Best The Chefs Without Restaurants Network Podcasts (2025)

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How to Inspire Your Team by Creating the Right Energy 1:31

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1d ago1:31

1:31

Energy is contagious, for better or worse. Taylor Scott shares how leaders can shift the energy in the room, creating an atmosphere that motivates, unites, and inspires. Takeaways: Set the tone with steady, positive energy Model calm and confidence when pressure is high Lead with presence to help your team stay aligned Want to connect directly with…

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How to Stay Emotionally Connected During High-Stress Service 2:18

4d ago2:18

2:18

High-stress moments don’t have to break team morale. Taylor Scott shares how trust, preparation, and consistent communication help teams stay grounded and connected under pressure. Takeaways: Invest emotionally before high-pressure moments arrive Build trust through early and frequent communication Create stability with consistent, intentional conv…

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How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes When Building Culture 1:36

5d ago1:36

1:36

Culture is what you do, not what you say. Taylor Scott explains the damage done when leadership actions don’t match company values, and how to avoid it. Takeaways: Align your actions with your stated values Build credibility through consistency Earn trust by following through with integrity Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders lik…

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How to Drive Performance with Compassion and Encouragement 3:31

6d ago3:31

3:31

Taylor Scott unpacks the self-determination theory and how it fuels performance. Compassionate leadership isn’t soft, it’s strategic. Takeaways: Promote autonomy, competence, and community to boost motivation Understand what drives high-performing hospitality teams Encourage with intention to create lasting impact Want to connect directly with indu…

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How to Make Your Team Feel Seen and Supported 1:46

7d ago1:46

1:46

Taylor Scott explains how small but meaningful recognition can create a sense of belonging and motivate teams to stay engaged. Leaders who speak to their team’s values win trust and loyalty. Takeaways: Recognize when team members live your values Reinforce culture by showing people how they belong Create belonging by acknowledging what makes people…

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How to Connect Emotionally Before You Manage 4:04

8d ago4:04

4:04

Learn why emotional connection is the foundation of effective leadership. Taylor Scott shares the six virtues of leading with hospitality and how they apply in the day-to-day life of operators and managers. Takeaways: Commit to connection before offering direction Practice self-awareness and purpose to build emotional intelligence Coach more effect…

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How to Lead with Hospitality 1:45

11d ago1:45

1:45

Taylor Scott breaks down what it truly means to lead with hospitality through action, emotion, and connection. He shares how great leadership mirrors the best guest experiences, driving loyalty and engagement through intentional service. Takeaways: Mirror the emotional connection of great hospitality in your leadership Lead by being human, emotiona…

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How to Build a Restaurant Culture That Actually Works 4:14

12d ago4:14

4:14

It’s time to stop focusing on what’s broken and start building what’s next. Chef Matt Jennings reframes restaurant culture as a place of growth, creativity, and real opportunity for future leaders. Takeaways: Recognize hospitality as a space for career and personal development Make leadership development part of your systems Create workplaces that …

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How to Align Passion, Purpose, and Process 1:16

13d ago1:16

1:16

Chef Matt Jennings discusses how aligning your passion, purpose, and process is the foundation of sustainable hospitality leadership, and what MAJC is doing to make that a reality for more operators. Takeaways: Reground your business in what matters most to you Create systems that translate passion into repeatable outcomes Build long-term leadershi…

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How to Lead with Empathy in Hospitality (and Still Get Results) 2:22

14d ago2:22

2:22

Hospitality leadership is evolving, and chef Matt Jennings believes the next generation of leaders needs to listen more than they speak. This episode explores what true leadership looks like today. Takeaways: Shift from top-down commands to active listening and support Redesign hospitality systems to attract and retain younger talent Lead with empa…

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How to Spot the Patterns Shaping the Industry 3:03

15d ago3:03

3:03

Chef Matt Jennings shares two major industry trends he’s watching closely: shifting civic policies affecting local restaurants and ongoing challenges around staffing. Takeaways: Watch how local regulations affect restaurant operations and margins Adjust hiring and training for a younger, less experienced workforce Build systems that support your te…

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How MAJC Expert Sessions Connect Operators to the Best in the Business 3:28

18d ago3:28

3:28

In this episode, chef Matt Jennings breaks down what makes MAJC’s Expert Sessions so valuable, and why live access to industry leaders is changing the game for operators. Takeaways: Learn from experts in finance, HR, sustainability, wellness, and more Interact live with top operators and hospitality leaders Use Expert Sessions as a professional dev…

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How MAJC Office Hours Provide Real-Time Support 4:19

