The Podcast

Insights and lessons from legendary restaurateurs

Discover how to think and take action like they do, straight from the
masters of restaurants.

 

  

LATEST EPISODE

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Conversations with Ashish Tulsian 

Welcome to the Restrocast – a podcast that takes you inside the mind of restaurateurs and executives of the top restaurants in the world. Every week, Restroworks Co-founder and CEO, Ashish Tulsian sits down with some of the world’s most influential hospitality industry leaders, experts, and thinkers and goes deep on their experiences. 

What did their path to success look like? How did they take their businesses from x to 10x? How did they navigate the changes and challenges of an industry that’s the most demanding and constantly evolving? 

This and much more in this genre-defining series on how to think boldly, and differently about building restaurants.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Conversations with Ashish Tulsian 

Welcome to the Restrocast – a podcast that takes you inside the mind of restaurateurs and executives of the top restaurants in the world. Every week, Restroworks Co-founder and CEO, Ashish Tulsian sits down with some of the world’s most influential hospitality industry leaders, experts, and thinkers and goes deep on their experiences. 

What did their path to success look like? How did they take their businesses from x to 10x? How did they navigate the changes and challenges of an industry that’s the most demanding and constantly evolving? 

This and much more in this genre-defining series on how to think boldly, and differently about building restaurants.

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EPISODES

Trending Episodes

In this episode, Wing Lam, owner of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, shares insights on building a 35-year restaurant brand, influencer marketing, delivery challenges, and post-pandemic dining, offering valuable lessons on growth, branding, and business resilience.

In this episode, James Walker shares his journey as a hospitality leader with 30+ years of experience. From balancing franchisees and customer needs to thriving in chaotic environments, James provides actionable wisdom and candid stories that inspire.

In this episode, Samer S. Hamadeh shares his bold journey from organizing music festivals at 15 to creating iconic ventures like Akiba Dori and Stereo Arcade. He reveals his love for designing unique concepts, lessons from navigating new markets, and why simplicity drives success.

Chief Executive Officer | Dine Brands Global

In this episode, John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands, shares his inspiring career journey from consulting at PwC to leading Starwood Hotels and managing iconic brands like Applebee’s and IHOP. He discusses challenges like implementing Six Sigma, transitioning from operations to branding, and becoming a first-time public company CEO.

In this episode, Eric Slaymaker, CEO & founder of Wingers Alehouse, shares his journey from advertising to building a thriving restaurant brand. Today, Wingers has expanded to 28 locations across five states, with a focus on growth in the western U.S.

Chairman & CEO | Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill

In this episode, Phil Friedman, shares his inspiring journey from managing food distribution in Vietnam to scaling major brands like Panda Express and McAlister’s Deli. He reveals invaluable insights on adaptability, overcoming challenges, and the critical role of innovation in achieving lasting success.

In this episode, Saer Imad shares his journey from banking in Lebanon to leading successful F&B brands in Dubai. He talks about his transition into the food industry, building brands like JJ Chicken and Derwendi, and the challenges of expanding internationally.

President & CEO at Burtons Grill & Bar | Red Heat Tavern

In this episode, Jerry Baldwin shares his journey in supply chain procurement and restaurant operations, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies and strong vendor relationships.

President & CEO at Burtons Grill & Bar | Red Heat Tavern
In this episode, John Haggai shares how he transitioned from a busboy to a CEO in the hospitality industry, revealing the challenges and emotional shifts involved.
In this episode, Nadine Benchaffai shares her journey from FMCG to founding Tortilla and Taqado, discussing challenges, brand building, and her current role in agri-tech and food tech.

Join Restrocast as Kevin Bentley, Head of Technology at Jollibee North America, shares his journey from NFL linebacker to tech leader. Host Ashish Tulsian explores Bentley’s role at Jollibee, his educational path, and insights on leadership, resilience, and success in the restaurant tech industry.

Chief Operations Officer, Penn Station Subs

In this episode, Craig Dunaway, COO of Penn Station Subs, shares his journey, insights on balancing operations and growth, and the importance of communication, culture, and technology in the restaurant industry.

Chief Technology Officer, Dave’s Hot Chicken

Explore how Leon Davoyan revolutionized restaurant technology from the ’90s to today. Discover his insights and future vision.

In this Restrocast episode, Ashish Tulsian interviews Mazen Kanaan, CEO of House of Pops, discussing his journey from Unilever to entrepreneurship, market insights, and future plans for healthy ice cream expansion.
In this episode, Stratis Morfogen discusses his journey from the Fulton Fish Market to Brooklyn Chop House, emphasizing innovation, disruption, and resilience in the restaurant industry. A must-listen for aspiring restaurateurs.
General Manager ALBAIK, ServQuest Restaurants

Join Ashish Tulsian as he interviews Alaa Sayed on his podcast. Explore Alaa’s journey from a national footballer to influential roles at Shake Shack, BurgerFuel, and Jollibee, sharing lessons from his hospitality career centered on quality and innovation.

Executive Vice President, Costa Vida, Fresh Mexican Grill
Join host Ashish Tulsian in the latest Restrocast episode with Wade Allen, Costa Vida’s EVP of Strategic Growth. Wade, a digital innovation veteran, unveils insights from his diverse journey, pioneering marketing technology at Costa Vida.

In this Restrocast episode, Ashish Tulsian interviews Joe Frem, Co-founder of Matbakhi, discussing his entrepreneurial journey and innovations in hospitality F&B management.

