Best Schedulefly Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 611: Buying the Past, Serving the Future: Saving Legacy Restaurants, Anthony Hamilton, Icon Group Hospitality 50:18

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1h ago50:18

50:18

Wil talks with Anthony Hamilton of Icon Group Hospitality about building people-first restaurant businesses that last. They riff on digital minimalism (Wil’s flip phone!), presence with family, and the hard edges of hospitality—burnout, 24/7 crises, substance abuse—then pivot to how thoughtful leadership, balance, and systems can make the work sust…

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Episode 610: New Series: What Independent Restaurant Owners Are Doing Right in 2025 11:30

4d ago11:30

11:30

Part I: People-First Leadership → Culture Over Everything

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Episode 609: Drive-Thru Hospitality: CEO & Co-Founder Darren Spicer on How Clutch Coffee Wins with Service 44:04

2h ago44:04

44:04

In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil welcomes Darren Spicer, co-founder and CEO of Clutch Coffee Bar, a fast-growing drive-thru coffee concept with 17 locations across the Carolinas. Darren shares his journey from bagging groceries to working at Dutch Bros, then taking a leap from a successful medical sales career to build Clutch Coff…

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Episode 608: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Josh Kopel’s Restaurant Journey 41:19

3d ago41:19

41:19

In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil talks with restaurateur-turned-coach Josh Kopel about his journey from running highly successful, Michelin-rated restaurants in Los Angeles to how he ultimately transitioned to teaching profitability and marketing. Kopel emphasizes that hospitality is fundamentally about people, not products, and t…

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Episode 607: Welcome Home: Tom and Amy Johnson on Building B-Side the Tracks Brewing Co. 1:00:57

11d ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Tom and Amy Johnson are turning a years-long dream into B-Side the Tracks Brewing Company in Conyers, GA. Amy, a 30-year finance pro turned American Brewers Guild grad, will helm the brewhouse. Tom will run front-of-house and a small distillery (bourbon, whiskey, vodka; rum later). Their vision is a true “third place” with standout hospitality, piz…

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Episode 606: From Franchisee to CPA: Nick Patel’s Restaurant Accounting Journey 1:26:59

12d ago1:26:59

1:26:59

In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil sits down with Nick Patel, a CPA who left corporate accounting to become a multi-unit franchise restaurant owner before pivoting back into accounting, this time with a focus on helping restaurant operators. Patel shares his personal journey from owning restaurants in Florida, the challenges of part…

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Episode 605: Relentless Growth: The Story of Award-Winning Chef, Consultant and Leadership Expert Franck Desplechin 1:02:51

15d ago1:02:51

1:02:51

In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil sits down with Chef Franck Desplechin, a French-born chef, pastry chef, and hospitality leader with over 26 years of global industry experience. Franck shares his journey from growing up in Brittany, France, to working in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels, and now stepping into authors…

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Episode 604: From Credit Card Cash Advance to Muli-Unit Restaurant Owner: The Story of Restaurant Owner Pat Fowler 1:04:33

19d ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Wil speaks with longtime Schedulefly customer and Chicago restaurateur Pat Fowler. The conversation covers Pat’s unexpected path into hospitality, the risks he took to buy his first restaurant, and the challenges and opportunities facing independent restaurants today. They discuss economic pressures like rising costs, changing consumer habits, and …

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Episode 603: Sprints Within the Marathon: Life in Restaurants with Ross Davis of REV Mex in OKC 1:07:26

22d ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Wil has a great conversation with Ross Davis, a longtime restaurant professional and operator in Oklahoma City. Ross shares his 29-year journey in restaurants, from waiting tables to management, and reflects on the evolution of restaurant culture, from high-stress, Gordon Ramsay–style management to today’s more intentional, people-centered leadersh…

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Episode 602: From $300 to 12 Restaurants: Chopped Season 61 Champion Kasem “Pop” Saengsawang 1:09:52

26d ago1:09:52

1:09:52

Summary In this inspiring episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Pop, a Thai-born entrepreneur, shares his remarkable journey from arriving in the U.S. in 2005 with only $300 and dreams of becoming the next Bill Gates, to building a 12-restaurant hospitality empire. Initially working in restaurants to pay the bills, he discovered his true calling a…

