Restaurant Owners Uncorked - By Schedulefly

Episode Summary:In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil interviews Sean Marsiglia, an entrepreneur who owns several restaurants in Tampa, including Three Brothers Pizza, and other ventures such as a bagel shop and a baseball facility. Sean shares his journey from a promising baseball career cut short by injury to working at Chili’s, becoming an accountant, and eventually taking the entrepreneurial leap into the restaurant industry. He speaks candidly about the challenges of starting with minimal resources, living on a business partner’s couch, and hustling door-to-door to make his first restaurant a success. Sean also shares insights on building culture in his businesses, dealing with crises like a devastating fire, his commitment to community engagement through initiatives like feeding school children and first responders, and his broader entrepreneurial philosophy of saying “yes” to opportunities and figuring things out along the way.Key Takeaways: Early Hospitality Experience: Sean began his ho

In this engaging episode, Wil B chats with Mark Greenblatt, President of Barry Bagels, and Jim Nussbaum, CEO. They share the remarkable 53-year journey of Barry Bagels, from its founding by Mark’s father in 1972 to its expansion to 84 total stores (open or under development) across five states. Mark and Jim delve into the evolution of the brand’s identity, its strategic franchising model, and the values-driven leadership that has fostered exceptional employee retention and customer loyalty. The conversation covers everything from bagel baking methods to the principles that make successful franchisees, painting a picture of a company deeply committed to long-term partnerships, fresh food, and a humble, hands-on culture.Legacy of Longevity: Barry Bagels was founded in 1972 by Barry Greenblatt and has thrived for over five decades through a combination of strong values, adaptability, and high-quality food.Franchise Growth: Since starting to franchise in 2012–2014, Barry Bagels has grown to 20 locations with 64 m

In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil Brawley talks with Seth Watson, the founder of Distillery of Modern Art in Atlanta. Seth shares his entrepreneurial journey, from launching a production and event design business out of a garage to eventually building a one-of-a-kind distillery that blends spirits, art, and community. He opens up about why he left his first business, how he navigated outdated Georgia alcohol laws, and why he built a distillery with multiple revenue streams: a cocktail bar, an art gallery, an event space, and a production facility. Seth also discusses the lessons he’s learned about ego, iteration, and surrounding himself with smart people, while offering fascinating insights into bourbon, gin, and the modern spirits landscape.Key Takeaways: From Garage to 400+ Events a Year: Seth’s first business in event production started in a garage and grew into a full-scale company handling hundreds of large-scale events annually. Exit Fueled by Values Misalignment: After 1

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil chats with Ross Hester, owner of Good Day Cafe and Bar Muse in Oxford, Mississippi. They discuss Ross's journey in the restaurant industry, the challenges of running a business, and the importance of leadership and team dynamics. Ross shares insights on the growth of his establishments, the significance of maintaining a positive work environment, and the future plans for his businesses. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication required to succeed in the hospitality industry.Takeaways Bar Muse is a craft cocktail bar that started in a small space. Leadership is about serving employees and leading by example. Hospitality is a team sport that requires everyone to contribute. Understanding the hidden costs of running a restaurant is crucial. Passion for the business is essential for success. Creating a positive work environment leads to employee retention. Attitude is more important than experience when hiring. Community and indep

SummaryIn this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, host Wil Brawley engages with Chad Biel, a successful restaurateur and franchisor, discussing the intricacies of restaurant management, the importance of effective AI-phone answering software, and the challenges of finding the right franchisees. They explore the growth strategies for franchising, the significance of community engagement, and the marketing tactics that can enhance brand recognition. Chad shares insights from his experiences in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and the value of good people in building successful teams.Takeaways The right AI-phone answering software can significantly reduce missed calls and improve efficiency. Franchising offers unique opportunities for growth but comes with its own set of challenges. Effective communication and training are essential for managing a large team in the restaurant industry. Building brand awareness is crucial for successful expansion into new markets. Community engag

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Don Nicol from TacoLu, discussing the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, including rising costs and labor issues. Don shares insights on maintaining customer experience, navigating cash flow, and the importance of community engagement. He reflects on the impact of events like the TPC tournament on business and his future plans for Taco Lou, including potential family involvement in the restaurant.Takeaways TacoLu is an iconic restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida. Rising costs in labor and food are significant challenges. Maintaining customer experience is crucial for success. Cash flow management is a learning curve for new restaurant owners. Events like the TPC tournament can significantly boost business. Building a brand involves community engagement and recognition. Don emphasizes the importance of not charging for chips and salsa. Family involvement in the restaurant can be a future consideration. The restaurant indu

