Restaurant Influencers

Jon Taffer, host of Bar Rescue and Taffer’s Tavern founder, has joined forces with Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands. They’re combining media influence with restaurant know-how to grow something big. Their partnership is built on trust, culture, and a belief that authenticity is what truly sets great brands apart. Listen now to learn how authenticity, leadership, and mentorship are fueling the future of restaurants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diane Hund (Chief Marketing Officer at US Foods) reveals how the company’s marketing strategies, including truck branding and authentic human touch points, help build trust and loyalty across more than 100,000 restaurant partners nationwide. Listen now to learn why brand consistency matters, how the US Foods’ team brings itself to life, and the ways AI is transforming menu design and marketing for restaurant operators. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Brotman and Andy Sack of Forum3 wrote AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand to share insights on how AI is transforming industries like restaurants. They’re helping operators adapt to a new tech-driven reality. Listen now to learn about their research on AI, its future in our world, and the technology’s impact on hospitality. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • NEXT INSURANCE: http://www.nextinsurance.com/calibbq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Rodriguez, owner of Famous Creations, uses his bold baked creations and candid social media posts to spotlight the highs and lows of small business ownership. He’s built a brand rooted in creativity, community, and staying unapologetically real.  Listen now to learn about building a successful cupcake brand, staying calm under pressure, and turning viral chaos into community support. Sponsored by:  • TOAST POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • NEXT INSURANCE: http://www.nextinsurance.com/calibbq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giada De Laurentiis is a celebrity chef and founder of Giadzy, which blends Italian tradition with entrepreneurial vision. With an Amazon deal and curated product line, she’s creating a platform to celebrate food and community. Listen to hear how Giada turned a demo into a long career, why she’s focused on content and commerce, and what she’s building with Amazon. Watch GIADI In My Kitchen on Amazon Prime premiering June 23. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • NEXT INSURANCE: http://www.nextinsurance.com/calibbq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicolas Jammet is co-founder of Sweetgreen, which grew from college startup into a public company. From recipe rewrites to festival stages, Jammet helped shape Sweetgreen into a brand defined by thoughtful food, and tech-driven innovation. Listen to learn how three college friends built the brand, why tech is the heart of hospitality, and how a salad company ended up on stage with The Weeknd. Sponsored by:  • TOAST POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • NEXT INSURANCE: http://www.nextinsurance.com/calibbq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Burns took over the &pizza chain just as the brand was losing its edge. He quickly revived its cult following, bringing back the tattoo promotion that drew 2,700 fans and the Pi Day weddings where couples tie the knot — literally, with dough. Listen now to learn about turning customers into superfans, empowering staff, and building a brand that breaks the rules. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Neri is a chef and founder of El Primo Red Tacos, known for bold flavor and Birria mastery. After closing his first restaurant just before Michelin came calling, he doubled down on simplicity and focus.  Listen now to hear how a trip to Tijuana changed his view on flavor, a WhatsApp group kept him in the game, and doing one thing well became his recipe for success. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Malikow, senior VP of the National Restaurant Show, has helped turn the popular event into a launchpad for the restaurant business. With over 2,200 exhibitors and a flow of new vendors, she focuses on helping attendees discover new ideas. Listen now to learn about running a massive event, helping operators grow, and why unexpected inspiration is the best part of the job Sponsored by:  • TOAST - https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Visit Team Toast at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago at Booth #6075. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrianne Calvo is a restaurateur and content creator who turned a cookbook win and a Montel Williams guest spot into a thriving hospitality brand. From dark dining experiences to heartfelt “love letters” from guests, she’s built a career rooted in bold flavor, real storytelling, and digital connection. Listen now to learn about building confidence on TV, turning guests into loyal customers, and storytelling in the kitchen. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices