Restaurant Influencers

Eli Sussman, a James Beard Award-nominated chef and owner of Gertrude's in Brooklyn, uses humorous social media posts and memes to spotlight the realities of hospitality. As a chef, operator, and content creator, he’s built a career that blends hospitality with digital influence.  Listen now to learn about the drive to keep opening restaurants, an unexpected collaboration, and the rise to meme royalty Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 15 years in luxury hotel food and beverage programs, Auden Hospitality founder Scot Turner found his way to independent restaurants. It was there that the consultant and entrepreneur realized the opportunity for hotels to take pages from the restaurant playbook. Listen now to learn about authenticity and curated experiences in hotels, improving food and beverage programs, and leaning into digital storytelling Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alba Huerta is an award-winning mixologist and owner of Julep in Houston, Texas. She has spent more than a decade shaping cocktail culture. After countless awards, and 110drinks on the menu, she has gained international acclaim for her bartending prowess.Listen now to learn about the art of mixology, embracing her Mexican-American heritage, and leading a James Beard Award winning cocktail program.Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Seo has had a colorful career. He achieved viral success with his NFT-themed restaurant, as well as a traveling pop-up restaurant centered around Sonic The Hedgehog. Fans can now enjoy Sonic’s favorite chili dogs, cheese fries, and more.Listen now to learn about partnering with SEGA to bring Sonic The Hedgehog Speed Cafe to life, listening to fans, and running multiple businessesSponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite not having any prior restaurant experience, Loycent Gordon breathed new life into Neir’s Tavern, a historic Queens landmark made famous in the movie Goodfellas. Dubbed “The most famous bar you’ve never heard of” by PBS, the restaurant and bar is on its way to a 200 year anniversary. Listen now to learn about entering the restaurant business, telling the story of your business, and taking a leap of faith.Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Kopel’s journey from successful restaurateur to media personality and business coach is one of resilience, vulnerability, and a commitment to helping others. As the host of Yelp for Restaurant’s podcast Full Comp, he has asked the hard questions and shared his battle scars through more than 400 episodes. Listen now to learn about making hospitality media, the benefits of scarcity, and elevating the restaurant industry. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Schwartz and Bobby Rutter, the dynamic leaders behind Forward Hospitality Group, have transformed the Midwest's entertainment scene. With 12 distinct concepts spanning multiple states and nearly 1,000 employees, their journey is a testament to adaptability, vision, and resilience.Listen now to learn about transforming the entertainment scene in the Midwest and reinvention as a business modelSponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monica Rothgery is a natural leader. She has trained army soldiers, managed fast-food restaurant teams, built international franchises, and wrote a book about it all. The former KFC Chief Operating Officer’s leadership journey fueled her unique approach to restaurant management and her mission to uplift frontline leaders.Listen now to learn about frontline leadership, the value of good training, and Lessons from the Drive-Thru.Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perry Rogers, CEO/founder of PRP, has managed superstars and built a restaurant company. As Shaquille O’Neal’s superagent, those experiences prepared him to partner with his big client to create a truly larger-than-life restaurant brand. Big Chicken is a testament to collaboration, vision, and fun.Watch now to learn about building a food brand with Shaq, the power of collaboration, and the business of sports entertainmentSponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Morris’s journey from finance professional to the CEO of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is a story of perseverance, and a relentless passion for quality. He has led Capriotti’s from a regional favorite to a national franchised brand that is constantly expanding.Listen now to learn about buying his favorite sandwich shop, how to keep quality up while scaling, and operating a fast-casual franchise.Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices