Podcast
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Hosted by Brian Seitz, David Ross, and Anthony Hamilton · EN
We love locally owned independent restaurants. These businesses build strong communities by linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships. The more the independent restaurants are thriving, the healthier the community will be! We want to help restaurant owners and operators hone their competitive edge through effective marketing and business practices.
Restauranttopia focuses on all things related to restaurant management and operations from hosts David Ross, Brian Seitz, and chef Anthony Hamilton. We feature interviews and restaurant success stories, along with insights on cost control, marketing, management and personnel issues. Tune in for marketing ideas and tactics from restaurant business experts, gathered from lessons from restaurants around the US.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 193 - Failure is the Job.
2w ago00:26:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restaurantopia, Dave and Anthony dive into one of the most uncomfortable — yet unavoidable — realities of leadership in the restaurant industry: mistakes. From bad hires and burned bacon to missed opportunities and leadership missteps, the guys unpack why failure isn’t the exception in hospitality… it’s part of the job. The conversation explores how great operators don’t necessarily make fewer mistakes, they recover from them faster. Dave and Anthony discuss leadership accountability, vulnerability, ego, team culture, and why creating an environment where employees can admit mistakes openly is critical to long-term success. They also connect the dots between restaurant operations and sports psychology, highlighting how elite performers “flush” mistakes quickly and focus on the next play instead of dwelling on the last one. Why “failure is the job” in restaurants The difference between mistakes and true failure Decision recovery vs. perfection How ego prevents leaders from owning mistakes Building a culture where employees feel safe admitting errors Why accountability must include solutions Recovery speed as a leadership KPI Hiring mistakes, turnover, and making faster decisions How fear-based cultures destroy innovation and autonomy Lessons from coaching baseball that apply to restaurant leadership Why vulnerability from leaders creates stronger teams The hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations Mistakes are inevitable in hospitality — growth comes from how quickly you respond. Strong leaders admit fault, own outcomes, and focus on solutions. Teams mirror leadership behavior. Vulnerability creates trust. Fear of mistakes slows decision-making and kills innovation. Winning operators don’t make fewer mistakes — they make shorter ones. “Failure is only applicable when you stop trying.” “You’re not paid to get it perfect. You’re paid to fix it fast.” “Winning operators don’t make fewer mistakes — they make shorter ones.” “What play matters? The next one.” Website: Restauranttopia.com Newsletter: Restauranttopia Newsletter Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. In This Episode, They Discuss:Key Takeaways:Memorable Quotes:Connect with Restauranttopia: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Sysco Buys Restaurant Depot?! What This $29B Deal Means for Operators
4w ago00:31:04Tap to summarizeSysco just made a $29.1 billion move to acquire Restaurant Depot—and it could reshape how independent restaurants buy food forever. In this breaking-news style episode, the Restauranttopia crew unpacks what this deal really means for pricing, competition, and the future of distribution. From cash-and-carry economics to delivery margins, this isn’t just industry gossip—it’s a shift every operator should be paying attention to. If you rely on Sysco, shop at Restaurant Depot, or work with a local distributor… this one matters. The real reason Sysco wants Restaurant Depot (hint: it’s not just volume) How Restaurant Depot achieves ~13% profitability with a low-cost model Why this deal could push Sysco toward $100B+ in total sales The difference between delivery vs. cash-and-carry economics What happens if one company controls both truck delivery AND in-store pricing The hidden labor and time costs of self-shopping for inventory Food safety risks operators take when transporting product themselves How this impacts: 👉 Track your pricing NOW Baseline your Restaurant Depot and Sysco pricing before changes hit. 👉 Time is a real cost Saving $10 on a case doesn’t matter if you’re losing hours out of your day. 👉 Consolidation ≠ better for independents Bigger companies tend to optimize for shareholders—not small operators. 👉 Watch for subtle price shifts Small increases across both delivery and in-store purchasing could add up quickly. 