Best David Seitz Ofs Podcasts (2025)

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6 Financial Mistakes That Are Killing Your Restaurant (and How to Fix Them) 21:34

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4d ago21:34

21:34

6 Financial Mistakes That Are Killing Your Restaurant (and How to Fix Them) In this episode of Restaurantopia, the guys break down six common financial mistakes that can quietly (or not so quietly) destroy your restaurant's profitability. Brian Seitz leads the conversation with Anthony Hamilton and Dave Ross, bringing his experience from restaurant…

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Culture Beyond the 4 Walls 34:22

22d ago34:22

34:22

In this episode of Restauranttopia, the crew dives deep into culture — not just within your restaurant walls, but in every corner of your business ecosystem. Inspired by Cameron Mitchell's book Yes is the Answer. What's the Question?, Dave, Brian, and Anthony unpack how a restaurant's mission and culture extend to employees, guests, purveyors, inve…

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From Break Room to Boardroom: Turning Staff Ideas Into Restaurant Wins (Ep. 180) 27:55

2M ago27:55

27:55

Restaurant owners and managers: want more profitable menus and a stronger culture? In this episode, the crew digs into a simple, powerful idea—moving frontline ideas from the break room to the boardroom. Anthony shares how a young dishwasher created a signature chicken-tender sauce (thanks to a happy smoked paprika mistake) that became a hit with g…

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US Labor in Authoritarian Times: Stephanie Luce 44:47

1M ago44:47

44:47

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we speak with Dr. Stephanie Luce. She is a labor scholar, organizer, and the author of "Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World."We talk about how the US labor movement is resurged in the last decade and how it might react to increasingly authoritarian political times.…

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Big Beautiful Bill (BBB): How Restaurant CFOs and Operators Can Navigate Major Financial Changes 31:50

2M ago31:50

31:50

In this timely episode of Restauranttopia, we sit down with Jamie, the CFO of a prominent restaurant group, to unpack the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) and explore how it directly impacts restaurant owners, CFOs, and operations leaders. As one of the most talked-about pieces of legislation in 2025, the BBB is bringing major changes to restaurant financi…

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Building Radical Futures with Latinx Futurities 1:30:42

2M ago1:30:42

1:30:42

On this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with Alexandro Jose Gradilla. He is a professor of Chicana/Chicano Studies at Cal State Fullerton and one of the directors of the Latinx Lab there. The Lab teaches undergraduate and graduate students how to harness the power of storytelling and narrative building.We talk about how the work of the…

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Investing in the future of your Restaurant 30:00

2M ago30:00

30:00

Investing isn't just about money—it's about prioritizing your people, tools, and time to create a restaurant that thrives long-term. In this episode, we discuss how great restaurant leaders think about investment differently, with a focus on vision, leadership, and long-term growth. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we dive deep into the topic of…

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Secret Cost Killers in your Restaurant (Ep. 177) 16:52

3M ago16:52

16:52

In this episode, we expose the sneaky expenses silently draining your restaurant's profits… from linen contracts and POS subscriptions to fryer oil issues and bloated utility bills. Learn real-world tactics to find and eliminate cost leaks that could be costing you thousands each year. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started, thi…

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What is Democracy? Andrew Lee 1:25:05

3M ago1:25:05

1:25:05

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with author and organizer Andrew Lee. He is the author of "Defying Displacement" (https://www.akpress.org/defying-displ...) and a board member of the Institute for Anarchist Studies. Lee recently wrote a pamphlet for the IAS Lexicon series entitled "Democracy Beyond the State" (https://anarchists…

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Surviving the Squeeze – Strategies for Restaurants in a Tight Economy 33:48

3M ago33:48

33:48

Feeling the pressure of rising costs and tighter margins? In this episode of Restauranttopia, we break down actionable strategies to help independent restaurant operators survive—and thrive—during economic squeeze periods. From cost control to leadership communication, this episode delivers the blueprint to stay sharp when business gets tough. 💡 Ke…

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Tipflation: How Digital Guilt and Hidden Fees Are Changing Hospitality 36:22