19d ago4:19

4:19

Chef Matt Jennings shares what makes Office Hours inside the MAJC community so powerful, and why real-time, judgment-free conversations are helping operators grow faster and feel less alone. Takeaways: Create space for tough, honest business conversations Learn directly from trusted experts in HR, finance, and operations Make weekly problem-solving…

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How to Build a Hospitality Community That Actually Helps 2:40

20d ago2:40

2:40

What does the MAJC community offer? Chef Matt Jennings walks through the tools, relationships, and shared values that make this platform different. Takeaways: Find peer support across operations, finance, HR, and more Learn from others’ wins and mistakes to shorten your path Access exclusive tools and guidance designed for hospitality leaders Want …

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How MAJC Is Redesigning Hospitality Support 3:42

21d ago3:42

3:42

Why did chef Matt Jennings co-found MAJC? In this episode, he shares the personal experiences that inspired him to build a hospitality community, and what operators actually need right now. Takeaways: Support operators facing burnout, uncertainty, and isolation Combine systems, creativity, and technology in one space Build solutions that scale with…

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How to Reclaim Control When Your Business Is Running You 7:15

22d ago7:15

7:15

If it feels like your restaurant is running you, you’re not alone. Chef Matt Jennings offers strategies for stepping back, assessing, and regaining control of your time and energy. Takeaways: Schedule weekly strategy sessions, even if just two hours Use team input to evaluate what’s working and what’s not Evaluate projects that drain energy without…

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How to Keep Your Team Truly Aligned 3:22

25d ago3:22

3:22

Chaos is part of the job, but alignment is a choice. Chef Matt Jennings shares why clear communication and smart systems are the foundation of every resilient team. Takeaways: Standardize team communication tools across shifts and roles Be explicit about your vision instead of assuming team alignment Build architecture before expecting results Want…

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How to Build Systems That Actually Work 2:33

26d ago2:33

2:33

Every operator talks about systems, but how do you build ones that actually work? Chef Matt Jennings shares how his restaurants handled everything from R&D to bar maintenance. Takeaways: Document and iterate on R&D processes with full team input Design systems with ownership in mind, not just compliance Layer small systems to create a culture of ac…

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How to Recognize When It’s Time to Close Your Restaurant 5:21

27d ago5:21

5:21

Chef Matt Jennings opens up about the hardest decision of his career: closing his restaurant. This deeply personal episode explores what led to that moment, and what other operators can learn from it. Takeaways: Monitor cash flow, receivables, and market fit Know when your well-being needs to come first Transparency with yourself is a leadership sk…

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How to Lead Without Micromanaging 3:34

28d ago3:34

3:34

Chef Matt Jennings reflects on a leadership lesson learned the hard way, and how it changed how he supports and empowers his team. If you’ve struggled with micromanagement or middle-manager turnover, this one’s for you. Takeaways: Balance trust and accountability with systems Avoid giving too much freedom without adequate tools Middle managers need…

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How to Prepare for Restaurant Ownership Before You Open 2:15

29d ago2:15

2:15

What do you wish someone told you before opening your first restaurant? Chef Matt Jennings shares his answer, and it’s not what you’d expect. This episode highlights the behind-the-scenes logistics most new operators miss. Takeaways: Build a trusted network of service providers before you open Create real feedback loops with guests to stay adaptabl…

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How to See the Operator Role for What It Really Is 5:26

1M ago5:26

5:26

In this kickoff episode, Carolyn Grillo flips the script and interviews chef Matt Jennings, co-founder of MAJC, about his journey from acclaimed chef to founder. Matt opens up about what he got wrong in business and how that experience shaped his mission today. Takeaways: Prioritize business systems and financial literacy from day one Profitability…

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How to Raise Capital Without Giving Away the Business 5:52

1M ago5:52

5:52

From debt to equity to grants, Lauren Fernandez breaks down the full range of capital options restaurant founders can access and how to match funding to your stage of growth. Takeaways: Align capital choices to your stage, control preferences, and risk tolerance Explore debt, SBA loans, angel investors, and private equity options Don’t overlook gra…

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How to Offer Equity to Employees Without Losing Control 3:54

1M ago3:54

3:54

Equity is a powerful tool. Lauren Fernandez explains how founders can share upside while protecting ownership and preserving future capital flexibility. Takeaways: Grant equity carefully and only when it drives real retention Use employee profit pools or profit shares instead of voting shares Create internal, flexible programs that align with long-…

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How to Structure Partnerships That Actually Work 1:56

1M ago1:56

1:56

Money and management aren’t the same thing. Lauren Fernandez explains how to define operating roles, accountability, and partnership structure from day one. Takeaways: Clarify responsibilities and job titles inside your partnership Distinguish between passive investors and operational partners Document reporting lines, hiring authority, and account…

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How to Take on Investors While Avoiding Legal Pitfalls 3:44

