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What happens when a chef treats a tortilla like a canvas and a restaurant like a community lab? Miguel Reyes, cofounder of Quesadilla Gorilla, shares how a tiny Fresno storefront grew into a franchise-ready brand rooted in scratch cooking, playful specials, and authentic connection. We unpack the systems behind consistent quality, the menu philosophy that balances tradition with experimentation, and the real estate strategy that favors grocery-anchored centers over drive-thrus. If you're curious about scaling with soul, Miguel’s transparent roadmap, from focused margaritas to franchisee-led marketing is packed with insights. 

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Todd Gailor's journey from corporate banker to entertainment entrepreneur offers a masterclass in seizing opportunities others miss. After 20 years in commercial lending, a pandemic-induced moment of reflection led him to acquire Edder's Custom Golf Center, a rundown but beloved Cincinnati institution dating back to 1951.

What makes The Acres special goes beyond golf balls and putters. Gailor recognized that creating spaces where families disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other fills a crucial need in our digital age. "The kids and parents are playing miniature golf together," he explains. "There's this incredible family dynamic of unplugged." This philosophy guides every aspect of the business – from the four core revenue centers (driving range, miniature golf, restaurant, and bar) to seasonal innovations like their popular lighted forest walk.

Perhaps most remarkable is The Acres' relationship with Mill Creek, once North America's most endangered urban waterway. Rather than hiding this natural feature behind invasive honeysuckle, Gailor partnered with environmental organizations to showcase the creek's remarkable recovery. Today, visitors spot bald eagles, herons, and turtles along its banks – a stunning environmental success story integrated seamlessly into an entertainment business.

For entrepreneurs, Gailor's candid insights about delegation challenges, trusted business relationships, and community-building offer valuable lessons. His approach to merchandising – focusing on creating unique branded items rather than competing with big-box retailers – demonstrates strategic thinking in a competitive landscape. Whether you're a retail investor, aspiring business owner, or simply curious about innovative entertainment concepts, this conversation reveals how passion, vision, and community focus can transform a traditional business into something extraordinary.

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Celebrating Retail Intel's 60th Episode! 👏✨

What happens when the son of a dishwasher transforms a small investment into a nationwide restaurant phenomenon? Eddie Flores Jr. reveals the remarkable journey behind L&L Hawaiian Barbecue's success in this captivating conversation about entrepreneurship, cultural authenticity, and the power of the Aloha spirit. 

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What happens when a beach-loving journalism student discovers the transformative flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine? For Josh Wamsley, it sparked a journey from teaching English abroad to founding Mazunte. Join us to hear the inspiring story behind this beloved Midwest Restaurant. 

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Join Brian Sheehan as he sits down with Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow,  Founders of Amber Waves. What happens when two aspiring professionals with backgrounds in economics and international relations stumble into farming? For Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow, it sparked the creation of Amber Waves Farm, a revolutionary nonprofit teaching farm that's redefining what farm-to-table truly means.

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Join Brian Sheehan and special guest Michael Ruvolo, Co-Chief Executive Officer of X-Golf, on the latest episode of Retail Intel!  

Dive into an insightful discussion about the ins and outs of retail and uncover how X-Golf is redefining the game. Whether you're in the industry or simply curious about the innovative intersection of retail and sports, this episode is for you.  

🎧 Tune in now and elevate your understanding of retail today!  

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This week on Retail Intel, host Brian Sheehan sits down with the amazing Amy Leclerc, Co-Owner and President of Franchising at Sit Still Kids Salon. 

🎧 Tune in as Brian explores how Sit Still is revolutionizing the niche kids' salon industry—creating inspiring and imaginative experiences for children and their families. Amy shares her insights on how their salons empower kids to express their unique personalities through their hair, turning every visit into a delightful adventure.  

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, innovation, and heart! 

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This week on Retail Intel, host Brian Sheehan connects with Mike LaRue, Angry Chickz Franchisee, for an in-depth conversation about what makes Angry Chickz a standout brand. 🐓💥  

Discover their insights on balancing perfection vs. revenue.  Explore the unique philosophy behind their partnerships. Learn about their franchise development strategy and growth goals.  

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PECO’s Brian Sheehan sits down for Part 2 with Sri Divel, the Principal of The Culinary CMO, to talk about what's new and exciting, affecting the restaurant world!  Sri’s profound insights and expertise shine through—showcasing the incredible connection between creativity and strategy in the culinary world.  Catch the full episode now and be inspired! 

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What makes a physical store truly worth visiting in today's digital-first world? Melissa Gonzalez, founder of MG2 Advisory, reveals the evolution of retail design that's reshaping how brands connect with consumers through physical spaces. Listen now and join the conversation about creating spaces that deliver experiences digital simply cannot replicate.