4M ago36:22

36:22

Hosts: Dave Ross, Brian Seitz, Anthony Hamilton Tipping expectations are out of control—and your guests are noticing. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we break down the rise of tipflation, how digital guilt is changing hospitality, and what operators can do to protect their guest experience while still supporting their teams. Key Takeaways: What…

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The Hidden Costs of Dirty Fryer Oil—and How to Fix Them 49:07

4M ago49:07

49:07

The Hidden Costs of Dirty Fryer Oil—and How to Fix Them Guest: Peter Kirwan – Founder & CEO of Halcyon Eco Hosts: Dave Ross, Brian Seitz 🔑 Key Takeaways: The Origin Story: Peter shares what led him to invent Halcyon Eco in Ireland and how he brought this revolutionary product to market. The Problem with Dirty Oil: Degraded oil increases costs, decr…

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Comfort is a Slow Death (Ep. 173) 35:21

5M ago35:21

35:21

Comfort is deceptive. It feels good, but it quietly stalls growth and progress. Fear keeps you frozen. Most people stay in bad jobs, unhealthy relationships, or stagnant routines because of fear—not logic. Growth is uncomfortable. Every breakthrough happens outside your comfort zone, whether in business, relationships, or self-discipline. You can't…

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The Art and Science of Menu Design and Printing (Ep. 172) 22:24

5M ago22:24

22:24

Your restaurant's most powerful marketing tool? The menu. In this episode, the team dives deep into one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your restaurant: the menu. From visual psychology and printing strategies to layout, material choices, and pricing tactics, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you treat your menu l…

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Smart Marketing Tactics That Work (Ep. 171) 22:29

6M ago22:29

22:29

In this powerhouse episode, the team unpacks real-world, actionable marketing tactics that restaurant owners can implement immediately to drive traffic, create loyal customers, and boost profits—without relying on gimmicks or deep discounts. From the power of thoughtful guest experiences to bounce-back promotions and handwritten letters to lapsed c…

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Beyond the Buzz – Embracing the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Movement in Restaurants 22:59

6M ago22:59

22:59

In this episode of Restauranttopia, Dave and Brian explore the growing non-alcoholic beverage movement and why it's a must for modern restaurants. They break down the cultural shifts, customer expectations, and real profitability behind offering thoughtful non-alcoholic options. Learn practical ways to adapt your menu, train your staff, and create …

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5 Things I Learned in Vegas to Increase Restaurant Profitability (Ep. 169) 24:06

7M ago24:06

24:06

Summary In this episode, Brian shares five key lessons from Las Vegas that every restaurant operator should hear. From faster drink service to private room optimization and upsell strategy, these practical insights are designed to boost revenue while enhancing the guest experience. Learn how to modernize your operations, empower your staff, and gro…

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Pain and Suffering – How It Can Lead to Better Leadership (Ep. 168) 15:47

7M ago15:47

15:47

In this thought-provoking episode, the team explores how pain and suffering can cultivate stronger leadership skills. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, Buddhist parables, and personal experiences, they discuss the concept of the "two arrows"—how pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional—and how leaders can apply this mindset to stay co…

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The Hidden Danger of Merchant Service Loans (Ep. 167) 18:01

8M ago18:01

18:01

Many restaurant operators are unknowingly signing their businesses away with predatory merchant cash advances (MCAs). These high-cost financing options promise fast money but come with crippling repayment terms that can put restaurants out of business. In this episode, we break down: What MCAs really are and why they're dangerous How POS companies …

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MALT – The 4 Key Elements That Shape Your Restaurant's Atmosphere (Ep. 166) 27:44

8M ago27:44

27:44

A restaurant's atmosphere can make or break the guest experience, but many operators overlook key environmental factors. In this episode, we break down MALT – Music, Ambiance, Lighting, and Temperature—the four elements that directly influence customer comfort, spending habits, and return visits. Learn how to fine-tune your restaurant's environment…

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5 Mistakes Restaurants Are Making (Ep. 165) 20:03