1M ago3:44

3:44

Lauren Fernandez outlines the most common legal mistakes operators make during fundraising and how to protect your business, your future, and your team. Takeaways: Separate investment agreements from promised services or perks Do due diligence on your investors, including background checks Include buy-sell clauses, dispute resolutions, and exit str…

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How to Avoid Common Legal Mistakes 3:06

1M ago3:06

3:06

Lauren Fernandez shares why it’s critical to evaluate people, not just capital, before you take investor money—and how to avoid costly partner mistakes. Takeaways: Prioritize integrity, transparency, and humility in partner selection Assess how a new partner would support your team long-term Set clear personal filters to guide decisions Want to con…

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How to Structure Ownership as Your Restaurant Group Grows 2:27

1M ago2:27

2:27

Lauren Fernandez breaks down how to structure multiple entities inside a growing restaurant group, and why it’s critical for managing risk, minimizing taxes, and planning for expansion. Takeaways: Form parent LLCs with separate operating subsidiaries Separate intellectual property, franchising, and manufacturing entities Use ownership structures to…

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How to Avoid Costly Mistakes While Scaling Your Business 3:25

1M ago3:25

3:25

Lauren Fernandez reveals the most common and most expensive scaling error operators make: choosing the wrong location. Takeaways: Vet real estate decisions with full data and on-the-ground observation Understand customer patterns beyond income levels Use brokers, site analytics, and franchise disclosure documents as resources Want to connect direct…

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How to Build a Franchise Playbook That Actually Works 2:38

1M ago2:38

2:38

Your grand opening plan can make or break a new restaurant launch. Lauren Fernandez shares her blueprint for generating buzz and driving momentum. Takeaways: Build a 90-day marketing ramp-up before opening day Create organic local buzz through grassroots outreach Avoid opening to an empty parking lot by building social proof early Want to connect d…

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How to Protect Your Brand While You Scaling 2:32

1M ago2:32

2:32

As you expand locations and partnerships, brand consistency becomes everything. Lauren Fernandez breaks down how to define, document, and protect your brand DNA. Takeaways: Define your mission, tone, and core brand personality Go beyond basic brand books to capture voice, style, and story Align all vendors, agencies, and teams to one clear brand vi…

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How to Rethink the Biggest Misconceptions About Franchising 3:24

2M ago3:24

3:24

Franchising doesn’t mean losing your soul or your brand. Lauren Fernandez reframes franchising as mentorship and culture-building done right. Takeaways: Coach early franchisees as extensions of your internal team Set high standards with first franchise partners Build brand loyalty and peer accountability through franchise culture Want to connect di…

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How to Know If You’re Ready to Franchise 1:32

2M ago1:32

1:32

Franchising isn’t for every restaurant. Lauren Fernandez explains the ethical and financial standards that must be in place before you even consider it. Takeaways: Validate your model with multiple profitable locations first Prove consistency in both sales and operational performance Avoid franchising if your business isn’t reliably cash-flow posit…

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How to Build Systems That Support Scalable Growth 3:28

2M ago3:28

3:28

Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It requires documented, teachable processes. Lauren Fernandez shares how to build systems that scale across locations. Takeaways: Document daily operations with clear, actionable checklists Use digital, mobile-accessible training tools for younger staff Build systems that work even with high turnover and quick onb…

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How to Know When You’re Ready to Expand 2:42

2M ago2:42

2:42

Expansion sounds exciting, but Lauren Fernandez explains why adding locations before you’ve dialed in your model can destroy your business. Takeaways: Avoid expansion until your first unit is fully profitable Validate your model with multiple locations before franchising Use early expansion to experiment with formats and fine-tune operations Want t…

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How to Monitor Unit Economics for Long-Term Success 3:09

2M ago3:09

3:09

Strong unit-level economics are non-negotiable if you want investors or long-term stability. Lauren breaks down the numbers every operator should know inside and out. Takeaways: Know your trailing 12-month AUV, prime costs, and EBITDA Watch both top-line sales and bottom-line profitability trends Train your managers to monitor and own these core KP…

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How to Master P&L Literacy to Protect Profitability 2:15

2M ago2:15

2:15

Lauren Fernandez shares how restaurant operators must learn to “play P&L detective”—tracking every dollar to catch issues early and prevent financial leaks. Takeaways: Review your P&L monthly to catch issues before they escalate Investigate line items to identify waste, theft, or pricing shifts Use P&L insights to drive menu pricing, ordering, and …

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How to Build Strong Financial Systems from Day One 4:25

2M ago4:25

4:25

In this kickoff episode with Lauren Fernandez, we dive into the three systems every operator should put in place from day one, and how they set the foundation for long-term profitability. Takeaways: Establish clean accounting systems and P&L reporting early Implement easy, accurate inventory processes for key ingredients Build flexible labor schedu…