👉 Relationships still matter Local distributors may become more valuable as consolidation increases. “They didn’t buy expansion—they bought a profitable competitor.” “You think cheap prices… but it’s actually highly profitable.” “Don’t be so smart you’re stupid.” “If one company controls both the shelf and the truck… what happens next?” Independent restaurant owners Multi-unit operators Restaurant managers Foodservice vendors & distributors Anyone trying to control food costs in 2026 Restaurant Depot business model breakdown Historical Sysco + US Foods merger attempt (context for consolidation trends) If this episode got you thinking, do us a favor: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share with another operator 🌐 Visit Restauranttopia.com for more insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Know Your Numbers: If You Can't Explain them, You Don't Own a Business
Apr 1800:24:43Tap to summarizeEpisode Title: Know Your Numbers: If You Can’t Explain Them, You Don’t Own a Business Running a restaurant today takes more than passion, recipes, and hard work—it takes understanding the numbers that drive profitability. In this episode of Restauranttopia, the crew breaks down the five essential numbers every restaurant owner must know, explain, and act on. Because if you can’t explain your numbers, you don’t own a business—you own anxiety. Why total sales alone don’t tell the full story How to track revenue by dine-in, carryout, catering, delivery, and dayparts What causes food cost swings (and how to fix them) Why labor spikes happen and how better scheduling can help What Prime Cost is—and why it matters more than ever Why profit on paper doesn’t always mean cash in the bank How small operational mistakes can wipe out monthly profits Why owners must stop being “busy” and start working on the business How AI tools can help simplify reports and reveal trends faster Sales – Where revenue comes from and what’s driving growth Food Cost – Pricing, waste, theft, portions, and vendor changes Labor – Scheduling, overtime, staffing levels, and efficiency Prime Cost – Food + Labor = your most controllable expense category Cash – Why cash flow matters more than theoretical profits Awareness beats perfection You don’t need to be an accountant—you need to understand the story your numbers tell Two bad decisions in a month can erase all your profit Strong operators win in tough markets No one is coming to save your business—ownership means leadership “If you don’t know your numbers, you’re not an owner—you’re an investor.” “You don’t own a business, you own anxiety.” “Stop being busy. Start being intentional.” “Understanding beats precision.” Visit Restauranttopia.com for more episodes, resources, and tools for independent restaurant operators. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Five Numbers Every Owner Must Know:Key Takeaways:Quotes from the Episode:Connect With Restauranttopia: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Good Help Isn’t Hard to Find... You’re Just Bad at Hiring
Apr 400:34:15Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary: If you’ve ever said “no one wants to work anymore,” this episode is your wake-up call. The truth? Great employees are out there—you just don’t have the systems, leadership, or hiring process to attract and retain them. The Restauranttopia crew breaks down the biggest hiring myths, why your process is failing you, and how to build a culture that actually keeps great people. This is a no-excuses, mirror-check episode for restaurant owners and operators who want to level up. “No one wants to work” is a myth Good employees exist—you’re just not finding or keeping them The real issue is your system, not the labor pool Most operators are chasing a fantasy employee: Immediate productivity No training required Full availability Zero pushback Instant loyalty That person doesn’t exist. Hiring out of desperation Only recruiting when short-staffed Rushing interviews Overselling the job Overpaying inconsistently Fix: Hiring should be continuous, not reactive Inconsistent training Unclear expectations Chaotic schedules Lack of feedback (only hearing when they’re wrong) Poor leadership “If you only tell them when they got it wrong… you got it wrong.” If it’s not documented and repeatable, it’s not training. Standardize everything Use visual guides (checklists, photos, systems) Remove guesswork Stop blaming: The generation The market “Work ethic” Start fixing: Your leadership Your culture Your systems Predictable schedules Clear expectations Fair pay Consistent training Strong leadership A positive team environment Not perfection—just professionalism. Slow down hiring Speed up retention Speed up firing (when necessary) If you have: A few long-term employees High turnover around them Those “lifers” might be part of the problem. Good help isn’t hard to find. Great leadership is hard to execute. Start interviewing consistently—even when fully staffed Audit your training process (is it documented?) Define clear expectations for every role Give positive feedback regularly Evaluate your leadership style honestly Build systems that allow employees to succeed Key Takeaways 1. The Brutal Truth About Hiring 2. What Owners Think They Want (But Won’t Admit) 3. The Biggest Hiring Mistakes 4. Why Good Employees Don’t Stay 5. Training Rule That Changes Everything 6. Leadership Is the Real Problem 7. What Good Employees Actually Want 8. Hiring Strategy Shift 9. Culture Red Flag to Watch Action Steps for Operators: Start interviewing consistently—even when fully staffed Audit your training process (is it documented?) Define clear expectations for every role Give positive feedback regularly Evaluate your leadership style honestly Build systems that allow employees to succeed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →From Strategy to Execution: How to Create Doers, Not Meetings
Mar 2100:39:17Tap to summarizeMost restaurant leaders don’t have a strategy problem—they have an execution problem. In this episode, the Restauranttopia crew breaks down why great ideas stall out in endless meetings and what it actually takes to build a team that executes consistently. From ownership and accountability to simplifying priorities and building repeatable systems, this conversation is a masterclass in turning plans into results. If you’ve ever left a meeting fired up… only to see nothing change a week later, this one’s for you. Most operators already know what they should do The real gap is in execution systems Hope is not a strategy—action is One person = one outcome Group responsibility = no responsibility Clear ownership eliminates confusion and delays “If seven people are on the email, nothing gets done.” Motivation fades fast (usually right after the meeting) Clear, simple instructions drive action Break big goals into specific, executable tasks Teams execute habits, not ideas Daily/weekly routines outperform monthly reviews What gets measured daily gets fixed quickly Too many priorities = zero execution One leader → one KPI → one weekly action Constraints actually improve performance Pre-built order guides Portion tools and standards Simple decision rules “Make the right action the easy action.” Weekly check-ins > monthly reviews Remove emotion—focus on facts Use data to guide improvement, not punishment Outcomes can be lucky Processes are repeatable Recognition should reinforce behaviors “People repeat what gets recognized.” Constant priority shifts kill execution Leaders must filter and prioritize Don’t overload your team with competing demands Some people execute naturally, others don’t Match roles to strengths Loyalty without execution isn’t leadership Assign one owner per initiative Limit teams to 1–3 priorities at a time Build weekly execution rhythms Replace vague goals with task lists Create visible scoreboards for KPIs Standardize processes to remove guesswork Key Takeaways 1. You Don’t Have a Strategy Problem 2. Ownership Creates Doers 3. Clarity Beats Motivation 4. Habits > Goals 5. Narrow the Focus 6. Systems Make Execution Easy 7. Fast Feedback Loops Matter 8. Reward the Process, Not Just Results 9. Protect Your Team from Chaos 10. Not Everyone is a Doer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Why Your Lack of Organization Is Burning Out Your Staff
Mar 700:28:27Tap to summarizeHow does it feel to work for a leader who shows up late, unprepared, and scatterbrained? Most people won’t say anything. But they feel it. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we unpack a leadership trait that rarely gets applause but deeply impacts culture, morale, and performance: Organization. Anthony calls it “invisible leadership.” And when it’s missing? It becomes a tax on your team. Showing up late becomes contagious. Meetings without clarity waste time. Vague expectations create frustration. Your team compensates for your lack of structure. If you don’t bring clarity, they bring confusion. No one thanks you for being organized. But they feel it when you’re not. Clarity is kindness. Clear agendas. Clear expectations. Clear follow-ups. When structure is present, teams feel safe and steady. Anthony drops a powerful concept: Disorganization is a tax on your team. When employees constantly chase unclear direction, they burn energy solving problems that shouldn’t exist. And that leads to: Frustration Eye rolls Quiet disengagement Eventually… turnover If your original message is fuzzy, the final message will be chaos. Disorganized leadership distorts communication before it even starts. Strong organization: Reduces micromanagement Reduces rework Reduces emotional volatility Great leaders are the