant Management Blog 📝

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Avery Ward (CEO of Little Italy restaurant)
• 01:19 - The 60-year history of Little Italy Restaurant
• 07:00 - How technology transformed restaurant operations
• 09:32 - Finding time to work ON your business, not just IN it
• 12:17 - Building accountability through clear expectations
• 20:05 - The "lightbulb theory" of delegation
• 23:57 - Creating company structure and role clarity
• 27:56 - The path to opening Main Ground Coffee
• 33:30 - Building an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan)
• 40:10 - Why documenting your restaurant's story matters
• 44:48 - Conclusion and Main Ground Coffee opening details

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty in today's restaurant industry. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sit down with Jay Ashton, Canada's Restaurant Guy, to discuss how Canadian restaurants can adapt to tariffs and economic challenges. 

Jay shares practical strategies from his 35-year career. These go beyond simply raising prices to tactics like creating salads without lettuce and developing multiple revenue streams through newsletters and digital merchandising. Whether you're concerned about the current tariff situation or looking for always-relevant business advice for navigating uncertain times, Jay's approaches and timeless wisdom offer valuable insights for restaurants looking to thrive during economic shifts.

Resources
Connect with Jay on LinkedIn 🔗
Site: Canada's Restaurant Guy 🍁
Listen to The Late Night Restaurant Show 🌃
Strategies to offset tariffs newsletter 📰

Latest Updates on Canadian Tariffs | restaurantscanada.org 🇨🇦

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction to Jay Ashton, Canada's restaurant guy
2:00 - Understanding the tariff situation for Canadian restaurants
4:00 - The impact of tariffs on restaurant inventory and pricing
7:30 - Menu innovation: "You can make salads without lettuce"
8:15 - The flex burger: Reducing costs through creative protein options
9:00 - Using the "why column" to evaluate every menu ingredient
12:00 - Preparing your business without panicking
14:00 - Cash flow is king: Smart inventory management
16:30 - Technology solutions for tracking costs and inventory
19:00 - Communicating price changes to your customers
22:00 - Why restaurants need five revenue streams
25:00 - Newsletter marketing as an additional revenue source
31:00 - Using Uber Eats as an e-commerce platform
33:30 - Developing CPG product lines and merchandise
35:45 - Final advice: Don't panic, have a plan

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

For many 16-year-olds, a first job is just a way to make some extra side cash—nothing more than a temporary gig. But for Julianna Blackhurst, a part-time job in high school became the foundation of her lifelong career. 

In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sat down with the Senior Director of Franchise Operations at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, to talk about two types of growth: career growth and franchise growth.

Resources:

• Check out Jeremiah’s Italian Ice 🍦
• Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn 🔗
• Follow Jeremiah’s on Instagram 📸

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and welcome
• 00:50 Juliana's career journey at Jeremiah's
• 03:33 The importance of company culture
• 05:48 Jeremiah's core values
• 12:25 The franchising model
• 17:17 Going outside of Florida
• 21:38 Leadership lessons
• 23:41 The 14-flavor offering model
• 25:16 Advice for young people
• 30:51 Juliana's favorite Jeremiah's menu item
• 35:40 Conclusion

Guest Bio:

Julianna Blackhurst, Senior Director of Franchise Operations, oversees the Operations for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, responsible for the company’s 100+ locations in 11 states. She oversees the company’s ongoing expansion, as it is projected to reach 180+ units in 2025. In her previous role with Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, she was Director of Training and Operational Growth. Julianna was responsible for developing and administrating Jeremiah’s training program (“Cool School”) and the New Store Opening Process. Amidst her tenure, Ms. Blackhurst has been recognized by QSR Magazine in the 2021 issue of Young Leaders to Watch. Julianna takes pride in being active in the community, volunteering as a coach for Pop Warner sports. In 2017, Ms. Blackhurst received a Bachelor of Arts in History degree from the University of Central Florida and Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, Rollins College 2021.

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

What if mandatory training didn’t have to be boring? With creative storytelling and an irreverent approach, ARROW UP Training makes engaging, effective training programs for restaurant teams.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Berkowitz, the founder and CEO of ARROW UP Training.