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How to Plan for Every ‘What If’ in a Business Partnership 2:15

2M ago2:15

2:15

Every partnership ends, so plan for that from day one. Attorney Michael Zalay shares legal steps to ensure your restaurant survives breakups, buyouts, and the unexpected. Takeaways: Include exit plans in your operating and partnership agreements. Define next steps in case of death, departure, or disputes. Limit investor risk by planning for “key pe…

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How to Decide Between a Lease and a Management Agreement 2:20

2M ago2:20

2:20

Attorney Michael Zalay compares traditional restaurant leases with management agreements, highlighting the pros, cons, and legal implications of each model. Takeaways: Decide who owns the space, licenses, and payroll obligations. Understand that leases offer higher upside, but carry higher risk. Use management agreements for lower-risk growth oppor…

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How to Choose the Right Location for Your Concept 1:59

2M ago1:59

1:59

In this episode, Attorney Michael Zalay outlines what to look for when signing a lease, from HVAC to neighbors to liquor laws, and how to avoid costly surprises. Takeaways: Hire a local broker and research neighborhood dynamics. Inspect infrastructure and negotiate key landlord responsibilities. Avoid lease terms that leave you footing major upgrad…

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How to Legally Prepare for Business Growth 2:59

2M ago2:59

2:59

Thinking of opening a second location? Attorney Michael Zalay shares the IP, entity, and licensing considerations every hospitality brand should prepare in advance. Takeaways: Separate IP ownership from the operating restaurant entity. License brand assets to each location through a holding company. Clarify investor rights and revenue participation…

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How to Raise Capital for a New Restaurant 6:53

2M ago6:53

6:53

Raising money isn’t just hard—it’s risky. Attorney Michael Zalay offers legal advice for attracting the right investors and structuring restaurant deals that work. Takeaways: Vet investors carefully and prioritize accredited backers. Create clear terms around returns and decision-making. Prepare a full business plan before pitching your concept. Wa…

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How to Structure Your Business to Protect Personal Assets 1:52

2M ago1:52

1:52

Attorney Michael Zalay explains how to protect your personal finances from restaurant liabilities using smart business structuring and proper insurance. Takeaways: Form an LLC or S-Corp and keep business formalities separate. Avoid personal guarantees unless clear limits are in place. Understand your insurance policy and what’s excluded. Want to co…

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How to Stay Compliant with Labor Laws When Hiring 3:07

2M ago3:07

3:07

Labor law violations are one of the most common—and costly—mistakes restaurants make. Attorney Michael Zalay shares how to protect your business and your staff. Takeaways: Understand local employment laws and tip pooling rules. Use HR and legal partners for guidance on agreements and disputes. Create employee handbooks to document procedures and pr…

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How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Licensing and Contracts 2:19

2M ago2:19

2:19

From signature dishes to content rights, attorney Michael Zalay highlights the most common contract mistakes made by chefs, and how to fix them before trouble hits. Takeaways: Clarify IP ownership in every licensing or media agreement. Retain control over personal recipes when appropriate. Consider trademarking famous dishes to protect their brand …

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How to Protect Your Name, Logo, and Recipes 5:44

2M ago5:44

5:44

Attorney Michael Zalay outlines how to secure your restaurant’s name, logo, and signature creations, and what legal protections actually work in hospitality. Takeaways: Trademark your restaurant’s names, logos, and concept assets early. Treat recipes as confidential info, not just creative output. Include IP protections in your employee handbooks a…

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How to Offer Equity Without Compromising Your Business 2:39

2M ago2:39

2:39

Giving equity can be a powerful retention strategy—but only if done right. Attorney Michael Zalay walks through vesting schedules, phantom equity, and avoiding tax pitfalls. Takeaways: Decide whether equity comes from investors or operators. Structure vesting schedules to reward long-term commitment. Consider phantom equity as a flexible alternativ…

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How to Negotiate a Partnership Agreement with Confidence 3:53

2M ago3:53

3:53

Attorney Michael Zalay explains what to look for in a strong partnership agreement, from capitalization and decision rights to expansion clauses. Takeaways: Define how your restaurant will be funded and by whom. Clarify who makes which decisions between partners and investors. Plan for future restaurant deals and investor participation. Want to con…

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How to Choose the Right Legal Structure for Your Restaurant 4:41

2M ago4:41

4:41

In this kickoff episode with attorney Michael Zalay, we break down whether you should start your restaurant as an LLC, S-Corp, or something else—and what legal and financial factors really matter. Takeaways: Understand how LLC and S-Corp structures affect restaurant ownership. Choose a structure based on flexibility, funding, and distribution plans…