Restaurant Influencers

Sara Kear, Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos (@condadotacos), has embraced the power of social media as a game-changing tool. Sara and her team strategically mapped out Condado Taco's web presence, understanding the unique expectations of consumers for each channel. Listen to this interview to learn about effective use of social media, how to be a CMO, and being forced to pivot in the restaurant business. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uzi Wizman's culinary journey began as a 16-year-old dishwasher. After opening PSY Kitchen in the heart of the Sherman Oaks Shopping Center in Los Angeles, his passion for growth and innovation led to him founding Borekas (pronounced Bo-Re-Kas) Sephardic Pastries. Listen to this interview to learn about growing a food brand from an Instagram Story, not rushing to expand your business, and sharing culture with the world. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bennett Maxwell is the founder of cookie franchise Dirty Dough (@dirty_dough) and host of the Deeper than Dough podcast. He embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth that has shaped both his life and his business.  Listen to this interview to learn about creating a company mission statement, finding balance in content creation, and podcasting with a purpose.  Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the competitive global restaurant industry, having a unique concept that captivates both operators and consumers is no easy task. But Pepper Lunch has done it. Listen to this interview from the National Restaurant Show with the executive team behind Pepper Lunch — Troy Hooper, Yuto Tago, and Sumio Matsumoto — to learn about Japanese hospitality, embracing global culture, and the “DIY Teppanyaki” brand story. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawrence Longo (@bigshot) is the founder/CEO of Off the Menu, a unique concept created out of providing access to food items not on the menu at popular restaurants. The serial entrepreneur is also an operating partner for Irv’s Burger and Prince St. Pizza. Listen to this interview to learn about being the “Don King of Food Promotion”, the secret to business partnerships, and choosing the right influencers to work with your brand. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Busboys and Poets, a socially conscious restaurant, bookstore, and community hub, was inspired by one of the most famous busboy poets of all time: Langston Hughes. By providing space for all, the full-service restaurant chain has inspired much more than appetites. Listen to this interview from the Toast HQ with Busboys and Poets COO Joy Zarembka to learn about operating an inviting space and being a stage for the community. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Chang, the owner of Copa Vida, has a unique perspective on building community through coffee shops. He believes that a cafe like Copa Vida should serve as a gathering space; where a community can organically form by allowing people to connect on their own accord. Listen now to learn about building community with a business, the “Go. Enjoy. Experience.” mantra, and how technology helps businesses adapt. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harold Walters, CEO of Shootz Restaurant, understands the transformative power of social media storytelling. A crucial mindset shift occurred when he embraced the notion that the opinions of others aren’t his concern. He recognized his purpose is to inspire and bring value to others. Listen now to learn about the benefits of using the Ovation platform, switching to Toast from Clover, and the importance of digital media. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Rosenberg, the founder of healthy food chain honeygrow, finds fulfillment in the happiness of their customers. And the CEO understands that achieving that joy doesn’t happen without being surrounded by a strong, competent, efficient team that knows how to kick ass. Listen now to learn about having a timeline to make mistakes, learning to manage up, and finding joy in your work. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roll-Em-Up Taquitos and COO Sam Fonseca follow a deliberate approach to keeping their menu — and business — simple and successful. In this interview with host Shawn Walchef live at the Toast Spark LA event, Fonseca describes how Roll-Em-Up chooses to focus on delivering the absolute best experience. Listen now to learn about the power of social media, adjusting for customer expectations, and keeping Mama Karen’s legacy alive. Sponsored by Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices