Podcast
Restaurant Misfits
Hosted by Brett Linkletter · EN
Welcome to our podcast, “Restaurant Misfits”, where we’ll discuss all things related to restaurant marketing, management, and everything else in between growing a restaurant business. Whether you are a single-location owner, multi-location owner, or just getting into the industry, you’ll find tips and tricks to help you achieve massive results in your business.
We’re always looking for new interviews and features.
If you’re interested in joining us on the show, please email Ana on our team at ana@dineline.co!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 61: Babak Bina - The Mindset That Built Boston’s Top Restaurant Group
Dec 1001:29:20Tap to summarizeBabak Bina didn’t just survive the restaurant industry. He bent an entire city around his vision.After landing in Boston as an immigrant, washing dishes to stay alive, he spent the next 30 years building concepts that defined the city’s dining scene. Babak talks about the moments operators never admit publicly: – The lowest point where he almost walked away – Flooding an entire dining room and owning the fallout – Reinventing concepts while everyone else plays it safe – Investing in people instead of chasing shiny ideas – The pandemic moments that could’ve erased everything – What immigrants understand about hospitality that others don’t – The belief he holds that most operators will disagree withThe market is shifting again. The operators who grow from here will be the ones who think like Babak — conviction, adaptability, and brutal honesty.This is one of the strongest interviews we’ve ever released. If you’re tired of surface-level advice, press play.🍽️ Learn more about how to scale your restaurant through Dineline’s done-for-you marketing program: https://dineline.co📲 Grow your restaurant the SMART way with our proprietary restaurant software, Dishio: https://get.dish.io/🎓 Take a look at our FREE Restaurant Marketing Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL403WqY9pN16aGIQc02X1nXFQLg0ThWuF Follow us on Instagram for tips to grow your restaurant: https://www.instagram.com/dinelineco/
Transcribe →RM EP 60: Jordan Boesch - Tech That Serves Restaurants
May 15, 202501:11:51Tap to summarizeJordan Boesch didn’t wait for a better solution to manage staff schedules. He built it.He was just a kid when he saw his dad struggling to manage his team's schedule. Spreadsheets, paper, chaos—you know the drill. So what did he do?He coded a tool to help his dad out. Fast forward a few years… and that tool became 7shifts—now used by over 50,000 restaurants to manage their teams, schedules, and payroll. I sat down with Jordan on the latest episode of Restaurant Misfits and got the full story:How he scaled a side project into a restaurant tech powerhouseWhat he’s seeing across thousands of operators right nowHis take on AI, retention, labor costs—and what’s next for restaurantsThe biggest mistakes owners still make with their staffWhether you're running one location or scaling a group, this one’s packed with gold.🍽️ Learn more about how to scale your restaurant through Dineline’s done-for-you marketing program: https://dineline.co📲 Grow your restaurant the SMART way with our proprietary restaurant software, Dishio: https://get.dish.io/🎓 Take a look at our FREE Restaurant Marketing Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL403WqY9pN16aGIQc02X1nXFQLg0ThWuF Follow us on Instagram for tips to grow your restaurant: https://www.instagram.com/dinelineco/
Transcribe →EP 59: Chef Cheng Lin | From Fujian to Michelin
Apr 3, 202501:03:53Tap to summarizeEver wonder what it takes to make people fall in love with sushi? Chef Cheng Lin has the answer.In this new episode, I interview Chef Cheng Lin, the mastermind behind Brooklyn’s Michelin-starred Shota Omakase. And let me tell you... he doesn’t just make sushi—he LIVES it. For him, Japanese cuisine is an art, and every detail matters.We dive into the omakase bubble in NY, the hidden costs of a cancelled reservation, and how it took him a YEAR to find the perfect location. Plus, the future of AI in restaurants, Google vs. ChatGPT, and the secret to making anyone fall in love with sushi.Whether you run a restaurant or just love next-level food, this episode will be quite the treat!If you’re in the restaurant or hospitality space, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.🍽️ Learn more about how to scale your restaurant through Dineline’s done-for-you marketing program: https://dineline.co📲 Grow your restaurant the SMART way with our proprietary restaurant software, Dishio: https://get.dish.io/🎓 Take a look at our FREE Restaurant Marketing Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL403WqY9pN16aGIQc02X1nXFQLg0ThWuF Follow us on Instagram for tips to grow your restaurant: https://www.instagram.com/dinelineco/
Transcribe →EP 58: Dr. Michael Cheng | The Future of Food and Hospitality