In this quick, heartfelt episode, Wil delivers a philosophical and motivational message for independent hospitality business owners. Drawing from 18 years of experience serving restaurants and 12 years of podcasting, Wil reflects on the remarkable anti-fragility of this industry.Inspired by Nassim Nicholas Taleb's book Antifragile, Wil explains how independent restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutique hotels, and similar businesses don’t just survive difficult times—they grow stronger because of them. He shares one of his favorite lines from the book:"Wind extinguishes a candle and energizes fire. You want to be the fire and wish for the wind."This episode is a reminder that adversity can fuel growth, creativity, and resilience. In uncertain economic and political times, Wil urges listeners to embrace their inner fire—because the wind is always coming.

SummaryIn this conversation, Dana Monfort shares her journey of opening a new restaurant concept, Town Pump, in Denver. She discusses her diverse background, the challenges of entering the restaurant industry, and her vision for creating a community-focused space that fills a void in the market. Dana emphasizes the importance of simplicity, intentionality, and building relationships with customers, while also balancing her career in real estate. The conversation highlights the resilience and passion required to succeed in the hospitality industry.Takeaways Dana's journey reflects a diverse background in both medical and real estate fields. The concept of Town Pump aims to fill a community void in Cherry Creek. Simplicity in the menu is crucial for success in the restaurant industry. Building relationships with customers is key to creating a loyal community. Challenges in the restaurant business are seen as growth opportunities. Dana emphasizes the importance of intentionality in every aspect of the business.

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Will interviews Jon Darby, owner of Darby's American Cantina. They discuss John's journey into the restaurant industry, the challenges of managing a restaurant, the impact of minimum wage laws, and the evolving trends in alcohol consumption. Jon shares insights on the importance of community support among restaurant owners and the realities of running a restaurant in today's economy, especially post-COVID. The conversation also touches on family dynamics within the business and the technological advancements that have changed the industry.Takeaways Jon started in hospitality while working at Capitol Records. He transitioned to running a restaurant after helping his mother. Leases are crucial; longer terms provide stability. The restaurant industry requires constant adaptation to trends. Minimum wage increases impact pricing and profitability. Post-COVID challenges have reshaped the restaurant landscape. Alcohol sales trends are shifting towards

Wil reads an incredible article by Simon Harris. 

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Ryan Handel, founder of Fixe, a bookkeeping service tailored for the restaurant industry. Ryan shares his journey from working in restaurants to founding his own, and ultimately creating Fixe to streamline bookkeeping for restaurant owners. The conversation covers the challenges of bookkeeping, customer acquisition strategies, and the competitive landscape of restaurant accounting software. Ryan emphasizes the importance of technology in simplifying financial management for restaurants and discusses his vision for the future of Fixe. Wil and Ryan explore the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, particularly regarding labor costs and the need for reliable financial reporting. The discussion also highlights the significance of building strong relationships within the franchise space and the necessity of providing exceptional customer care and authenticity in service.Takeaways Ryan founded Fixe in 2019 to address bookkeeping

SummaryIn this episode, Wil speaks with Chand Harlow, co-creator and owner of Wonderbird Spirits, a distillery in Mississippi. They discuss Chand's journey from finance to the world of hospitality and distilling, emphasizing the importance of a grain to glass philosophy. Chand shares insights into the unique process of crafting gin using Jasmine rice, the challenges of starting a distillery, and the blend of art and science in creating high-quality spirits. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricate process of producing rice-based gin, discussing the unique methods and ingredients involved. They explore the challenges of funding and growing a distillery business, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also highlights the competitive landscape of the spirits market and the importance of building a strong brand identity to educate consumers about their unique product. The speakers share insights on marketing strategies, distribution challenges, and the evolving preferences

SummaryIn this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil interviews Greg Dulan, owner of Dulan's on Crenshaw, celebrating 50 years in business. They discuss the importance of family legacy in hospitality, the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, and innovative strategies for revenue generation. Greg shares insights on building authentic customer relationships and navigating the evolving landscape of delivery services, emphasizing the significance of community connection and the spirit of entrepreneurship. He reflects on the evolution of the Crenshaw community, sharing personal experiences of its decline and current renaissance. They discuss the importance of lifelong learning, the significance of soul food in their culinary heritage, and the role of comfort food during challenging times. Greg emphasizes the value of building a strong team in the restaurant industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in hiring, especially for those seeking second chances. The conversation concludes with a