9M ago20:03

20:03

Are you making these five costly restaurant mistakes? Many independent restaurant operators are leaving money on the table by overlooking simple but essential strategies. In this episode, we break down five common mistakes and how to fix them right away. Listen now to learn: Why tracking prime costs daily can improve profitability How collecting an…

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Transforming Restaurant Managers into Hospitality Leaders with Jason Brooks - PART 2 (Ep. 164) 33:06

9M ago33:06

33:06

In this second part of our interview with Jason Brooks—speaker, author, and coach—we continue the conversation on leadership in the restaurant industry. With over 30 years of experience, Jason shares key insights from his upcoming book, including how to master meetings, provide impactful feedback, and harness the power of influence. We also discuss…

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Restaurant Industry Challenges with Jason E. Brooks - PART 1 (Ep. 163) 41:26

9M ago41:26

41:26

In this episode, we sit down with Jason E. Brooks, a seasoned restaurant industry veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. Jason shares insights from his 30-year journey from dishwasher to VP of Operations, as well as highlights from his upcoming book on hospitality leadership. We explore his actionable leadership framework (MODEL), the importanc…

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Online Ordering with Better Photos and Descriptions (Ep. 162) 7:20

10M ago7:20

7:20

In this episode, the Restauranttopia team dives into the essentials of optimizing your online ordering platform with high-quality food photography and effective menu descriptions. Learn how these small but impactful changes can increase sales, enhance customer experience, and showcase your brand's best. Show Notes: Episode Highlights: The Importanc…

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Are You Not Entertained?!? (Ep. 161) 34:02

11M ago34:02

34:02

In this episode of Restauranttopia, we explore creative ways to elevate your guests' dining experience and keep them coming back for more. From interactive menus and themed nights to customer spotlights and unique partnerships, we share actionable ideas to help you entertain, engage, and delight your customers. Don't miss this deep dive into the st…

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Ursula Le Guin's Anarchist Alternative 1:09:07

11M ago1:09:07

1:09:07

In this Conversation on Anarres, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Ursula K. Le Guin's classic novel, The Dispossessed. We talk with Dr. Alexis Shotwell who is working to spell out Le Guin's anarchist philosophy. Shotwell speculates as to the features of "Odoian anarchism"--what values it expresses and how it is related to oth…

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Treat Your Employees Like Customers (Ep. 160) 20:11

11M ago20:11

20:11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OblkAEH8AXg In this episode, the Restauranttopia team explores how to attract, engage, and retain top talent by treating employees like valued customers. From creating a standout workplace culture to leveraging marketing strategies in recruitment, discover actionable tips and insights to build a loyal and motivated t…

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The Radical Futurity of Dune: Javier Sethness-Castro 53:03

12M ago53:03

53:03

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we speak with author Javier Sethness Castro about his new review of Dune II (2024). Sethness Castro argues that the Frank Herbert's vision of humanity, as laid out in the novels, is one of a multicultural, multiracial, and religiously pluralistic human race spread out among the stars. The persistence of …

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Is Humanity Worth Saving? The Philosophy of Battlestar Galactica 1:05:49

1y ago1:05:49

1:05:49

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with Dr. Jason Eberl who is the editor of the book Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy. Dr. Eberl is a featured speaker at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of 2004 reboot of Battlestar Galactica in Chicago. This series begins by asking an existential question: "Does humanity deserve to exi…

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Will Burrows and the Radical Future of Star Trek 45:42

1y ago45:42

45:42

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we interview artist Will Burrows. In the past few years, Burrows has become popular for his art that blends Star Trek with political themes and LGBTQIA pride.We wanted to talk to him about some of his best selling work in celebration of the Bell Riots--an event in Star Trek lore that sets the United Stat…

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Guerilla to Grandmother: Katherine Ann Power 1:18:24

1+ y ago1:18:24

1:18:24

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with Katherine Ann Power about her new memoir, "Surrender: My Journey from Guerilla to Grandmother". For over twenty years, Power was on the FBI Most Wanted List for her involvement in a revolutionary armed cell that sought the overthrown of the US government. After a bank robbery in which a poli…