Mar 13, 202501:36:55Tap to summarizeDr. Cheng isn’t just the Dean of FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality—he’s a major force behind SOBEWFF (South Beach Wine & Food Festival), one of the largest food festivals in the world, drawing over 120,000 attendees and raising more than $40 million for hospitality education just this year alone! That’s beyond impressive—it’s changing the landscape of hospitality and education forever!In this episode, Dr. Cheng shares exclusive insights on:✔️ How SOBEWFF went from a small event to one of the biggest food festivals in the world✔️ What it takes to manage 500+ chefs at once✔️ The latest trends in hospitality, from AI-driven guest experiences to hyper-personalized menus ✔️ And last, but not least, how restaurant owners can and should be using data to drive more revenue! (I was so happy to hear him say this!)If you’re in the restaurant or hospitality space, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.🍽️ Learn more about how to scale your restaurant through Dineline’s done-for-you marketing program: https://dineline.co📲 Grow your restaurant the SMART way with our proprietary restaurant software, Dishio: https://get.dish.io/🎓 Take a look at our FREE Restaurant Marketing Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL403WqY9pN16aGIQc02X1nXFQLg0ThWuF Follow us on Instagram for tips to grow your restaurant: https://www.instagram.com/dinelineco/
Transcribe →EP 57: Brad Kilgore | Mastering Fine Dining & Business Growth
Feb 25, 202501:02:46Tap to summarizeAward-winning chef Brad Kilgore has built a restaurant empire, from Michelin-starred kitchens to launching Kilgore Culinary Group. In this episode, we dive into:🔥 His journey from Kansas to Miami’s top restaurants🔥 Lessons from working at Alinea & L2o🔥 How he built & scaled multiple restaurant concepts🔥 The role of marketing, AI, and innovation in hospitality🔥 What the future holds for the restaurant industry📢 Don’t miss this deep dive into Mastering Fine Dining & Business Growth!🍽️ Learn more about how to scale your restaurant through Dineline’s done-for-you marketing program: https://dineline.co📲 Grow your restaurant the SMART way with our proprietary restaurant software, Dishio: https://get.dish.io/🎓 Take a look at our FREE Restaurant Marketing Course: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL403WqY9pN16aGIQc02X1nXFQLg0ThWuF Follow us on Instagram for tips to grow your restaurant: https://www.instagram.com/dinelineco/
Transcribe →EP 56: Peter Litvinenko
Feb 18, 202501:19:32Tap to summarizen this episode of Restaurant Misfi, we explore how restaurants can unlock new revenue streams, enhance branding, and optimize operations with smart, data-driven strategies.Joining us is Peter Litvinenko, CEO of WorkEatPlay, a platform transforming how restaurants monetize downtime by renting tables as workspaces during slow hours. Dubbed the "Airbnb for restaurants," WorkEatPlay currently operates at one Hamptons and five New York City venues, helping restaurants increase revenue while catering to remote workers.Beyond maximizing space, we discuss how restaurants can embrace marketing as a truth accelerator, maintain brand consistency, and cater to both local and tourist audiences in an ever-evolving industry.💡 What You’ll Learn:✔ How WorkEatPlay is redefining how restaurants generate revenue outside traditional dining hours.✔ Why the real estate should dictate the concept and how location impacts restaurant success.✔ The importance of being Instagrammable and creating a visually compelling brand experience.✔ How to use data collection (like Dishio) to enhance guest engagement.✔ The role of cross-collaboration between brands to boost visibility and customer reach.✔ The evolution of restaurant managers, their growing responsibilities, and strategies for managing large teams.✔ Why creating scorecards for employees and investing in training leads to better guest experiences.✔ How QR code menus are shaping modern restaurant operations and improving efficiency.If you’re a restaurant owner, operator, or marketer, this episode is packed with insights on innovating your business, improving branding, and driving profitability in today’s competitive restaurant landscape.🍽️ Learn more about how to scale your restaurant through Dineline’s done-for-you marketing program: https://dineline.co📲 Grow your restaurant the SMART way with our proprietary restaurant software, Dishio: https://get.dish.io/🎓 Take a look at our FREE Restaurant Marketing Course: • FREE Restaurant Marketing Course Follow us on Instagram for tips to grow your restaurant: / dinelineco
Transcribe →Ep 55: Olivia Ormos
Nov 21, 202401:02:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restaurant Misfits, we uncover the game-changing potential of influencer marketing for restaurants and brands. Joining us is Olivia Ormos, a Miami-based entrepreneur and founder of Maven, the innovative platform connecting brands with top influencers.From launching successful initiatives like Model Volleyball to crafting influencer-driven experiences that captivate audiences, Olivia shares her journey and actionable strategies to help restaurants thrive in today’s competitive market.What You’ll Learn:How influencer marketing can create authentic connections and drive real results.Tips for choosing the right influencers and leveraging local talent.The do’s and don’ts of influencer campaigns to maximize ROI.Why experiential dining is the future of restaurant marketing.If you’re a restaurant owner, marketer, or brand looking to stand out and connect with your audience in impactful ways, this episode is packed with expert insights and proven tactics. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more strategies to elevate your restaurant marketing game! Watch now and transform your approach to influencer marketing!