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Tune in to the latest episode of Retail Intel with host Brian Sheehan, our Director of National Accounts, and special guest Bennett Maxwell, Chairman of Dirty Dough. Discover how Dirty Dough is shaking up the cookie game with their super-stuffed cookie bombs! From unique processes to the sweet secrets behind their growth, you don't want to miss this episode!

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Dive into the purest flavors of Mexico with our latest episode of Retail Intel! Join host Brian Sheehan and Bhagyesh Patel, co-founder and CEO of Taco Pros, as they explore the enticing world of Mexican market street foods.Inspired by the gastronomic art of Mexico, Taco Pros aims to transport you to the flavors of Mexican Tianguis (market) street foods. They take pride in investing in quality ingredients to ensure customers get the great taste they are famous for.

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We're celebrating the 50th Retail Intel Episode! Ready for some shaved snow magic? Join Brian Sheehan as he sits with the Co-Founders of Vampire Penguin, Paolo & Leo San Luis! Discover the delicious story behind one of today's most unique and trending dessert brands. Listen now to get inspired by their incredible journey and see how they're redefining the dessert game.

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In our latest episode of Retail Intel, Brian Sheehan sits down with Dave Allee, founder of Almond Surfboards. Almond Surfboards isn’t just a surf shop — they're a custom board shaper, an apparel brand, a surf product collaborator, an eCommerce business, and a community hub all rolled into one. Tune in to hear about their dynamic, multi-faceted approach to serving their customers and creating a unique surf culture experience.

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Dive into the latest episode of Retail Intel! Brian Sheehan sits down with Jasmine Chin, managing member of Happy Lemon USA, to discuss the art of serving refreshing, delectable beverages including their famous Cheese Foam Tea. Get ready to uncover industry secrets, brand stories, and inspiring tips.

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Join our host Brian Sheehan as he chats with Nicole Tanner, the visionary Founder of Swig, home of the Dirty Soda. Discover how Swig is bubbling up across the country. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation filled with entrepreneurial wisdom and innovative ideas.

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In this episode of Retail Intel, Brian Sheehan sits down with Marisa Kochnover, a luminary in franchise development for sugaringLA and the Director of Franchise Development at REP'M Group along with Chadwick Brown, the Senior Project Manager at REP'M Group, as we explore the vibrant world of health and wellness in commercial real estate. SugaringLA is known for its organic sugaring studios and lasting hair removal service and earthly care.

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On this episode of Retail Intel, Brian Sheehan is with Amrit and Prabhjot Nijjar, the owners and operators of Tandoori Pizza! They give us the saucy details on their unique Indian-style pizza creations that are guaranteed to make your mouth water! Their slogan, “a little heat, a lot of heart”, truly describes their mission when it comes to their food.

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Welcome back to Retail Intel with your host, Brian Sheehan! In this episode, we're joined by Bretley Roche and Jim Jamerson from Segovia Partners, a goal-oriented, dedicated and solutions-based retail brokerage firm that leverages relationships to obtain results.

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Retail Intel is back with a new episode led by your host, Brian Sheehan! Squeeze Massage prides itself on easy-to-make appointments and the perfect massage experience. We are joined by Kathrina Reyes, Director of Real Estate and Development, to share insights and forecast trends providing tools to understand and conquer the world of commercial real estate.

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Welcome back to Retail Intel with your host, Brian Sheehan! Salon Republic is completely transforming and elevating the studio scene for today’s beauty professionals!✨Founded by Eric Taylor, Salon Republic's community of like-minded independent beauty professionals share their unique talents, creating an environment full of inspiration!

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Join host Brian Sheehan with another exclusive episode with The Culinary CMO! Recognizing the need for marketing and exposure expertise from industry insiders, Sri Divel co-founded The Culinary CMO, a company that understands the intricate processes, creativity, communication and relentless effort it takes to open those restaurant doors each day. Through her work, Sri continues to make a significant impact, empowering the culinary industry through leadership, mentorship, and education.

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Brian Sheehan is back with another exclusive episode with Perspire Sauna Studio! Their sauna combines the centuries-old healing practice of traditional sauna with the science-backed technology of infrared and red light therapy to optimize health and wellness.

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Join Brian Sheehan, Director of National Accounts, as he talks to Jake Radeski, Senior Real Estate Manager from Modern Animal. In this podcast, more about Jake's history and career path as well as how Modern Animal is changing the way pet owners and veterinarians interact. Tune in and discover how Modern Animal is making veterinary care more convenient, affordable, and accessible for everyone.

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We're back with an ALL NEW host, Brian Sheehan, Director of National Accounts! Check out our latest episode as he talks to Austin Diemer about all things Kids Empire.