Jason offers insights into building consistent employee experiences and the role of continuous training in fostering a strong team—and a better guest experience. He also discusses the importance of structured onboarding, developing strong leaders, and the power of storytelling in training.

Resources
Check out ARROW UP Training ⬆️
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn 🔗
Connect with Jason on Instagram 🤳
Get Jason’s Book 📖
FREE video mini-course: Unlocking effortless restaurant scheduling 📲

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:50 Meet Jason Berkowitz: From Restaurant Ops to ARROW UP
• 03:33 The Birth of ARROW UP
• 05:48 ARROW UP's Unique Training Approach
• 12:25 Implementing ARROW UP in Restaurants
• 17:17 Effective Onboarding and Training Practices
• 21:38 Growth Mindset in Restaurant Management
• 22:31 The Role of Supervisors
• 23:41 Building Effective Training Programs
• 25:16 Managing Friends and De-escalation Techniques
• 30:51 The Importance of Checklists
• 35:40 Customizing Training for Different Restaurant Cultures
• 37:49 Exciting Developments at ARROW UP
• 41:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode, 'Restaurant Unstoppable' host Eric Cacciatorre teams up with industry experts James Schonzeit from Square and D.J. Costantino from 7shifts to tackle the pressing challenges of staffing and technology in the restaurant world.

Through a series of insightful discussions, they cover key topics such as hiring and retaining staff, leveraging technology for better operations, and balancing tech with genuine hospitality. The conversation offers practical advice, highlighting how flexible scheduling, proper training, and effective management practices can improve staff retention and satisfaction. They explore the use of kiosks and other tech tools to streamline processes and enhance customer interactions without losing the essence of hospitality. Additionally, the episode underscores the value of actionable strategies, like gradual tech integration, to boost profitability and team engagement. Real-life examples and survey insights provide a roadmap for restaurant owners and managers to navigate modern challenges and thrive in an evolving industry.

00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping
00:57 Meet the Hosts
01:53 Technical Difficulties and Introductions
04:47 Discussion on Restaurant Technology
05:49 Staffing Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
06:31 Survey Insights on Employee Retention
12:59 The Role of Technology in Employee Management
14:26 Customer Experience and Technology
28:08 Discussing Final Trends
28:40 Employee Training and Technology
30:08 Empowering Staff Through Continuous Training
30:49 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
31:36 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction
37:58 Addressing Staff Engagement and Retention
38:09 Q&A Session
38:47 Strategies for Improving Margins
48:27 Innovative Solutions for Staff Engagement
58:38 Closing Remarks

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

This episode of the Pre Shift Podcast focuses on Josh Sharkey, the founder and CEO of meez, an innovative recipe tool and culinary operating system. Josh shares his journey from a Michelin-starred chef to a tech entrepreneur. He discusses the motivation behind creating meez, driven by the loss of his recipe notebook and the need for a specialized tool for culinary professionals. Throughout the conversation, Josh elaborates on the challenges faced in transitioning to tech, the features of meez that enhance operational efficiency, and how it serves chefs and restaurant operators in maintaining consistency and profitability. Sharkey also highlights the importance of empowering teams with the right tools and maintaining a clear vision in business. Tune in for practical advice, real stories, and valuable insights into bridging creativity and profitability in the restaurant industry.

00:00 Introduction and Insight
00:29 Meet Josh Sharkey
01:21 The Birth of meez
03:03 Challenges and Solutions
05:42 Building the Company
08:30 Data and Recipe Management
22:47 Team Empowerment and Retention
27:12 Leadership and Vision
38:36 Exciting Developments
40:10 Conclusion and Farewell

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode of the Pre Shift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino welcomes Ross Groeneweg, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Pizza Ranch. They discuss the history of the family-owned business, which started in 1981 and grew into a 218-location franchise. Ross explains the company's successful franchise model and the relationship between franchisees and corporate, ensuring a consistent employee experience. He shares his personal journey within Pizza Ranch, starting from high school, advancing through various positions, and eventually becoming a leader. Ross emphasizes Pizza Ranch's core values, vision, mission, and benefits of collaborative franchisee relationships and shared learnings. The episode concludes with a sneak peek at upcoming company initiatives, including a new wing night promotion.