Transcribe →EP 54: Leslie Diaz
Oct 11, 202401:09:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restaurant Misfits, we’re excited to introduce Leslie Diaz, a dynamic digital creator from Miami who has turned her love for restaurants into a successful content creation career. Leslie takes us through her inspiring journey, from studying speech therapy to becoming a leading voice in the restaurant industry.We explore how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are transforming restaurant visibility and customer loyalty. Leslie shares her insights on how influencers can help restaurants grow in today’s competitive market. We also dive into Miami’s evolving food scene and its rising impact on the global restaurant landscape. Plus, we highlight the key ingredients for success—consistency, authenticity, and social engagement—crucial for building a loyal customer base and standing out.Whether you’re a restaurant owner looking to improve your social media strategy or just curious about what it takes to thrive in the restaurant world, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration!
Transcribe →EP 53: Christian J. Fischer
Aug 8, 202401:11:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restaurant Misfits, we're honored to host Christian J. Fischer, a culinary visionary whose journey from the family kitchen in Feldbach, Austria, to becoming a global influence in the restaurant industry is nothing short of extraordinary. Christian shares his invaluable insights on scaling your business, the pivotal role of marketing, and how to turn a restaurant into an architect of memories. We delve into the future of the industry with discussions on AI, digital menus, and the importance of hyper-personalization. From Chef to entrepreneur, Christian’s story is a masterclass in passion, innovation, and legacy.This conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration, offering a unique perspective on why some great restaurant concepts fail in the first year, and how the next generation of culinary professionals can succeed. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just starting out, this episode is a must-watch.You can find Christian J. Fischer's personal and company links below:https://www.christianjfischer.com/https://www.instagram.com/christianjfischer/
Transcribe →EP 52: Roger Beaudoin
Jul 26, 202401:07:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restaurant Misfits, we are thrilled to introduce Roger Beaudoin! Join us as Roger and Brett delve into Roger's journey from a novice in the restaurant industry to becoming the founder of Restaurant Rockstars. With over 25 years of experience, Roger shares his invaluable insights and hard-earned lessons.Roger dives deep into the nuances of leadership versus management and the importance of empowering teams to optimize performance. He discusses how recognizing opportunities to increase sales, building the business, and making strategic suggestions can positively impact the bottom line. Roger emphasizes the critical role of menu costing and menu profit analysis, especially in countering inflation and high labor costs. Tune in for an engaging conversation with Roger Beaudoin and Brett as they explore the keys to success in the restaurant industry and the innovative strategies that make a difference.🤝We’re here to help your business grow! If you feel like your full-service restaurant would be a good fit for our agency, you can learn more and apply here: https://dineline.co/📍If your full-service restaurant is between 1-50 locations, we'd like to discuss how we can take your business to the next level.🙏For everyone else, enjoy the content. We make this content for free in the hopes that we can help more businesses grow… and for a select few, eventually partner with our agency.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Dineline Information:1.) Website: www.dineline.co2.) Free Training Video: https://get.dineline.co/howitworks3.) Book A Discovery Call: https://requests.dineline.co/discovery⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️✅SUBSCRIBE to Dineline click here: https://www.youtube.com/@DinelineInc#Dineline #RestaurantMarketing #RestaurantMarketingTips
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