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Episode 601: From Vegan Chef to Cattle Rancher: Molly Engelhart’s Radical Food Awakening 1:00:58

28d ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Summary: This episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked features Molly Engelhart, a former Los Angeles vegan chef turned Texas cattle rancher and author of “Debunked by Nature: How a Vegan-Chef-Turned-Regenerative-Farmer Discovered that Mother Nature Is a Conservative.” Molly shares her journey from operating five vegan restaurants to running a regener…

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Episode 600: People-First Hospitality in a Tech-Driven World with Or Peleg, Tel Aviv Restaurant Group 47:37

1M ago47:37

47:37

In this Restaurant Owners Uncorked episode, Wil speaks with Or Peleg of Tel Aviv Restaurant Group in Los Angeles about his journey from aspiring lawyer to restaurateur, his group’s six kosher restaurants, and the realities of running hospitality businesses in a challenging post-COVID LA environment. Or shares insights on balancing high service stan…

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Episode 599: Hospitality Meets Investment: How Branded Hospitality Built a Bridge Between Restaurants and Tech 1:04:24

1M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

In this lively and entertaining episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil Brawley sits down in the famed Branded Hospitality studio with Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling, the duo behind Branded Hospitality Group. What begins as a nostalgic look back at their individual paths into hospitality, Schatzy from dishwashing at a bagel sh…

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Episode 598: Real Food, Real Service, and the Reality of Running Restaurants: A Conversation with 33-Year Restaurant Owner Drew Moore 51:57

1M ago51:57

51:57

In this episode, Wil chats with longtime friend and restaurateur Drew Moore of Carrboro, NC. Drew shares updates on his ventures, including Venable Bistro, B-Side Lounge, Auto Strada Pizza & Panini, Auto Strada Gelato & Coffee, and the upcoming House of Gatewood Chop House in Hillsborough. He explains how a 2022 trip to France and Italy inspired Au…

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Episode 597: Risk, Storytelling, and Building a Brand: The Passerine Story 1:03:09

1M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

In this episode, Wil sits down with Maneesh Goyal and Alvina Patel Buxani, the co-founders of Passerine, a neighborhood-focused Indian restaurant in New York City. What emerges is a conversation about risk as a path to fulfillment, the power of storytelling in hospitality, and the intentional way they’ve built a brand that’s as much about people an…

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Episode 596: From Baseball Dreams to Pizza & Purpose: The Story of Sean Marsiglia 1:46:57

2M ago1:46:57

1:46:57

Episode Summary: In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil interviews Sean Marsiglia, an entrepreneur who owns several restaurants in Tampa, including Three Brothers Pizza, and other ventures such as a bagel shop and a baseball facility. Sean shares his journey from a promising baseball career cut short by injury to working at Chili’s, bec…

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Episode 595: The Dough That Keeps Rising: The 53-Year Story of Barry Bagels 1:11:34

2M ago1:11:34

1:11:34

In this engaging episode, Wil B chats with Mark Greenblatt, President of Barry Bagels, and Jim Nussbaum, CEO. They share the remarkable 53-year journey of Barry Bagels, from its founding by Mark’s father in 1972 to its expansion to 84 total stores (open or under development) across five states. Mark and Jim delve into the evolution of the brand’s i…

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Episode 594: The Awesome Story of The Distillery of Modern Art: Seth Watson, Atlanta, GA 51:07

2M ago51:07

51:07

In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil Brawley talks with Seth Watson, the founder of Distillery of Modern Art in Atlanta. Seth shares his entrepreneurial journey, from launching a production and event design business out of a garage to eventually building a one-of-a-kind distillery that blends spirits, art, and community. H…

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Episode 593: The Journey of a Restaurant Owner: Ross Hester, Oxford, MS 41:06

2M ago41:06

41:06

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil chats with Ross Hester, owner of Good Day Cafe and Bar Muse in Oxford, Mississippi. They discuss Ross's journey in the restaurant industry, the challenges of running a business, and the importance of leadership and team dynamics. Ross shares insights on the growth of his establi…