eye of the hurricane. Whether it’s: A slammed dinner service A Michelin review day A labor crisis Organization creates calm under pressure. Chaos at the top creates chaos everywhere. You can’t hold people accountable to unclear expectations. Practical example discussed: Post-meeting recap emails Assigned action items Clear ownership Built-in follow-up systems Anthony shares his “Follow-Up Folder” system — a simple but powerful way to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Because leadership isn’t about remembering everything. It’s about building systems so you don’t have to. Being late and unprepared sends a message. Consistency builds trust. Organization reduces micromanagement. Clarity prevents resentment. Systems make you a better leader than memory ever will. Your team judges you by your structure. And maybe most importantly: Your people won’t tell you you’re disorganized. They’ll just feel it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Organization is Invisible Leadership (And It's Costing You More Than You Think)
Feb 2300:23:58Tap to summarizeEpisode Title: Organization is Invisible Leadership (And It's Costing You More Than You Think) Leadership isn't loud. It's not flashy. And most of the time, it's invisible. In this episode of Restauranttopia, Anthony and the team break down why organization is one of the most overlooked leadership skills in the restaurant industry, and why disorganization silently taxes your team. If you've ever: - Shown up late to a meeting - "Wung it" without preparation - Assumed everyone understood the assignment - Forgotten to follow up This one's for you!! Because here's the hard truth: Disorganization isn't just inefficient, it's exhausting for your team. 🔥 What We Cover Why organization = invisible leadership How disorganization creates burnout The ripple effect of leaders who show up unprepared Why clarity is kindness How poor structure leads to micromanagement Why calm-under-pressure leaders are almost always organized The "telephone game" problem in restaurants How predictability builds trust Why accountability depends on systems Anthony's simple but powerful "Follow-Up Folder" system A practical Outlook automation tip to never drop the ball again 💡 Key Takeaways Disorganization is a tax on your team. If you don't set clear expectations, you'll end up micromanaging. Consistency builds culture. Systems compensate for memory. Being organized isn't about you — it's about how your team feels. "Clarity is being kind to your people." 🛠 Practical Tools Mentioned Blocking non-negotiable thinking time Outlook Follow-Up Folder system Email automation rules Post-meeting recap emails with assigned action steps Clear directives to avoid mismatch expectations 🎯 Why This Matters for Restaurant Owners In an industry built on chaos, organization becomes your competitive advantage. Calm kitchens. Clear meetings. Accountable teams. Lower turnover. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens by design.
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Today's Data for Tomorrow's Restaurant Part 2
Feb 100:22:37Tap to summarizeToday's Data for Tomorrow's Restaurant: What the Numbers Are Still Telling Us Podcast: Restauranttopia Data Source: Circana 📝 Episode Show Notes — Part Two In Part Two of Today's Data for Tomorrow's Restaurant, the Restauranttopia team continues breaking down fresh Circana data — shifting from what's happening to what operators should actually do next. This episode goes deeper into consumer behavior trends, traffic shifts, pricing pressure, and why headline sales numbers can be misleading if you're not looking at the right metrics. 🔍 What We Dig Into in Part Two Why "sales up" doesn't always mean "restaurants are winning" How price increases are masking traffic declines — and what that means long-term. Traffic, frequency, and check average — which lever actually matters most right now Understanding where guests are pulling back and where they're still spending. The value gap is widening How consumers are redefining "worth it" and what that means for menu strategy. Why middle-of-the-road restaurants are under the most pressure Polarization between value-driven and premium experiences continues. Off-premise realities vs on-premise recovery What Circana data says about takeout, delivery, and dine-in expectations. Operational blind spots operators need to stop ignoring Throughput, labor efficiency, and why volume matters more than ego pricing. 📊 Why This Matters The data isn't predicting a collapse — but it is warning operators who aren't adapting. Part Two focuses on decision-making, not doom scrolling. If you're still running your restaurant like it's 2019, the numbers say you're already behind. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Independent restaurant owners Multi-unit operators GMs and operators managing labor and pricing decisions Vendors supporting restaurant growth strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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What Today's Data Says About Tomorrow's Restaurant Part 1