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Star Trek's Radical Hope: Una McCormack 1:19:52

1+ y ago1:19:52

1:19:52

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we speak with New York Times Best Selling author, Dr. Una McCormack. She has written over twenty science fiction novels, many of which are franchise novels that tie into the Star Trek, Firefly, and Dr. Who universes. We talk about how she prepares for writing her work and why she appreciates science fict…

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DS9 and the Radical Imagination: David Seitz 57:20

1+ y ago57:20

57:20

In this Conversation on Anarres, we speak with Dr. David Seitz about his new book A Different Trek: Radical Geographies of Deep Space Nine. We talk about how Star Trek came to be part of his academic research project and why Deep Space Nine captured his imagination as a way to talk about radical politics in the world today. Our conversation touches…

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Sex Work, Labor, Solidarity: Matilda Bickers 57:24

2y ago57:24

57:24

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with Matilda Bickers, the co-editor of a new anthology, "Working It: Sex Workers on the Work of Sex" (PM Press, 2023), which is a collection of reflections by sex workers on the nature of their labor. She explains how she got into this form of advocacy and what similarities sex work has to other …

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Best SciFi & Fantasy 2023 1:09:42

2y ago1:09:42

1:09:42

In this episode of TrekWars@OSU, we consider the sci-fi, fantasy, and other speculative fiction that helped us to imagine futures free of domination, exploitation, war, and empire.Our discussion panel included: Joseph Orosco, co-director of the Anarres Project; Randall Millstein, Robyn Morris, and Kaja Gjelde. Each of them mentioned their favorite …

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De-Modernizing Anarchism: Dr. Jesse Cohn 51:57

2y ago51:57

51:57

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with Dr. Jesse Cohn about his essay "Demodernizing Anarchism". This essay appears in Issue 33 of Perspectives on Anarchist Theory and you can read it here. For more information on the Institute for Anarchist Studies, check out their website here.

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How to buy or sell a restaurant with Brad Ruth. 29:12

2y ago29:12

29:12

How to buy or sell a restaurant with Brad Ruth. https://restauranttopia.com/episode-159-how-to-buy-or-sell-a-restaurant-with-brad-ruth/By Brian Seitz

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Diving Deep into "The Restaurant Marketing Mindset" with Chip Klose 24:13

2y ago24:13

24:13

https://restauranttopia.com/episode-158-diving-deep-into-the-restaurant-marketing-mindset-with-chip-klose/ Welcome back, dear readers, to our latest episode recap. This time, we had the pleasure of hosting the insightful Chip Klose, author of "The Restaurant Marketing Mindset." With Brian Seitz and Anthony Hamilton guiding the conversation, this ep…

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PART 2 of our series with Chef Doug Katz and Todd Thompson talking about their Restaurant Group, how they navigated the pandemic and operating multiple successful restaurants in northeast Ohio. 25:42

2y ago25:42

25:42

https://restauranttopia.com/episodes-156-and-157-a-two-part-series-with-chef-doug-katz-and-todd-thompson-talking-about-their-restaurant-group-how-they-navigated-the-pandemic-and-operating-multiple-successful-restaurants-in-nor/ The magnetic culinary scene of Cleveland takes center stage on the latest episode of Restauranttopia! Our very own Brian S…

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PART 1: A Culinary Odyssey with Chef Doug Katz and Todd Thompson 23:09

2y ago23:09

23:09

Episode 156 is the first of a two-part series with Chef Doug Katz and Todd Thompson talking about their Restaurant Group, how they navigated the pandemic, and operating multiple successful restaurants in northeast Ohio. https://restauranttopia.com/episodes-156-and-157-a-two-part-series-with-chef-doug-katz-and-todd-thompson-talking-about-their-resta…

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Buying a Restaurant with Robin Gagnon of We Sell Restaurants 19:35