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Episode 592: The Man Behind Bohemian Bull: Chad Biel, Owner and Franchisor 1:01:00

2M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Summary In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, host Wil Brawley engages with Chad Biel, a successful restaurateur and franchisor, discussing the intricacies of restaurant management, the importance of effective AI-phone answering software, and the challenges of finding the right franchisees. They explore the growth strategies for franchisin…

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Episode 591: TacoLu: An Iconic Restaurant Journey 56:26

2M ago56:26

56:26

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Don Nicol from TacoLu, discussing the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, including rising costs and labor issues. Don shares insights on maintaining customer experience, navigating cash flow, and the importance of community engagement. He reflects on the imp…

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Episode 590: Be the Fire. Wish for the Wind. 4:45

4M ago4:45

4:45

In this quick, heartfelt episode, Wil delivers a philosophical and motivational message for independent hospitality business owners. Drawing from 18 years of experience serving restaurants and 12 years of podcasting, Wil reflects on the remarkable anti-fragility of this industry. Inspired by Nassim Nicholas Taleb's book Antifragile, Wil explains ho…

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Episode 589: Challenges Are Growth Opportunities: Dana Monfort, Town Pump Provisions, Denver, CO 1:07:24

4M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Summary In this conversation, Dana Monfort shares her journey of opening a new restaurant concept, Town Pump, in Denver. She discusses her diverse background, the challenges of entering the restaurant industry, and her vision for creating a community-focused space that fills a void in the market. Dana emphasizes the importance of simplicity, intent…

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Episode 588: The Reality of Restaurant Ownership: Challenges and Triumphs w/ Jon Darby, Darby's American Cantina 41:59

4M ago41:59

41:59

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Will interviews Jon Darby, owner of Darby's American Cantina. They discuss John's journey into the restaurant industry, the challenges of managing a restaurant, the impact of minimum wage laws, and the evolving trends in alcohol consumption. Jon shares insights on the importance of …

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Episode 587: The Quiet Strength of Great Hospitality Leadership - Simon Harris,Blau & Associates 12:17

4M ago12:17

12:17

Wil reads an incredible article by Simon Harris.

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Episode 586: Revolutionizing Restaurant Bookkeeping with Fixe: Ryan Handel, Founder 48:05

5M ago48:05

48:05

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Ryan Handel, founder of Fixe, a bookkeeping service tailored for the restaurant industry. Ryan shares his journey from working in restaurants to founding his own, and ultimately creating Fixe to streamline bookkeeping for restaurant owners. The conversation covers the…

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Episode 585: Exploring the Art of Distilling with Chand Harlow of Wonderbird Spirits 55:06

5M ago55:06

55:06

Summary In this episode, Wil speaks with Chand Harlow, co-creator and owner of Wonderbird Spirits, a distillery in Mississippi. They discuss Chand's journey from finance to the world of hospitality and distilling, emphasizing the importance of a grain to glass philosophy. Chand shares insights into the unique process of crafting gin using Jasmine r…

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Episode 584: Legacy and Community: Greg Dulan, Owner, Dulan's on Crenshaw 53:56

5M ago53:56

53:56

Summary In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil interviews Greg Dulan, owner of Dulan's on Crenshaw, celebrating 50 years in business. They discuss the importance of family legacy in hospitality, the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, and innovative strategies for revenue generation. Greg shares insights on building authentic c…

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Episode 583: The Heart of Hospitality: Authentic Connections - Simon Harris, Blau & Associates 57:55

5M ago57:55

57:55

Summary In this conversation, Simon Harris shares his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, discussing the importance of genuine connections in dining experiences. He reflects on the evolution of hospitality, emphasizing the need for authentic interactions over scripted service. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology an…

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Episode 582: What a Long Strange Trip It's Been: Justin Cucci, Chef & Founder, Edible Eats 55:27

6M ago55:27

55:27

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil chats with Justin Cucci, a seasoned restaurateur from Denver. They discuss Justin's early experiences in hospitality, the importance of passion in the industry, and the distinction between hospitality and service. Justin shares insights on implementing an Employee Stock Ownershi…

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Episode 581: From Corporate to Entrepreneur: Jeff Galletly, Chairman and CEO, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop 1:05:05

6M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Summary In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, host Wil Brawley speaks with Jeff Galletly, CEO of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, about his extensive journey in the hospitality industry. Jeff shares insights from his corporate background at PepsiCo and Restaurant Brands International, his transition to entrepreneurship, and the rapid growth of Broo…

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Episode 580: Empathy in Action: The True Meaning of Hospitality with Michael DePaolo, Square Roots Collective 39:15

6M ago39:15

39:15

Summary In this conversation, Wil and Michael DePaolo explore the essence of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of empathy, connection, and community impact. Michael shares his personal journey in the hospitality industry, from washing dishes to running a nonprofit hospitality vertical. They discuss the challenges faced by the restaurant indus…

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Episode 579: Twenty Years of Billy Bricks: A Family Business Journey with Billy Bricks CEO Ric Gruber 51:14

6M ago51:14

51:14

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil talks with Rick Gruber, CEO of Billy Bricks Restaurant Group. Ric hares insights into the pizza industry, the challenges of running a family business, and the impact of online reviews on restaurants. He discusses the unique styles of pizza offered at Billy Bricks, the evolution …

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Episode 578: Building a Franchise Empire: Premium Loaves' Marc Largent and Jerome Hranka Aim for 300 Jimmy John's Locations by 2030 53:43

6M ago53:43

53:43

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Jerome and Marc, the owners of Premium Loavess, the second largest Jimmy John's franchisee. They discuss their early experiences in hospitality, the unique culture of Jimmy John's, the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining that culture, and their journey …

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Episode 577: Lessons from the Trenches: Chef Brandon Sharp, Chapel Hill, NC 53:14

6M ago53:14

53:14

Summary Brandon and Wil discuss the intricacies of the restaurant industry, focusing on the challenges faced by aspiring restaurant owners, the importance of financial planning, and the role of hospitality in ensuring success. They delve into the concept behind 'The Industry Standard,' a platform aimed at sharing valuable insights and strategies fo…

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Episode 576: The Future of Hospitality: AI + Human Connection, Cameron Long, Virnika 1:01:10

7M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Summary In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, host Wil Brawley speaks with Cameron Long, co-founder of Virnika, about the challenges faced by restaurant owners, particularly regarding labor issues. They discuss how Virnika aims to leverage AI technology to improve operational efficiency in restaurants, allowing staff to focus on high-value…

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Episode 575: Unlocking Restaurant Profitability: Fred Langley, CEO, Restaurant Systems Pro 58:01

7M ago58:01

58:01

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Will interviews Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro. They discuss the challenges faced by restaurant owners, the importance of profitability, and the role of effective management systems in achieving success. Fred shares his journey from being a restaurant owner to helping o…

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Episode 574: Building a Brand Through Community: David Stuck, CEO, Tin Kitchen 56:32

7M ago56:32

56:32

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley interviews David Stuck, owner of Tin Kitchen, who shares his unique journey in the hospitality industry. David discusses his early experiences, the importance of customer service, and the challenges he faced while starting his food truck business. He emphasizes the …

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Episode 573: From Valet to Successful Restaurant Chain Owner: Joe Fontana, Owner & Founder, Fry the Coop 1:22:30

8M ago1:22:30

1:22:30

Summary In this engaging conversation, Joe Fontana, owner of Fry the Coop, shares his journey from working in hospitality as a valet and bartender to opening his own successful restaurant chain specializing in chicken sandwiches. He discusses the importance of finding one's purpose, the role of mentorship, and the challenges of starting a business.…

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Episode 572: The Importance of Customer Experience: Mykal Zangwill, Franchise Owner, Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt Bar 44:12

8M ago44:12

44:12

Summary In this conversation, Wil Brawley and Mykal Zangwill discuss the journey of Mykal's family-owned frozen yogurt business, Fuzzy Peach, and the challenges and rewards of working in the hospitality industry. They explore the importance of a positive mindset, the essence of customer experience, and the nuances of managing a self-serve business.…