Jan 1700:26:25Tap to summarizeWhat Today's Data Says About Tomorrow's Restaurant Episode Description: What if "flat" traffic isn't bad news — but a wake-up call? In this episode of Restauranttopia, Brad and David break down fresh industry insights from a recent Circana (formerly NPD) foodservice conference and translate national data into real-world strategies for independent restaurant operators. From shifting consumer behavior and third-party delivery fatigue to protein-forward menus, mocktails, gaming culture, and the rise of fast casual and fine dining, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually matters as we head toward 2026. If you're wondering how to win in a "flat is the new normal" environment, this episode is packed with ideas you can actually use. Key Topics Covered: Why restaurant traffic is expected to remain flat through 2027 — and why that's an opportunity How consumer spending habits are changing (and what they're still willing to splurge on) What the rise of gaming, influencers, and digital culture means for food marketing Why fast casual and fine dining are winning while mid-scale struggles Protein-forward menus, healthier labeling, and the impact of GLP-1 drugs Mocktails, alcohol shifts, and smarter beverage profitability Third-party delivery fatigue and the return of on-premise dining Menu innovation: when to cut underperforming items and when to evolve Creating experiences worth choosing when guests dine out less often Actionable Takeaways for Operators: Double down on what makes your restaurant unique Engineer menus for weekday speed and weekend splurges Treat takeout and pickup guests like dine-in customers Use data — not emotion — to make menu decisions Lean into value and innovation (yes, both) Why This Matters: When guests are dining out less often, every visit has to count. This episode helps you rethink how to attract, serve, and retain today's more selective customer. 👉 Whether you run a full-service restaurant, fast casual concept, or neighborhood favorite, this conversation will challenge you to adapt — and compete smarter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Employee Appreciation
Dec 2700:15:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restauranttopia, Brian and Dave dig into one of the most overlooked — yet most powerful — tools in restaurant operations: employee appreciation. Customer appreciation gets plenty of attention, but retaining great staff requires consistent, genuine recognition. With hiring still competitive and turnover costly, this episode focuses on simple, legal, and meaningful ways restaurant owners and managers can show gratitude that actually sticks. No big budgets. No complicated programs. Just practical ideas you can implement immediately. What You'll Learn in This Episode • Why employee appreciation directly impacts retention Entry-level and frontline staff can find work quickly. Feeling valued is often the deciding factor in whether they stay. • "See something, say something" Recognize exceptional behavior in real time. Celebrating what you want repeated drives culture faster than any policy. • Public vs. private recognition From one-on-one praise to team shout-outs and recognition boards, learn how visibility can reinforce positive behaviors across the entire staff. • Take a walk (and talk) Getting out of the office and onto the floor builds trust, uncovers issues early, and creates real connection with your team. • The power of surprise Small, unexpected gestures — gift cards, quality swag, handwritten notes — often mean more than formal programs. • Remember the little things Birthdays, family milestones, tough personal moments — being human builds loyalty faster than bonuses alone. • Safety, parking, and working conditions matter Employee appreciation isn't just praise — it's making sure staff feel safe, supported, and respected every shift. • Handwritten notes as a leadership habit Brian shares how building thank-you notes into a weekly routine creates lasting impact with minimal effort. Key Takeaway Employee appreciation doesn't have to be expensive or complicated — it just has to be intentional and consistent. The little things done regularly can dramatically improve morale, culture, and retention. Hosts Brian Seitz & Dave Ross Restauranttopia — honest conversations to help independent restaurant owners operate smarter and stronger. Resources Visit Restaurantopia.com to explore more episodes, submit questions, or share feedback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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