2y ago19:35

19:35

About Restauranttopia Restauranttopia is your go-to podcast for everything restaurant related. From operations to marketing, and everything in between, we bring experts from all corners of the restaurant world to share their insights, experiences, and tips to help you succeed in this dynamic industry. Robin Gagnon is the Co-Founder and CEO of We Se…

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Preparing Your Business for Sale with Robin Gagnon of We Sell Restaurants 15:21

2y ago15:21

15:21

https://restauranttopia.com/episode-154-preparing-your-business-for-sale-with-robin-gagnon-of-we-sell-restaurants/ Welcome to another exciting episode of Restauranttopia! In today's episode, we dive deep into a topic that every restaurateur should be well-acquainted with: Preparing your restaurant for sale. We're privileged to have Robin Gagnon, co…

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Increasing Efficiency with Mobile Communication Platforms 19:13

2y ago19:13

19:13

Episode 153: Increasing Efficiency with Mobile Communication Platforms https://restauranttopia.com/episode-153-increasing-efficiency-with-mobile-communication-platforms/ Episode 153 of Restauranttopia Podcast: Increasing Efficiency with Mobile Communication Platforms In this episode, we're diving deep into a topic that's revolutionizing the way we …

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How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room 17:09

2y ago17:09

17:09

Episode 152 How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room https://restauranttopia.com/episode-152-how-to-get-younger-in-your-dining-room/ How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room Offering a unique experience: Young diners are often looking for something that sets a restaurant apart from others. This could be a unique menu, a cool atmosphere, or a fun theme.…

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Really, Really Free Market-Corvallis 34:09

2+ y ago34:09

34:09

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk to Avery Jade, one of the organizers of the Really, Really Free Market in Corvallis, Oregon. The Really, Really Free Market movement is a global movement that creates space for mutual aid--making clothes, toiletries, literature, and other necessities available for free.We discuss the inspiration …

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151 Is Your Restaurant Prepared for Economic Downturns? Insights and Strategies to Protect Your Business Now 14:40

2+ y ago14:40

14:40

https://restauranttopia.com/episode-151-is-your-restaurant-prepared-for-economic-downturns-insights-and-strategies-to-protect-your-business-now/ Episode 151 Is Your Restaurant Prepared for Economic Downturns? Insights and Strategies to Protect Your Business Now Build a financial buffer: Put money aside to cover unexpected expenses or revenue shortf…

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150 How to fight DoorDash's new menu pricing policy 5:30

2+ y ago5:30

5:30

Title: Episode 150 - Unpacking DoorDash's New Menu Pricing Policy: Challenges and Strategies https://restauranttopia.com/episode-150-how-to-fight-doordashs-new-menu-pricing-policy/ Show Notes: In this landmark 150th episode of Restauranttopia, your hosts Brian Seitz, David Ross, and Anthony Hamilton delve into the controversial new menu pricing pol…

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Mastering the Art of SOPs: Streamline Your Restaurant Operations 14:01

2+ y ago14:01

14:01

Mastering the Art of SOPs: Streamline Your Restaurant Operations https://restauranttopia.com/episode-149-mastering-the-art-of-sops-streamline-your-restaurant-operations/(opens in a new tab) Running a successful restaurant involves juggling numerous tasks, from managing inventory to ensuring excellent customer service. To streamline operations and m…

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Maximizing Your Profits with Ice Cream: An Expert's Perspective from Brian Zeit 12:16

2+ y ago12:16

12:16

148 "Maximizing Your Profits with Ice Cream: An Expert's Perspective from Brian Zeit" https://restauranttopia.com/episode-148-maximizing-your-profits-with-ice-cream-an-experts-perspective-from-brian-zeit As a restaurant owner, you're always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to drive revenue and attract customers. One option that you may no…

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Where did all the restaurant labor go? 14:29

2+ y ago14:29

14:29

https://restauranttopia.com/episode-147-where-did-all-the-restaurant-labor-go/ In the latest episode of the Restauranttopia podcast, host David Ross delves into a topic that has been top of mind for restaurant owners and operators across the country: Where did all the restaurant labor go? As the restaurant industry continues to recover from the imp…