))
Welcome To Kitchen Chat! I’m Margaret McSweeney - Podcast Host, Brand Consultant, Food & Lifestyle Expert, and believer in Delicious living. I am a Connector, Communicator, and Collaborator. I'm so very happy to share my interviews with top Chefs, Restaurateurs, and successful Entrepreneurs I have met on my travels, along with everyday tips for your Foodie Life - to help you heal, be well, and find delicious moments. Together lets Savor the Day!
…
continue reading
What if I told you that the difference between struggling and thriving in the restaurant industry is just one conversation away? I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who’s spent decades building blockbuster brands across every tier of dining. I know the challenges you’re facing—because I’ve been there. That’s why I created FULL COMP. Every week, I go one-on-one with the smartest minds in the game—restaurateurs, chefs, and industry insiders who’ve cracked the code. Together, we unp ...
…
continue reading
1
Supersonic Hospitality Marketing Podcast Sponsored by NFS Hospitality feat. Mark McC
Mark McCulloch
1
183
I created the Supersonic Marketing Podcast to interview the greatest people in hospitality and subject matter experts in Brand and Marketing. We share our insights and expertise for free to help businesses all around the world BOOM! You’re welcome. Sponsored by Vita Mojo
…
continue reading
On this particularly timely edition of Kitchen Chat®: A Taste of Luxury, History, and Hospitality, host Margaret McSweeney whisks you away on a flavorful journey into the captivating world of Matcha! From World Tea Expo in Las Vegas and the Chicago Tea Festival, where the global popularity and ceremonial allure of Matcha was undeniably the "hot top…
…
continue reading
1
Stop Running a Restaurant—Start Running a Business: Roger Beaudoin on Systems, Sales, and Scaling Culture
41:23
41:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:23
Most operators are stuck running restaurants. Roger Beaudoin teaches them how to run businesses. A 23-year restaurateur turned global coach and the founder of Restaurant Rockstars, Roger has helped thousands of owners escape burnout by installing the systems, culture, and leadership that scale. In this episode, we break down his approach to profita…
…
continue reading
1
Serving the Story: Kathy & Ben Sidell on Building Restaurant Brands That Create Emotional Loyalty
43:29
43:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:29
What if your restaurant wasn’t just a place to eat—but a part of your guest’s identity? Kathy and Ben Sidell have mastered the art of emotional branding, turning Saltie Girl and Sweet Boy into lifestyle experiences people feel proud to align with. In this episode, we explore how they’ve built high-volume, high-loyalty concepts without sacrificing s…
…
continue reading
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
…
continue reading
1
Rethinking Restaurant Metrics: Jim Taylor on the One KPI That Changes Everything
46:46
46:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:46
Most restaurant operators are flying blind—tracking the wrong metrics and chasing problems that don’t actually exist. Jim Taylor, founder of Benchmark Sixty, is on a mission to fix that. With decades of experience in operations and a passion for data-driven decision-making, Jim has helped hundreds of restaurants ditch outdated systems and find free…
…
continue reading
1
Mastering the Vibe: Lee Maen on Creating Iconic Restaurants That Endure and Scale
38:50
38:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:50
Some restaurants chase trends. Lee Maen builds brands that shape them. As co-founder of Innovative Dining Group, Lee has redefined what it means to create restaurants that are as memorable for their vibe as they are for their food. From Sushi Roku to BOA Steakhouse, he’s turned hospitality into a high-performance art form—blending ambiance, precisi…
…
continue reading
1
Office Hours: The #1 Hack to Transform Your Restaurant's Marketing
7:30
7:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:30
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
…
continue reading
1
Creating a Legacy Brand : Chef John Currence
32:50
32:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:50
Chef John Currence did not set out to build an empire when he opened his first restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi but that’s what happened. John is a guy a lot like us. He built one concept, then two, then three in a very linear way over time. Then can Big Bad Breakfast. This is a restaurant that John launched for $65,000 and it became a national br…
…
continue reading
1
Curing Burnout: Anese Cavanaugh on Leadership, Burnout, and Creating High-Impact Teams
39:59
39:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:59
Burnout isn’t about working too much—it’s about what drains you. Anese Cavanaugh has spent the last two decades helping leaders master their Intentional Energetic Presence (IEP) to create thriving, engaged teams without running themselves into the ground. Her work with Zingerman’s and top companies worldwide has proven that energy, not time, is our…
…
continue reading
1
Office Hours: How to Build an Unforgettable Brand
6:54
6:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:54
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
…
continue reading
1
Redefining Teamwork: Shawn Gawle on Building Culture, Mentorship, and Michelin-Level Dining
37:50
37:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:50
Great food gets guests in the door, but a great team keeps them coming back. Shawn Gawle, the awarded chef behind Camaraderie, has mastered the art of creating exceptional dining experiences by prioritizing mentorship, culture, and intentional leadership. In this episode, we explore Shawn’s journey from celebrated chef to chef-owner, how his philos…
…
continue reading
1
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons: A Culinary Fairytale
10:42
10:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:42
Exploring the Sustainable Michelin-Starred Legacy of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with Executive Chef Luke Selby. "The garden is the canvas, and we take all our inspiration from the garden and the seasons." Executive Chef Luke Selby Embark on a journey with host Margaret McSweeney to one of the most exceptional luxury resorts in the world for a truly…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 5: The New Landscape of Restaurant Real Estate
29:42
29:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:42