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast
00:18 Meet Ross Groenweg, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Pizza Ranch
01:13 The Origin Story of Pizza Ranch
02:55 Franchise Model and Corporate Partnership
04:06 Ross's Journey Through Pizza Ranch
07:15 Core Values and Vision of Pizza Ranch
09:10 Challenges and Strategies in Employee Retention
13:41 Collaborative Nature of Pizza Ranch Franchisees
15:14 Career Growth and Opportunities at Pizza Ranch
21:12 Future Plans and Exciting Initiatives
22:09 Conclusion and Farewell

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

Mike Bausch, a certified master pizzaiolo and the brains behind Andolini's Worldwide joins DJ Costantino on the Pre Shift Podcast.

In this episode, Mike shares his journey from aspiring Marine Corps officer to leading a 12-restaurant empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recognized nationwide for their exceptional pizza, Andolini's success is attributed to a commitment to quality and a no-half-measures philosophy. Mike outlines his leadership and staff training techniques, explaining why he avoids the term 'family' in favor of a more professional 'team' dynamic. He also discusses his transition into becoming a mentor and educator for the restaurant industry through his Unsliced Restaurant System. Mike offers insights on cross-training staff, maintaining low attrition rates, and the importance of structured employee evaluations. The episode is packed with practical advice and actionable takeaways for building and sustaining a high-performing restaurant team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast

00:23 Meet Mike Bausch: The Pizza Mastermind

01:19 Mike's Journey: From Marine Corps to Pizza Empire

03:04 The Turning Point: Mentorship and Mastery

06:39 Expanding the Brand: Beyond Pizza

09:42 Building a High-Performing Team

15:55 Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Training

16:42 Maintaining Low Attrition Rates

18:34 Employee Feedback and Evaluation Process

21:03 Team Building and Andomania

23:12 Mike Bausch: Mentor and Educator

24:59 The Unsliced Course and Restaurant Systems

26:15 Engaging with the Restaurant Community

31:49 Future Plans and Exciting Developments

32:22 Conclusion and Farewell

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In the latest episode of the Preshift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino chats with Margaret Pak, chef and co-owner of Thattu in Chicago. Pak shares her inspiring transition from corporate life to culinary arts, detailing her journey from selling spicy ketchup to opening a successful food stall and finally establishing an award-winning restaurant. The episode delves into her passion for Kerala cuisine, her experience with food pop-ups, and her innovative no-tip service model. Pak also discusses the significance of transparent menu pricing, equitable staff wages, and her future plans, including participating in prestigious culinary events and creating retail condiments.

00:00 Welcome to the Preshift Podcast

00:17 Meet Margaret Pak: Chef and Co-Owner of Thattu

01:13 From Corporate to Culinary: Margaret's Journey

02:38 Falling in Love with Kerala Cuisine

03:41 From Prep Cook to Pop-Up Success

07:23 The Birth of Thattu: From Food Stall to Restaurant

10:41 Navigating the Pandemic and Reassessing Plans

11:59 Reopening and Expanding Through Pop-Ups

17:15 Innovative Business Model: No Tips, No Service Charge

27:19 Building a Collaborative and Equitable Team

31:06 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

36:42 What's Next for Thattu?

38:21 Closing Remarks and Thank You

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode of the Pre-Shift Podcast, host DJ Costantino talks with Ellen Yin, founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen shares her journey from a high school summer job to running celebrated dining establishments. The discussion focuses on the importance of building a strong sense of community and belonging within her restaurants. Ellen emphasizes the significance of respecting and empowering employees and effective recruitment, training, and career development strategies. She also highlights the challenges and successes in maintaining a consistent and supportive team culture across multiple restaurant concepts.

