Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates
Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast is your backstage pass to the minds of hospitality leaders, innovators, and operators who are redefining what it means to serve. Hosted by Zack Oates, founder of Ovation, each episode dives into real-world tactics and inspiring stories from restaurant pros who know how to create five-star guest experiences—both in-store and off-premise.
From fast casual to fine dining, catering to curbside, learn how to drive loyalty, empower your staff, and deliver hospitality that hits home. Whether you're a restaurant owner, operator, marketer, or tech partner, this podcast will leave you with practical insights and plenty of reasons to celebrate and Give an Ovation.
Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates
Latest Episodes
How to Compete in a Crowded Pizza Market with David Cole of i Fratelli Pizza
Zack Oates sits down with David Cole of i Fratelli Pizza to talk about building a restaurant brand that lasts. With nearly four decades in the business, David shares what it takes to grow from a small family operation to a multi-location brand ...
What Every Great Restaurant Brand Gets Right with Scott Shotter of Teriyaki Madness
Zack Oates sits down with Scott Shotter of Teriyaki Madness to break down what actually makes restaurant brands stand out. With experience leading iconic brands like Moe’s, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, and Condado Tacos, Scott shares a practical perspect...
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The Real ROI Is Your General Manager with Melissa Doolin-Koehne of Elevate Four
Zack Oates sits down with Melissa Doolin-Koehne of Elevate Four to talk about what actually moves the needle in today’s restaurant environment. With decades of experience across operations, data, and leadership, Melissa brings a grounded perspe...
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AI Isn’t Coming, It’s Already Here with Sterling Douglass of Chowly
Zack Oates sits down with Sterling Douglass of Chowly to talk about why AI adoption in restaurants is accelerating faster than any previous tech wave. After years of slow adoption across online ordering, POS, and delivery, operators are now lea...
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The CPG vs Restaurant Debate Settled by Jeff Galletly of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
Zack Oates sits down with Jeff Galletly of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop to unpack what it really takes to scale a brand across both restaurants and retail. Jeff shares how the company has grown rapidly while improving guest experience, and why everyt...
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