SummaryIn this conversation, Simon Harris shares his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, discussing the importance of genuine connections in dining experiences. He reflects on the evolution of hospitality, emphasizing the need for authentic interactions over scripted service. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology and nostalgia in shaping customer experiences, advocating for a return to the core values of hospitality that prioritize making guests feel valued and connected. Wil and Simon delve into the importance of cultivating a strong culture within the hospitality industry, emphasizing the need for genuine connections and community. They discuss the challenges faced in finding dedicated workers, especially post-COVID, and the impact of technology on the industry. The essence of hospitality is explored through the concept of phylloxenia, highlighting the selfless nature of true hospitality. The speakers also touch on the future of the industry, the role of independent establish

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil chats with Justin Cucci, a seasoned restaurateur from Denver. They discuss Justin's early experiences in hospitality, the importance of passion in the industry, and the distinction between hospitality and service. Justin shares insights on implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in his restaurant group, highlighting its benefits for employee engagement and business sustainability. The conversation also touches on the current challenges facing the restaurant industry, including rising costs, labor shortages, and the impact of technology. Justin emphasizes the collaborative spirit among Denver restaurateurs and the resilience of the industry in the face of adversity. In this conversation, the speakers explore the profound impact of food on community and individual well-being, emphasizing the responsibility of restaurateurs to provide access to healthy food. They discuss innovative dining concepts like 'stealth health' that priori

SummaryIn this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, host Wil Brawley speaks with Jeff Galletly, CEO of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, about his extensive journey in the hospitality industry. Jeff shares insights from his corporate background at PepsiCo and Restaurant Brands International, his transition to entrepreneurship, and the rapid growth of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop. The conversation delves into the importance of hospitality in the restaurant business, the balance between technology and human interaction, and the current trends in consumer spending. Jeff emphasizes the significance of providing value and quality to customers while navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry. Jeff and Wil discuss the intricacies of leadership, brand integrity, and the entrepreneurial journey. They explore influential books that have shaped their perspectives, the challenges of maintaining brand identity during growth, and the importance of self-care for sustainable leadership. The dialogue emphasizes the need for resil

SummaryIn this conversation, Wil and Michael DePaolo explore the essence of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of empathy, connection, and community impact. Michael shares his personal journey in the hospitality industry, from washing dishes to running a nonprofit hospitality vertical. They discuss the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, especially post-COVID, and the lessons learned from working at Union Square Hospitality Group. Wil and Michael delve into the complexities of restaurant ownership, the vital role of restaurants in fostering community, and the cultural nuances of hospitality across different regions. Michael shares personal experiences and insights gained from working in various cities, including New York, Atlanta, and New Orleans, highlighting the importance of empathy.. The discussion emphasizes that success in the restaurant business is not solely about profit but about creating meaningful connections and providing a positive environment for both staff and customers.Takeaways

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil talks with Rick Gruber, CEO of Billy Bricks Restaurant Group. Ric hares insights into the pizza industry, the challenges of running a family business, and the impact of online reviews on restaurants. He discusses the unique styles of pizza offered at Billy Bricks, the evolution of the business over 20 years, and the importance of community in their restaurant experience. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of restaurant reviews, particularly the decline of Yelp's influence and the rise of Google reviews. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of building a successful business in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of team loyalty, trust, and a competitive edge. They discuss strategic growth plans, the role of PR in enhancing brand visibility, and the significance of storytelling in connecting with customers. The dialogue highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the busi

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Jerome and Marc, the owners of Premium Loavess, the second largest Jimmy John's franchisee. They discuss their early experiences in hospitality, the unique culture of Jimmy John's, the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining that culture, and their journey to ownership. The conversation also covers acquisition strategies, financing transactions, and the importance of training and execution in the restaurant industry. In this conversation, the speakers discuss their ambitious growth plans for their franchise business, aiming for 300 locations by 2030. They emphasize the importance of aligning new brand opportunities with their core values and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance while managing rapid growth. The discussion also touches on the need for strategic planning, learning from past experiences, and adapting to changing consumer habits, particularly with the introduction of new menu items like toasted s

SummaryBrandon and Wil discuss the intricacies of the restaurant industry, focusing on the challenges faced by aspiring restaurant owners, the importance of financial planning, and the role of hospitality in ensuring success. They delve into the concept behind 'The Industry Standard,' a platform aimed at sharing valuable insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of running a restaurant. The discussion also covers the significance of capitalization, the realities of raising funds, and the lessons learned from experience in the field. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of financing restaurants, the importance of hospitality, and the challenges faced in the industry. They discuss various funding options, including SBA loans and equity investments, and emphasize the need for creativity in structuring deals. The conversation also highlights the essence of hospitality, focusing on making guests feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, they explore the mindset of overcoming