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast

00:14 Meet Ellen Yin: Founder of High Street Hospitality

01:14 Ellen's Journey into the Restaurant Industry

04:43 The Success and Longevity of Fork

06:55 Building a Strong Team Culture

14:00 Recruitment and Career Development Strategies

22:08 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

26:40 Future Goals and Exciting Developments

29:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Traditional tipping is broken, but there's a better way to pay your restaurant staff. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Zach Feinstein, CEO of The Feinstein Group, about the innovative compensation model transforming his Tampa Bay restaurants. Zach explains how implementing a 20% service charge coupled with a commission-based pay structure for servers has dramatically reduced turnover, improved front and back of house relationships, and enhanced the guest experience. Instead of hoping for generous strangers, servers earn a guaranteed commission on sales while still collecting additional gratuities. Meanwhile, kitchen staff benefit from higher wages funded by the redistributed server hourly pay. This compensation revolution isn't just about money—it's about creating stability for your team and consistency for your guests. If you're struggling with retention or looking for a more equitable pay structure, Zach's practical insights offer a roadmap to transform your restaurant's culture.

Resources

Connect with Zach Feinstein 🔗
Visit: The Living Room 🍽️
Visit: The Black Pearl 🦪
7shifts Restaurant Staff Retention Guide 📝

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Zach Feinstein
• 01:40 - The Feinstein Group's restaurant history
• 03:08 - Why Zach developed a commission-based payment model
• 05:27 - How the commission model works in practice
• 08:57 - Customer response to the service charge approach
• 11:04 - Benefits for servers: eliminating "table bias"
• 15:21 - Improving front and back of house relationships
• 17:50 - Competing with other industries for talent
• 20:07 - Is this model right for every restaurant?
• 23:42 - Getting started with a commission model
• 24:42 - Lightning round: Training opportunities and inspirations

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into what it takes to build great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, the strategies they use, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D. J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

In this episode, Pike Howard, co-owner and finance and development director of Felipe's Taqueria, shares the history of the restaurant chain founded in 2006, inspired by Felipe Herrera. Pike emphasizes the significance of having a strong foundational playbook for growth, the importance of transparency and profit-sharing with leadership teams, and the role of consistent execution in a high inflationary environment. He cites influences like Danny Meyer’s book, Setting the Table, and Chick-fil-A’s operational focus. Howard stresses the need for non-defensiveness regarding feedback and aims to exceed profitability expectations.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pike Howard and Felipe's Taqueria

00:09 Founding Story of Felipe's Taqueria

00:23 Growth Strategy and Operational Philosophy

01:11 Leadership and Transparency

01:16 Profit Sharing and Employee Engagement

01:42 Consistency and Adaptation in Operations

02:20 Commitment to Quality and Inspiration

02:49 Operational Excellence and Feedback

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. 

Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

On this episode, we’re joined by Hassel Aviles, Founder and Director of Not 9 to 5.

Hassel Aviles has built a career in the hospitality and foodservice industry for over two decades working primarily in restaurants, event production and entrepreneurship. In 2018, after years of struggling with mental illness and trauma, Hassel was inspired to co-found Not 9 to 5, a non-profit that empowers foodservice service workers like herself. Hassel’s strategic planning abilities helped grow Not 9 to 5 from a series of workshops, panels and webinars into a global vehicle for change. Her work has contributed to a worldwide hospitality revolution to create work environments that are inclusive and proactive, rather than top-down and reactive. Hassel has used her experience, her social capital and intelligence to speak up for those without the power to make change. She is a visionary and deeply dedicated to revolutionizing the industry for the better.

**Free Mental Health Course of 7shifts Academy**

Topics Covered:

• The contributors to poor mental health in the restaurant industry
• Defining what psychological safety means for the restaurant industry and the signs that a restaurant isn't psychologically safe. 
• The causes and identifiers of burnout in restaurant work.

Resources

• Not 9 to 5
• Hassel Aviles on LinkedIn

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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. 

Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

In this episode, Chris Britt, Chief Operating Officer of Epic Restaurants, joins us.

For nearly five years, Chris has served in a leadership capacity at Agave & Rye, one of the fastest-growing restaurant concepts in the U.S. He has accumulated a diverse array of experiences since joining the Agave & Rye team in 2018, and through his expertise, Chris has helped continually grow the company into a now multi-brand restaurant group, touting such revered concepts as Agave & Rye, S.O.B. Steakhouse, Shindig Park—and the soon-to-be-unveiled, Trashy Dawg. Chris started as the GM of the original location in Covington, Kentucky, before taking the same position at Agave & Rye’s flagship location in Liberty Township, Ohio. Soon after, he was promoted to Regional Director, followed by a promotion to the Director of Operations role. Chris has been in his Chief Operating Officer role for more than a year, right in time for expansion plans in 2023.