The fires have dramatically altered LA’s real estate market, creating both challenges and opportunities for restaurant owners. Real estate expert Dan Fagan shares insider knowledge on where the best opportunities are now, how to negotiate stronger lease terms, and how consumer behavior is reshaping restaurant site selection. Whether you're looking …
…
continue reading
1
Culture Is Your Competitive Edge: Lisa Schultz on Eliminating Drama and Creating High-Performing Teams
37:21
37:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:21
Most restaurants accept drama and dysfunction as part of the business—but what if eliminating them was the key to higher profits and better retention? Lisa Schultz, Managing Partner of Zingerman’s Roadhouse, has spent the last 20 years proving that culture is the real secret to success. By implementing no-drama leadership, open-book finance, and em…
…
continue reading
1
Office Hours: The 3 Keys to Escaping Day to Day Operations
8:33
8:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:33
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
…
continue reading
1
The Principles of Profitability : David Scott Peters on The Art of Delegation
43:30
43:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:30
Most restaurants don’t make money. The ones that do, typically make very little. This is our reality and many of us have embraced it. But what about the group no one talks about: the restaurants that are making a killing, quietly and consistently. They all seem to be following the same formula and today we sit down with restaurant expert, David Sco…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 4: Designing the Future of Restaurants
25:43
25:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:43
With the fires wiping out entire restaurant districts, what does the future of restaurant design in LA look like? Renowned architect John Hamilton shares with Josh Kopel and Michael Benson what restaurant operators should be thinking about when rebuilding—from fire-resistant materials to more flexible layouts, outdoor dining strategies, and cost-ef…
…
continue reading
1
Brewery Gulch Inn and Spa: A Taste of Mendocino Coast
7:52
7:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:52
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Mendocino coastline, Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa offers a sanctuary where rustic elegance meets a deep respect for the natural world. Built upon a foundation of remarkable ocean-salvaged redwood logs, the Inn stands as a testament to sustainable luxury and a harmonious connection with its stunning surroundings. From the …
…
continue reading
1
Building Unbreakable Restaurants: Justin Cucci on Culture, Ownership, and the Future of Hospitality
37:23
37:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:23
Most restaurateurs build concepts around a menu or a chef. Justin Cucci built Edible Beats around a philosophy—one that’s challenged conventional wisdom and redefined what restaurant success looks like. From turning historic spaces into thriving concepts to pioneering an employee-owned business model, Justin has proven that restaurants can be both …
…
continue reading
1
Office Hours: This is the one hack to scale word of mouth advertising
12:47
12:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:47
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
…
continue reading
1
Purpose Over Profit: Kim Malek’s Mission-Driven Path with Salt & Straw
38:45
38:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:45
Kim Malek, founder of Salt and Straw, discussing her journey from working at Starbucks to creating a unique ice cream brand that emphasizes community, culture, and innovative marketing strategies. Kim explores the importance of guest experience, building a strong company culture, navigating challenges during the pandemic, and the significance of pa…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 3: Fast-Tracking A Restaurant Opening
22:39
22:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:39
In a crisis, every day your restaurant stays closed means lost revenue. Permitting and governmental expert Eddie Navarette reveals the fastest, most effective ways to cut through LA’s permitting maze, accelerate approvals, and avoid costly mistakes that slow down restaurant openings. This episode provides actionable insights for operators in any ci…
…
continue reading
1
Building a Business to Last : Mark Bitterman
36:32
36:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:32
We often have such a clear vision for what our lives and our businesses will look like before we open. And then the flood comes and we’re so busy trying to survive that we forget to thrive. We forget why we got into this to begin with. And that “why”, for most of us, was love. Love of community, love of food, and love of revelry. Meet Mark Bitterma…
…
continue reading
1
Office Hours: This will scale your restaurant's revenue by 30% overnight
12:03
12:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:03
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter…
…
continue reading
1
Steal These Systems: David Morton’s Proven Formula for Building Profitable Restaurants Anywhere
37:47
37:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:47
It’s one thing to grow a restaurant group. It’s another to grow one that thrives across categories, cities, and economies. David Morton has done exactly that—without taking on debt, overextending his team, or compromising his values. As co-founder of Episcope Restaurants, David has engineered a scalable system that pairs creative vision with financ…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 2: The Future of Restaurant Development
25:37
25:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:37
With neighborhoods devastated and operators forced to relocate, how will the fires reshape the restaurant landscape in Los Angeles? Development expert Jerry Prendergast has overseen hundreds of restaurant projects, and today, he unpacks the real estate shifts, leasing opportunities, and market trends emerging in LA’s hospitality scene. He also shar…
…
continue reading
1
Living the Dream Now: Elliott Bisnow on Building a Business You Never Want to Exit
37:20
37:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:20
We’ve been sold the lie that freedom comes after the exit. But what if we built businesses we never wanted to leave? That’s exactly what Elliott Bisnow did. As co-founder of Summit and Powder Mountain, he’s created a movement, not just a company—one built on authenticity, community, and the belief that life and work should be equally inspiring. In …
…
continue reading
