Episodi

  • 486. Inside Restaurant Operations at a 35-Unit Brand: KPIs, Training & Culture - Alex Sadowsky

    486. Inside Restaurant Operations at a 35-Unit Brand: KPIs, Training & Culture - Alex Sadowsky
    Apr 27 2026
    Running 35 restaurants takes more than systems. It takes real restaurant operations. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I sit down with Alex Sadowsky, Vice President of Training, Culinary, and Beverage at Ojos Locos Sports Cantina, a growing 35-unit brand. We go inside how a multi-unit restaurant actually operates, from hiring and training to culture, accountability, and managing margins in today’s environment. Alex shares how they hire for attitude over experience, build long-term teams, and create real paths for growth from server to leadership. We also get into the realities of running a scratch kitchen at scale, keeping menus tight for efficiency, and maintaining consistency across multiple locations. We break down the numbers that matter, including prime cost, labor, and food cost, and how their team is working toward more real-time visibility to make better decisions faster. This is not theory or a list of systems. It’s a real look at restaurant operations inside a multi-unit brand that’s growing while staying true to its culture. Listen to the full episode: https://restaurantrockstars.com/audio/restaurant-operations-35-unit-brand/ Connect with our Guest: @ojoslocossportscantina https://ojoslocos.com Thank you to our sponsors: 🔘 The Operator Inner Circle Mastermind: Join a select group of restaurateurs seeking solutions to labor, increasing margins, leadership, proven marketing, staying ahead of the competition and today’s most pressing operating challenges. We get together brainstorm and share best practices 2 X/ month. Uplevel your restaurant with like-minded peers and industry experts. https://restaurantrockstars.com/mastermind 🔘 Rally Catering: Catering is an excellent added profit center for your restaurant, but it’s all in the details. With Rally Catering, customers browse your packages and pricing to order instantly. Orders arrive complete and ready to approve, with kitchen-ready production sheets and packing forms. Grow your catering business without missing a beat and without the chaos! https://rallycatering.com/rockstars Busy doesn’t equal profitable. More sales won’t fix weak margins; smarter menu decisions will. Do the 5-Day Menu Margin Makeover Challenge and turn one item into a repeatable profit driver.👉 https://restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge/ Connect with Restaurant Rockstars on Social Media: LinkedIn Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-beaudoin-21590016 LinkedIn Restaurant Rockstars: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurant-rockstars LinkedIn Roger Beaudoin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-beaudoin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantrockstars/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantrockstars X: https://x.com/RestaurantRock1
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    33 min
  • 485. How to Turn Catering Into a High-Profit, Repeat Revenue Machine - Elias Hage

    485. How to Turn Catering Into a High-Profit, Repeat Revenue Machine - Elias Hage
    Apr 18 2026
    Turn catering into a profit machine. In this episode, Roger sits down with Elias from Rally Catering to talk about how the right restaurant catering system can help operators simplify the ordering process, reduce chaos, and turn catering into a repeatable revenue stream. They break down the biggest mistakes restaurants make with catering, the systems needed to streamline operations, and how easy online ordering can lead to more orders and more repeat business. If your catering process is still being managed through calls, emails, and manual follow-up, this episode will show you how to make it easier for your team and your customers, while building a stronger profit center for your business. Want to simplify your catering and stop missing revenue opportunities? Get a free demo at rallycatering.com/rockstars Want more restaurant profit strategies? Join the 5-Day Menu Margin Makeover Challenge at restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge/
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    36 min
  • 484. The Systems Behind a Fully Booked Concept (And How to Scale Without Burning Out) - Jessica Zouaoui

    484. The Systems Behind a Fully Booked Concept (And How to Scale Without Burning Out) - Jessica Zouaoui
    Apr 9 2026
    Most restaurant owners are stuck chasing food costs. The real opportunity is building systems that scale profit. In this episode, Roger sits down with Jessica Zouaoui, Co-Founder of Oakwell Beer Spa, a fully booked, multi-location concept built without investors. She shares how systems, team culture, and experience-driven strategy created a business that runs without burnout. You’ll learn how to scale, improve margins, and build a business that works without you. Join the Menu Margin Makeover Challenge: https://restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge/ Sponsored by Restaurant Rockstars Coaching. Get expert guidance to increase profits and build systems: https://restaurantrockstars.com Sponsored by TouchBistro, the all-in-one restaurant POS: https://touchbistro.com Connect with Jessica Zouaoui and Oakwell Beer Spa: Website: https://oakwell.com/ Franchise: https://oakwellfranchise.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oakwell-beer-spa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakwellBeerSpa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakwellbeerspa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OakwellBeerSpa TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oakwellbeerspa
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    44 min
  • 483. If I Took Over Your Restaurant, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do First (Part 2) - Roger Beaudoin

    483. If I Took Over Your Restaurant, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do First (Part 2) - Roger Beaudoin
    Apr 3 2026
    If your restaurant is busy but not making money, your systems, not your effort, are the problem. In this episode, Roger breaks down exactly what he would do if he took over your restaurant today. From menu costing and prime cost to labor control, leadership, and marketing, this is a complete restaurant systems playbook designed to increase profit and give you back control of your business. These are the same strategies used to uncover tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in hidden profit across independent restaurants and multi-location operators. If you want stronger margins, a more accountable team, and a restaurant that runs without you being there 24/7…start here. 🎧 Learn more and get resources: https://restaurantrockstars.com 🤝 This episode is brought to you by TouchBistro, the all-in-one restaurant POS and management system that helps you track sales, control costs, and run a more profitable operation. Learn more: https://www.touchbistro.com/
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    31 min
  • 482. Restaurant Marketing Strategies That Actually Work - Shawn Walchef

    482. Restaurant Marketing Strategies That Actually Work - Shawn Walchef
    Mar 26 2026
    If you think great food and service are enough to grow your restaurant… think again. In this episode, marketing powerhouse Shawn Walchef breaks down the restaurant marketing strategies that actually work today—and why “if you build it, they won’t come” is one of the biggest myths in this business. We dive into: • Why your digital front door matters more than ever • How storytelling drives real traffic and loyalty • The shift from ads to “Be the Show, Not the Commercial” • How AI is changing how guests discover restaurants • Why consistency—not perfection—is the key to winning If you want more guests, stronger brand loyalty, and marketing that actually delivers results, this episode is your playbook. 🔥 Ready to Increase Your Margins? 👉 Join the 5-Day Menu Margin Makeover Challenge One Menu Item. Five Days. Stronger Margins. https://restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge/ 🚀 Work with Roger 1:1 👉 Restaurant Rockstars Coaching Increase your profit, build a dream team staff, and execute marketing strategies that work. https://restaurantrockstars.com/consulting/ 🙌 Thanks to Our Sponsors 👉 Ajinomoto Foods Save time, cut labor, and protect profits with incredible, easy-to-prepare Asian menu items backed by 100+ years of expertise. https://ajinomotofoodservice.com 👉 TouchBistro POS An all-in-one restaurant management system built specifically for operators. Get started with savings for a limited time (U.S. & Canada): https://www.touchbistro.com/restaurantrockstars If you’re serious about running a more profitable, efficient restaurant… you’re in the right place. 👉 Subscribe, share, and keep tuning in to Restaurant Rockstars.
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    40 min
  • 481. How Smart Operators Are Boosting Restaurant Margins Despite Rising Costs - Samir Zabaneh

    481. How Smart Operators Are Boosting Restaurant Margins Despite Rising Costs - Samir Zabaneh
    Mar 18 2026
    Rising costs are squeezing profits across the industry, but the smartest operators are adapting fast...and winning. In this episode, Roger sits down with Samir Zabaneh to break down the real strategies restaurants are using right now to protect and grow their restaurant margins. From operational efficiencies to smarter marketing and menu optimization, Samir shares practical insights and real-world experience that operators can apply immediately to improve profitability and performance. If you're feeling the pressure of labor, food costs, or inconsistent profits, this episode delivers clear, actionable strategies you can put to work right away. Ready to take action? Join the 5-Day Menu Margin Makeover Challenge and fix the profit leaks in your operation: https://restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge/ Thank you to our sponsors: Smithfield Culinary serves up perfect proteins for every dish, every daypart—from Smithfield’s new ready-to-eat select bacon to new ground chorizo and the broadest portfolio of pork. When you partner with Smithfield, you serve what you love and your guests will love what you serve. Learn more: https://smithfieldculinary.com/smithfield Restaurant Rockstars Coaching helps you increase profit, build a dream team staff, and execute trackable marketing strategies that work. If you’re ready to up-level your operation, Roger can help you dial it in, maximize opportunities, and get your peace of mind back. Learn more: https://restaurantrockstars.com/consulting/ TouchBistro is an all-in-one, cloud-based POS and restaurant management system designed exclusively for restaurants. It connects front of house, back of house, and guest engagement into one easy-to-use platform. For operators in the U.S. or Canada, TouchBistro is offering savings on upfront costs for a limited time. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more: https://www.touchbistro.com/restaurantrockstars Ajinomoto Foods delivers fast, easy-to-prep frozen Asian products that look homemade and taste incredible. With over 100 years of culinary expertise, Ajinomoto helps you save time, reduce labor, and protect profits without compromising quality. Learn more: https://ajinomotofoodservice.com
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    37 min
  • 480. 5 Profit-Killing Mistakes Destroying Restaurant Margins - Roger Beaudoin