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Read the 7shifts Blog

About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

In this episode of the Pre-Shift podcast, host DJ dives deep into the intricacies of managing successful restaurant teams with Stella Denig, co-owner and GM of Daytrip Restaurant in Oakland, California. Stella shares insights on building a restaurant prioritizing pay equity, equitable compensation, and a strong internal culture. She discusses their unique business model, the challenges of introducing equitable systems, and the importance of legislative change in the industry. Stella also touches on the role of collective thinking in their operations and the exciting personal and professional changes coming up for her and Daytrip. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to learn about innovative practices in the hospitality industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast

00:12 Meet Stella Denig from Daytrip Restaurant

01:02 The Journey to Opening Daytrip

02:20 Innovative Business Model and Pay Equity

04:14 Service Charge and Employee Compensation

09:51 Open Pay and Hiring Practices

14:08 Collective Thinking and Team Culture

25:19 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

29:19 Exciting Future Plans for Daytrip

30:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

Guest Bio
Stella Dennig (she/her) is the Co-Owner/GM of Daytrip, a fermentation-driven party of a restaurant in Oakland, CA. Core to Daytrip’s mission is to push toward a more equitable future for this industry and at the center of that, its workforce. Daytrip has been written up for its employment practices by publications like Bon Appetit, The New York Times, and the SF Chronicle. Daytrip was a Bon Appetit top 10 Best New Restaurant in America in 2023 and Co-Owner/Chef Finn Stern was a James Beard Semifinalist in 2024.

Resources

• Daytrip
• RAISE
• 10 Best New Restaurants in America 2022 | Bon Appetit

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More 7shifts
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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. 

Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

On this episode, we’re joined by Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality in Seattle, WA.

Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality, leads a multi-concept operator of full-service restaurants and oversees the successful Revelers Club loyalty program, boasting 80K members and contributing 30% to the company’s revenue since its 2011 inception. El Gaucho, the flagship concept founded in 1996, spans five locations, while Fire & Vine owns AQUA by El Gaucho, Aerlume, and the Witness Tree lounge. The Revelers Club extends to independently owned properties like Walla Walla Steak Co., Crossbuck Brewing, and Yellowhawk Resort in Walla Walla, WA. Drawing from two decades of hospitality expertise, Chad founded Brigado, a consulting and technology firm. He actively serves on Oracle's Customer Advisory Board for the Global Food and Beverage Industry Group and has held leadership roles in associations like the Washington Hospitality Association and Visit Seattle. Chad is a sought-after speaker on adapting compensation models for full-service restaurants in response to the $15 minimum wage.

Links
Fire & Vine Hospitality
Brigado

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More 7shifts
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Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter
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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. 

Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams.

On this episode, we’re joined by Irene Shiang Li, Cofounder of Prepshift & Mei Mei Dumplings in Boston, Mass.

Irene Shiang Li co-founded Mei Mei in Boston in 2013 and built the brand around ethical, sustainable sourcing and fair and transparent employment practices, including open book management. Mei Mei is now a dumpling company and Irene is now building Prepshift, a tech-enabled coaching and workforce training firm. Prepshift focuses on aligning food business teams around their common goals and empowering them with education and transparency. Irene believes that in restaurants, everyone can win. She is a Zagat and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, six-time James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef nominee, and 2022 James Beard Foundation Leadership Award winner. In 2023, Irene and her sister co-authored Perfectly Good Food: a totally achievable zero-waste approach to home cooking with W.W. Norton.

Additional Resources

• Mei Mei Dumplings
• Prepshift
• One Fair Wage
• Follow Irene Li
• Get Irene’s Book

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📲 Connect with D.J.
DJ's Email
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More 7shifts
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter
7shifts on YouTube
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About Us
7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.