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Episode 571: Innovating Compliance in the Food and Beverage Industry: Cliff Crider, CEO, Stinger Compliance 1:07:44

8M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley speaks with Cliff Crider, CEO of Stinger Compliance and co-founder of Truck and Tap. They discuss Cliff's journey from working in fast food at Roy Rogers to becoming a real estate appraiser and eventually transitioning into the restaurant industry. Cliff shares insi…

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Episode 570: Building a Poke Empire: The Pokeworks Story with Peter Yang, Co-founder 45:10

8M ago45:10

45:10

Summary In this conversation, Peter Yang, co-founder of Pokeworks, shares his journey from growing up in a family restaurant to establishing a successful poke restaurant chain. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in the hospitality industry, the importance of customer service, and the strategic decisions that led to the birth and growth…

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Episode 569: The Power of Gratitude in Business: Veljko Pavicevic, SAILS Restaurant, Naples, FL 1:13:43

8M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Summary In this conversation, Veljko Pavicevic shares his inspiring journey from Montenegro to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry in America. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, humility, and hard work, as well as the value of community and teamwork. Veljko recounts his experiences at the Ritz Carlton, highlightin…

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Episode 568: The Journey of a Hospitality Tech Leader: Chrissy Ouelette, Touchpoint Restaurant Solutions 1:38:53

9M ago1:38:53

1:38:53

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley speaks with Chrissy Ouellette, VP of Business Development and Enterprise Sales at Touchpoint. They discuss Chrissy's journey in the hospitality tech industry, the evolution of restaurant technology, and the importance of personal connections in the hospitality secto…

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Episode 567: From Immigrant to Entrepreneur: Shahpour Nejad, Founder & CEO of Pizza Guys 46:55

9M ago46:55

46:55

Summary In this conversation, Shahpour Nejad, the founder and CEO of Pizza Guys, shares his journey from an immigrant student to a successful entrepreneur in the pizza industry. He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in establishing and expanding Pizza Guys, emphasizing the importance of quality, customer interaction, and community eng…

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Episode 566: The Power of Operational Simplicity: Troy Hooper, CEO, Pepper Lunch 1:11:29

9M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley interviews Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palate and Pepper Lunch. They discuss Troy's unique background, including his experiences as a master diver and chef, and how these experiences shape his approach to business. The conversation delves into the challenges of the rest…

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Episode 565: From Restaurant Worker to Entrepreneur: Ross McWaters' Journey 1:16:49

9M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Summary In this conversation, Wil Brawley interviews Ross McWaters, the founder of a business news website focused on the restaurant industry in Florida and Georgia. Ross shares his journey from working in restaurants to starting his own business, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with restaurant owners and providing value throug…

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Episode 564: From Immigrant Roots to Restaurant Success: Jay Chung, Owner, Seoul Kitchen 1:15:12

9M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley speaks with Jay Chung, a restaurant owner with a rich immigrant background. Jay shares his family's journey from Korea to Ghana and then to the United States, where they established their roots in the restaurant business. The conversation delves into the challenges …

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Episode 563: Jeff Brock, Founder and Managing Partner, Hargett Hunter 1:23:32

9M ago1:23:32

1:23:32

This episode is brought to you by Schedulefly. Super Simple Restaurant Employee Scheduling Software + Legendary Customer Service + Low Price Point. Since 2007 we've served over 20,000 restaurants and hospitality businesses.Head on over to https://www.schedulefly.com for your 30-day free trial, or feel free to call co-owner Wil Brawley on his cell p…

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Episode 562: Chris Deferio, Owner, Keys to the Shop 1:43:01

10M ago1:43:01

1:43:01

Summary In this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, host Wil Brawley speaks with Chris Deferio, founder of Keys to the Shop, about his extensive experience in the coffee industry. They discuss the importance of quality in coffee shops, the role of community, and the challenges of scaling a business responsibly. Chris shares insights on mentorshi…