Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates
Turning Seafood Steam Pots Into a National Brand with Danielle Mahon of Topsail Steamer
Mar 30, 2026
Ovation
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Zack Oates sits down with Danielle Mahon, founder and CEO of Topsail Steamer, to discuss how a simple seafood steam pot concept turned into a fast growing franchise brand. Danielle shares the origin story behind the idea, how she transitioned from corporate America into entrepreneurship, and what she learned while building a new restaurant category.
They explore the decision to grow through franchising, the experience of pitching on Shark Tank, and how national exposure helped accelerate brand awareness. Danielle also discusses the role of Goldbelly in expanding the brand beyond its coastal markets and why guest experience ultimately comes down to how customers feel during every interaction.
Zack and Danielle discuss:
- How Topsail Steamer created a new restaurant category
- The decision to grow through franchising
- What it takes to pitch a restaurant brand on Shark Tank
- How Goldbelly expanded the brand nationally
- Why guest experience starts before the first bite
Thanks, Danielle!
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemahon-961b4a11/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/topsailsteamer/
https://topsailsteamer.com/