    480. 5 Profit-Killing Mistakes Destroying Restaurant Margins - Roger Beaudoin
    Mar 12 2026
    Restaurant profits are under pressure, and many operators are unknowingly making mistakes that destroy their restaurant margins. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, Roger Beaudoin breaks down the five biggest profit-killing mistakes he sees in restaurants today, from poor menu engineering and rising food costs to labor inefficiencies and weak operational systems. Drawing on decades of operating highly profitable restaurants, Roger shares practical strategies you can use immediately to stop margin leaks and run a stronger, more profitable operation. If you're serious about improving profitability, this episode reveals simple changes that can dramatically protect and grow your restaurant margins. In this episode you'll learn: • The five most common mistakes destroying restaurant margins • Why menu engineering directly impacts profitability • How labor inefficiencies quietly erode profits • The systems profitable restaurants rely on • Simple operational changes that improve margins fast Free Resource for Restaurant Owners Want to quickly identify hidden profit leaks in your menu? Join Roger’s Free 5-Day Menu Margin Makeover Challenge and learn how to engineer your menu for stronger restaurant margins and profitability. https://restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge/ Thank you to our sponsors Smithfield Culinary Smithfield Culinary serves up perfect proteins for every dish and every daypart—from Smithfield’s new ready-to-eat Select Bacon and new ground chorizo to the broadest portfolio of pork. When you partner with Smithfield, you serve what you love and your guests will love what you serve. https://smithfieldculinary.com/smithfield Restaurant Rockstars Coaching Increase your profit, create a dream team staff, and execute trackable marketing strategies that work. If you’re facing restaurant challenges and want to uplevel your operation, Roger can help dial in your systems, maximize opportunities, and give you back your peace of mind. https://restaurantrockstars.com/consulting/ TouchBistro TouchBistro is an all-in-one cloud-based POS and restaurant management system designed exclusively for restaurants. It connects front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement into one powerful platform. Operators in the U.S. and Canada can get started for less with limited-time savings on upfront costs. Terms and conditions apply. https://www.touchbistro.com/restaurantrockstars Ajinomoto Foods Ajinomoto Foods delivers fast, easy-to-prep frozen Asian products that look homemade and taste incredible. With more than 100 years of Asian culinary expertise, Ajinomoto helps restaurants save time, reduce labor, and protect profits without compromising quality. https://ajinomotofoodservice.com
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    35 min
  • 479. How a $70,000 Startup Built a Multi-Unit Restaurant Group - Molly Irani

    479. How a $70,000 Startup Built a Multi-Unit Restaurant Group - Molly Irani
    Mar 4 2026
    What does it take to build a multi-unit restaurant group starting with $70,000 during the Great Recession? In this episode of Restaurant Rockstars, Roger talks with Molly Irani, co-founder of Chai Pani Restaurant Group, about the leadership discipline and people-first culture that turned a bootstrap startup into a nationally recognized brand. This is a practical conversation about restaurant leadership and profitability — how culture drives retention, how operational leaks impact margins, and why scaling requires systems, not heroics. If you're navigating labor pressure, tighter margins, or growth decisions, this episode delivers real-world perspective you can apply immediately. In This Episode: • Launching during a recession • Building culture as a competitive advantage • Protecting margins through operational discipline • Retaining great people in a tough labor market • Scaling beyond the dining room Join the 5-Day Menu Margin Makeover Challenge Improve margins without guessing on price increases: 👉 https://restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge/ Connect with Molly & Her Brands: Chai Pani: https://chaipani.com/ Spicewalla: https://www.spicewallabrand.com/ Instagram: @chaipanimom @chaipani @spicewalla Episode Sponsors Ajinomoto Foods https://www.ajinomotofoodservice.com/ TouchBistro https://www.touchbistro.com/ Smithfield Culinary https://www.smithfieldculinary.com/ Subscribe to Restaurant Rockstars for weekly insights on restaurant leadership, systems, and profit.
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    39 min