Ever wonder what it really takes to go from one location to ten? Every Monday, top restaurant operators share their actual playbooks for scaling - from site selection and systems to funding and team building. No basics, no fluff – just real conversations about what works (and what doesn't) in multi-unit growth.
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Welcome to Commercial Real Estate School. Every episode is a lesson featuring some of the top names in the business, sharing insights and expertise to inspire your commercial real estate journey. Our powerhouse guests offer a wealth of expertise, guiding you through the complex commercial landscape and providing actionable insights to fast-track your success. Class is in session.
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Powerless to Powerful is a broadcast brought to you by members of the recovery community. The purpose is to offer a solution and increase overall awareness to the destructiveness of addiction.
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Pizza Powerhouse: Inside the Mind of an Unconventional Franchise CEO
30:36
30:36
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30:36Think you need years of restaurant experience to run a successful franchise? Think again. Today, Kyle sits down with Carl Comeaux, the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the Southeast. Carl’s journeyfrom personal trainer to smoothie entrepreneur is anything but conventional. Packed with actionable insights on strateg…
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Considering a New Restaurant Location? Here's the Spreadsheet You Didn't Know You Needed
21:03
21:03
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21:03Still relying on gut feelings and scattered notes when selecting your restaurant’s next location? In this practical, hands-on episode, Kyle walks you through his "Location Viability Calculator and Site Tracker," tools he personally uses to guide restaurant brands to profitable, data-driven real estate decisions. Learn how to systematically assess s…
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Your Guide to Debt-Free Growth w/ Johann Moonesinge, CEO | InKind
40:19
40:19
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40:19Think restaurant financing has to mean crippling debt or invasive investors? Think again. In this weeks conversation, Kyle sits down with Johann Moonesinghe, founder and CEO of InKind, a revolutionary financing model reshaping how restaurants grow and succeed. Johann shares his unique journey from tech entrepreneur to restaurant owner, and reveals …
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The $5M Restaurant Startup Taking on Labor, Real Estate, and Delivery All at Once
46:28
46:28
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46:28Is it time to rethink how restaurants are built—literally from the ground up? On this episode Kyle sits down with Nipun Sharma, CEO and co-founder of Appetronix, to talk about how robotics, AI, and first-principles thinking are completely transforming what a “restaurant” can be. With nearly two decades of global food experience and a sharp eye for …
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Real Estate, Risk & Resilience: The Franchise Lessons You Can’t Ignore w/ Chris Olexa | CEO, Aspire 2B Hospitality Group
47:25
47:25
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47:25From a challenging upbringing to becoming the CEO and founder of Aspire 2B Hospitality Group, Chris Olexa shares his entrepreneurial journey. Chris dives deep into his franchising experiences, with Quiznos and Buffalo Wild Wings, offering practical insights and hard-earned lessons. He emphasizes resilience, the significant influence of sports on hi…
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Purpose-Driven Profits: Turning Vietnamese Heritage Into America's Next Hot Franchise
49:06
49:06
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49:06From courtroom to kitchen: in this episode, Kyle sits down with Denise Tran, the visionary founder and CEO who traded her law career for the high-stakes world of restaurant entrepreneurship. Hear the raw, unfiltered story behind Bun Mee's journey from passionate concept to scalable franchise powerhouse. Denise pulls back the curtain on how her Viet…
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Building and Leveraging Your Authentic Personal Brand w/ Josh Halpern | CEO, Big Chicken
42:57
42:57
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42:57Is your personal brand helping or hurting your restaurant's growth? In this candid conversation, Kyle sits down with Josh Halpern, the driving force behind Big Chicken, to explore the powerful intersection of personal branding and franchise success. From navigating the influence of celebrity partner Shaquille O'Neal to making tough decisions about …
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Think finding the perfect restaurant location is just about foot traffic and rent? Think again. In this revealing Deal Diaries episode, Kyle pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of commercial real estate for franchisees, taking you behind the scenes of a challenging Long Island City deal. From soaring rents to new development complexitie…
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Ever had that perfect space slip through your fingers? In this raw and revealing episode, Kyle takes us behind the scenes of a deal that went from "sure thing" to "sh*t canned" in a blink of an eye. It's a nail-biting journey through the trenches that'll definitely have you shouting advice at your speakers – complete with unexpected plot twists, fu…
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AI-Powered Success: The Tools Transforming Today's Most Profitable Restaurants
27:14
27:14
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27:14Still think AI is just for tech bros and Silicon Valley startups? In this episode Kyle breaks down how artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionizing restaurants right now - from mom-and-pops to major chains. Forget the hype; this is more than just messing with ChatGPT, we're talking practical, profit-boosting processes that are changing how th…
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Unconventional Growth Strategies: How Walter's Hot Dogs Built a 106-Year Empire
49:13
49:13
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49:13What happens when a family recipe becomes a cultural icon? In this episode, we dive into the 100+ year journey of Walter's Hot Dogs, where tradition meets innovation in the most delicious way possible. From their secret blend to food trucks and beyond, Gene-Christian Baca shares how they've kept the family legacy intact while being flexible and cre…
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Don't Sign That Franchise Agreement Until You Ask These 8 Questions!
22:06
22:06
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22:06Ever wonder why some franchise locations crush it while others struggle from day one? In this no-nonsense episode, real estate veteran Kyle pulls back the curtain on the questions potential franchisees NEED to ask but often don't. Kyle shares the real talk on what makes or breaks franchise real estate support. Whether you're eyeing your first franc…
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The 42 Square Feet That Can Make or Break Your Digital Sales
19:42
19:42
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19:42Ever wonder why some restaurants handle mobile orders like a well-oiled machine while others feel like organized chaos? In this eye-opening episode, Kyle breaks down why your pickup area might be the hidden trouble spot you never knew you had. From delivery drivers blacklisting your restaurant to customers doing the awkward hover-dance by your coun…
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From Red Sauce to Green Juice: When a Brooklyn Restaurant Family Goes Franchise
57:13
57:13
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57:13A lot of independent restaurant families look at franchising like it's the dark side. But what happens when a father-son team with 50 years of Italian restaurant experience decides to make the switch? James and Mike Simone had a beloved Brooklyn spot for 20 years. Good sauce, cold drinks, and most importantly - great neighborhood vibes. Then COVID …
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Season 4 Epsode 22 - Jeremy Stewart
1:12:09
1:12:09
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Looking Beyond the AUV : Smarter Systems For Franchise Growth w/ Jeff Fenster | Founder & CEO of everbowl
50:24
50:24
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50:24Just when we think we understand how to scale a franchise, someone comes along and completely flips the playbook on its head. Enter Jeff Fenster, Founder & CEO of everbowl who looked at the traditional franchise model and said... checks notes... "Nah, I'm just going to build everything myself"? Excuse me? A franchise founder who manufactures their …
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Never Get Burned Again: A Guide to Site Selection Red Flags
20:27
20:27
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20:27In this episode, Kyle discusses essential strategies for evaluating shopping centers before signing a lease. He shares real-life experiences and emphasizes the importance of due diligence to avoid costly mistakes. Get your pen and paper or your Ipad - this conversation will equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and protect …
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How to Evaluate and Scale Your Business in 4 Weeks
22:12
22:12
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22:12In this episode, Kyle discusses the importance of evaluating past performance and setting new goals for growth as we enter 2025. He introduces the 3M framework, which focuses on Money, Management, and Market, to help operators assess their business effectively, and plan for growth. Connect with Closed Monday Instagram: @closedmondaypo…
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Southern Hospitality and Some Next Level Tech | Mike Ball, VP of Operations, Vicious Biscuit
35:12
35:12
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35:12In this episode, Kyle sits down with and Michael Ball discuss the challenges and experiences in the restaurant industry, the importance of technology integration, and the balance between hospitality and technology. Michael shares his journey from pizza delivery to leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of creating a positive customer experi…
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Building A Brand Centric Restaurant | Sebastian Stahl, Founder & CEO, Breadth - Strategic Restaurant Marketing
43:47
43:47
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43:47In this weeks episode Kyle sits down with Sebastian Stahl - the visionary CEO and founder of Breadth, a strategic restaurant marketing agency. With over 17 years of unwavering dedication to the hospitality industry,Sebastian's journey has been characterized by a fervent passion for helping transform restaurants with a focus on long-term success. Hi…
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Your Restaurant Staff Doesn't Want More Money -They Want These 3 Things Instead
35:05
35:05
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35:05In this weeks episode, Kyle sits down with D.J. Costantino to discuss insights from the 7Shifts 2025 Restaurant Workforce Report. D.J. Costantino is a writer, marketer, and podcast host based in Atlanta, Georgia. D.J. is currently a content marketer for 7shifts, a restaurant software company, where he writes for the company blog and hosts the in-ho…
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Rich Restaurant Owners All Use These 3 Formulas - And Now You Will Too
52:03
52:03
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52:03In this episode, Kyle discusses three critical financial formulas essential for restaurant success: the Sales to Investment Ratio, Payback Period, and Rent Factor. The importance of these metrics in making informed decisions, attracting investors, and ensuring sustainable growth - can not be overstate The conversation provides practical insights in…
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Franchise Marketing in the Digital Age | Devin Schneider, Director of Marketing & Tech, Jeremiah's Italian Ice
52:03
52:03
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52:03In this episode, Kyle sits down with Devin Schneider, the Director of Marketing and Technology at Jeremiah's Italian Ice to discuss the strategies they are implementing to build their customer base in the digital era. Learn more about franchising with Jeremiah's Italian Ice by clicking here. Or email Rick Schanz at [email protected] Conn…
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The Surprising Ways the Election Will Reshape Restaurant Expansion
28:13
28:13
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28:13In this episode, Kyle discusses the significant impact of the presidential election on the restaurant industry, focusing on tax policies, labor market challenges, and the importance of automation and technology. He emphasizes the need for restaurant operators to adapt their growth strategies based on the election outcomes, particularly regarding ex…
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Season 4 Episode 14: Gianni Del Franco
1:03:01
1:03:01
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Why Your Gut Feeling About Restaurant Growth is Dead Wrong (And What to Do Instead)
14:05
14:05
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14:05It's a new day for Closed Monday. We are now the only podcast focused strategic growth for your restaurant. In this episode Kyleshares his journey from being a dishwasher to a restaurant consultant, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in the restaurant industry. Takeaways Every restaurant owner faces doubts and challenges. Kyl…
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Designing Your Life in Hospitality w/ Christin Marvin, Hospitality Catalyst & Author
44:07
44:07
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44:07In this episode, Kyle sits down with Christin Marvin to discuss the transformative journey of Christin from a high-pressure restaurant career to a more balanced lifestyle. They explore the impact of alcohol on personal health, the importance of mental fitness, and the challenges of leadership in the restaurant industry. Christin shares her experien…
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Season 4 Episode 12: Patrick Curtis
1:03:12
1:03:12
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1:03:12Patrick is one of our guys here at DRC but beyond that he is the creator of The Bloodline Animal training system, is a nutritionist, a coach, and body builder.
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Sh*t Yeah! Building Restaurants with Heart and Hustle w/ Chris Smith | Co-founder & CEO, Zunzi's & Zunzibar
46:47
46:47
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46:47In this episode, Chris Smith, Co-Founder & CEO of Zunzi's, and Founder of Zunzibar shares his journey from studying finance to becoming a successful franchisee and entrepreneur in the restaurant industry. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned while building his restaurant empire, and the creation of a unique brand culture centered around …
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Season 4 Episode 11 - Nate Kohlerman
1:10:07
1:10:07
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1:10:07Fist fights and ayahuasca?? This episode is going to make you want to pack your bags and head to peru as we sit down with Nathan Kohlerman, best selling author and top 100 speaker about his journey through anger, resentment, his recovery and finding the peace within himself.
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Season 4 - Episode 9 - George Nolan
1:09:31
1:09:31
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Season 4 - Episode 7 - Voltaire Sweden
1:21:37
1:21:37
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1
The Evolution of Restaurant Media w/ Jeanne Muchnick, Food & Dining Reporter at The USA Today Network
53:20
53:20
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53:20In this conversation, Kyle sits Jeanne Muchnick, the food and dining reporter for The Journal News and lohud.com, part of the USA Today Network. about her journey in the food industry, the impact of COVID-19 on restaurants, and the evolving dining scene in Westchester. They discuss the challenges faced by restaurateurs, the importance of social med…
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Welcome to Season 27 of Commercial Real Estate School! This season, I welcome Bo Barron, CCIM, CEO of Barron Commercial Group. In a world where the commercial real estate landscape is complex and ever-changing, Bo Barron, CEO of Barron Commercial Group, serves as a trusted guide. Bo understands the challenges and opportunities that clients face…
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Getting Fanatical about Time and Productivity
7:48
7:48
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7:48Welcome to Season 27 of Commercial Real Estate School! This season, I welcome Bo Barron, CCIM, CEO of Barron Commercial Group. In a world where the commercial real estate landscape is complex and ever-changing, Bo Barron, CEO of Barron Commercial Group, serves as a trusted guide. Bo understands the challenges and opportunities that clients face…
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Welcome to Season 27 of Commercial Real Estate School! This season, I welcome Bo Barron, CCIM, CEO of Barron Commercial Group. In a world where the commercial real estate landscape is complex and ever-changing, Bo Barron, CEO of Barron Commercial Group, serves as a trusted guide. Bo understands the challenges and opportunities that clients face…
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Welcome to Season 27 of Commercial Real Estate School! This season, I welcome Bo Barron, CCIM, CEO of Barron Commercial Group. In a world where the commercial real estate landscape is complex and ever-changing, Bo Barron, CEO of Barron Commercial Group, serves as a trusted guide. Bo understands the challenges and opportunities that clients face…
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1
Internal Conflicts - Your "Hero's Journey"
11:17
11:17
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11:17Welcome to Season 27 of Commercial Real Estate School! This season, I welcome Bo Barron, CCIM, CEO of Barron Commercial Group. In a world where the commercial real estate landscape is complex and ever-changing, Bo Barron, CEO of Barron Commercial Group, serves as a trusted guide. Bo understands the challenges and opportunities that clients face…
…
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Welcome to Season 27 of Commercial Real Estate School! This season, I welcome Bo Barron, CCIM, CEO of Barron Commercial Group. In a world where the commercial real estate landscape is complex and ever-changing, Bo Barron, CEO of Barron Commercial Group, serves as a trusted guide. Bo understands the challenges and opportunities that clients face…
…
continue reading
Welcome to Season 27 of Commercial Real Estate School! This season, I welcome Bo Barron, CCIM, CEO of Barron Commercial Group. In a world where the commercial real estate landscape is complex and ever-changing, Bo Barron, CEO of Barron Commercial Group, serves as a trusted guide. Bo understands the challenges and opportunities that clients face…
…
continue reading