In this Restrocast episode, host Ashish Tulsian talks with Ziad Kassabieh about his rise from a Lebanese kitchen to CEO, revolutionizing Saudi Arabia’s restaurant scene with innovative concepts.

In this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian interviews Jim Bitticks, COO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, discussing his rise from a teenage employee to executive and his strategic approach to scaling operations.

Senior Vice President and CIO, Dine Brands Global

In “Prashanth Menon Talks Pizzas, People, and Progress” on Restrocast, Prashanth Menon, Regional Director at PizzaExpress UAE, shares his 32-year journey of growth, overcoming challenges, and a people-first approach. His story, culminating in the PizzaExpress Worldwide Wonder Award 2023, offers inspiration for aspiring restaurateurs.

Regional Director, UAE at PizzaExpress

In “Prashanth Menon Talks Pizzas, People, and Progress” on Restrocast, Prashanth Menon, Regional Director at PizzaExpress UAE, shares his 32-year journey of growth, overcoming challenges, and a people-first approach. His story, culminating in the PizzaExpress Worldwide Wonder Award 2023, offers inspiration for aspiring restaurateurs.

Managing Partner, Advanced Restaurant Consultants

In this podcast episode, Andy Holman shares insights from his four-decade journey in hospitality, highlighting leadership, customer service evolution, and the importance of adaptability. He offers advice to aspiring professionals and discusses the impact of technology and sustainability on the industry’s future. A must-listen for restaurant industry enthusiasts.

Explore Alexander Debare’s unconventional path to success in the latest podcast. From pilot to law student, he shares his inspiring journey founding Burger28, a unique ’90s UAE-inspired burger and hot dog chain. Delve into social media’s role, business challenges, and Debare’s commitment to self-improvement, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

Executive Managing Director, M Management Company

Join Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director at M Management, in an exclusive podcast as she unveils her culinary journey from Elia to Nola. Explore her strategic decisions, authenticity in entrepreneurship, and the delicate balance of maintaining diverse brand identities in Dubai’s dynamic restaurant scene.

Explore the culinary voyage of Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, in a captivating Restrocast Podcast episode. Uncover his 30-year journey, innovative practices, and leadership insights that have shaped the hospitality industry.

From a nurse in New Zealand to Dubai’s top specialty brand, RAW Coffee. Discover her journey, quality focus, ethical sourcing, and insights into UAE’s coffee future. Kim’s resilience brews an inspiring entrepreneurial tale.
Discover Phil’s roles at Yard House, Shake Shack, and Godiva, along with insights into Carl’s Jr.’s global digital transformation and his Round It Up America charity foundation, offering a captivating narrative of innovation and leadership in restaurant tech.

Nadim Majdalani shares his transformative journey from engineering to revolutionizing Middle Eastern restaurants in an insightful podcast. Highlights include YoSushi acquisition, eathos’ inception, and personal battles, offering a rare glimpse into a visionary leader’s mind.

President, Atelier House Hospitality

Explore Panchali Mahendra’s journey from Indian basketball to Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai on Restrocast. Delve into her diverse portfolio, featuring the groundbreaking Indian-Japanese concept Inja, and gain insights into F&B challenges and innovations.

Tune into Restrocast for a captivating conversation with Karl Goodhew, the innovative Chief Technology Officer of BurgerFi. Dive into his remarkable transition from leading tech in retail to shaping the future of fast-casual dining. Explore his tech expertise, culinary journey, and the digital revolution unfolding at BurgerFi!

Benson Tsai, the visionary Co-founder and CEO of Stellar Pizza shares his journey from a SpaceX Engineer to being the creator of a game-changing pizza chain. Discover his rich food heritage, his dynamic career, and the exciting future he envisions for Stellar Pizza!

CDO and COO, Capriotti’s and Wing Zone, Sprinkles
Join us as we interview David Bloom, an industry veteran with 25 years of strategic franchise experience in the restaurant industry. Gain valuable insights and be inspired by his journey in the dynamic world of restaurants. Don’t miss this engaging interview!
Join us as we interview Dan Mesches, a restaurant industry expert from Sprinkles, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, and Star Restaurant Group. Gain valuable insights and be inspired by his journey in the dynamic world of restaurants. Don’t miss this engaging interview!

In this podcast episode, Geoff Alexander, President & CEO of Wow Bao, talks about his journey in the restaurant industry, embracing technology while balancing human touch, using NFTs in restaurants, the importance of nurturing restaurant staff, and more.

Sr. Director, F&B and Retail, Bateel International

Duncan Muir shares his journey into the F&B world of Dubai, his experience of growing top independent restaurant brands, customer-centric strategies for restaurants, the importance of empathy, and much more. 

Tapan Vaidya, CEO of Papa Johns (UAE, KSA & Jordan) shares his journey into the restaurant world, his experience of investing his own money into the business, the importance of empathy for a leader, and much more.

Managing Director, Nando’s UAE
George Kunnappally, Managing Director of Nando’s UAE shares his journey in making Nando’s a successful food chain in the UAE, the mindset he developed, the lack of entrepreneurial knack, and the change in the hospitality industry over the years.

Chief Executive & Founder, Gates Hospitality

Naim Maadad, Chief Executive and Founder of Gates Hospitality replays his international career in the hospitality industry. In this podcast, he talks about finding success, key lessons learned, and his take on Michelin recognition.

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