Cele mai bune Ovation podcast-uri (2025)

1
Building Tech that Serves People with Brianne Harvey of Break Bread Consulting 18:10

3d ago18:10

18:10

Send us a text Zack Oates sits down with Brianne Harvey, founder and CEO of Break Bread Consulting, to talk about tech that lifts hospitality without getting in the way. Brianne shares how to “bolt on” experts for system launches, train your team to own it, and use simple tools to create memorable moments. Zack and Brianne discuss: Reservation note…

1
Connection Over Perfection with Kayla Dillon 17:04

1d ago17:04

17:04

Send us a text Zack sits down with Kayla Dillon, fractional CMO and brand consultant, to talk about why guest expectations have shifted from hospitality to humanity. Kayla explains how to pick technology that fits, set it up the right way, and connect ops, marketing, and tech so the guest actually feels known. They dig into loyalty, behavior based …

1
Empower Your Team, Elevate Your Guests with Geoffrey Toffetti of Frontline Performance Group 17:04

10d ago17:04

17:04

Send us a text Zack sits down with Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group, to talk about why the guest experience can never exceed the employee experience. Geoffrey explains how clear standards, consistent measurement, and coachable behaviors turn service into revenue. He shares practical ways to set expectations, train for the right…

1
Founder Spirit to Scalable Systems with Peter Gaudreau of Tacodeli 19:31

12d ago19:31

19:31

Send us a text Zack sits down with Peter Gaudreau, CEO of Tacodeli, to talk about scaling a beloved founder-led brand while protecting what matters most. Peter shares how ingredient integrity, empowered managers, and thoughtful packaging make hospitality show up both on premise and off. A real service recovery story shows what guest care looks like…

1
From Brand DNA to Guest Love with Melissa Richards-Person of Third Arm Consulting 21:48

20d ago21:48

21:48

Send us a text Zack sits down with Melissa Richards-Person of Third Arm Consulting to unpack brand DNA and why it is the root of lasting guest experience. From Papa John’s transformation to creating signature moments guests remember, Melissa shares how clear voice, authentic behavior, and fast service recovery turn problems into loyalty. Zack and M…

1
Bringing Brazilian Flavor to NYC with Pedro Uchôa of TAP 16:09

24d ago16:09

16:09

Send us a text Zack sits down with Pedro Uchôa, founder and CEO of TAP, the Brazilian fast casual bringing bold flavor and genuine hospitality to New York and Miami. They discuss TAP’s Perfect Pitch win, the importance of culture-driven leadership, and how small personal touches create big loyalty. Zack and Pedro discuss: Authenticity that guests c…

1
Detect, Then Train: Rachael Nemeth of Opus Training on AI Interventions that Stick 18:11

27d ago18:11

18:11

Send us a text Zack Oates sits down with Rachael Nemeth, CEO of Opus Training, to talk about turning frontline training into real-time performance. Rachael explains why most brands don’t have a completion problem — they have an adoption problem — and how Opus makes training inclusive with instant mobile access and automatic translation. She shares …

1
From Fast Food to Full-Service Success with Jay Bandy at Goliath Consulting Group 19:05

1M ago19:05

19:05

Send us a text Restaurant value is not a price point. It is the experience. In this episode, Zack sits down with Jay Bandy, President at Goliath Consulting Group, to unpack what guests really buy and how teams can deliver it consistently. With nearly four decades in foodservice, Jay shares the practical foundations that still work: hire for warmth,…

1
The Eye In The Sky That Isn't Creepy with Savi's Brock Weeks 16:49

1M ago16:49

16:49

Send us a text Zack Oates welcomes Brock Weeks, CEO of Savi, to talk about using AI to measure and improve in-store guest experiences. Brock explains how Savi transforms existing security footage into actionable insights that help operators understand consistency, cleanliness, and engagement in real time. Together, Zack and Brock discuss the connec…

1
Arjun Sen of ZenMango on Earning the Second Visit, One Guest at a Time 23:26

1M ago23:26

23:26

Send us a text Zack Oates welcomes Arjun Sen, marketing executive, speaker, author of Unquiet Forever, and founder of ZenMango. Arjun shares how brands win by owning the feeling of each moment and wowing one more guest at a time. He breaks down first and last impressions, the “food two-minute drill” during peak hours, and why leaders must act inste…

1
James Bonanno of Upstream Hospitality on The Power of Fast Feedback 16:22

1M ago16:22

16:22

Send us a text Zack Oates sits down with James Bonanno, Founder and CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, to talk about building strong operations, developing A-player leaders, and delivering five-star guest experiences across 20+ locations. From Tap Room to Bango Bowls, James shares how great culture starts with great GMs—and why sharpening the team’…

1
Eric Knott of Tiki Taco on Turning Feedback into Action 17:53

1M ago17:53

17:53

Send us a text Eric Knott, CEO of Tiki Taco and former PDQ leader, joins Zack Oates to talk about scaling hospitality, refining menu strategy, and building genuine guest connections. With experience ranging from Outback to Tiki Taco, Eric shares how structure and community drive lasting success. He explains how to use guest feedback as a growth too…

1
Building a Fierce Yet Friendly Brand with Amanda Kahalehoe of Vicious Biscuit 18:24

2M ago18:24

18:24

Send us a text From Charleston roots to a growing national footprint, Amanda Kahalehoe has built a brand that’s both fierce and warm. As COO of Vicious Biscuit, she shares how her team balances bold, indulgent food with genuine Southern hospitality. Amanda and Zack dive into how her brand “out-hospitalities” the competition, the power of listening …

1
How Haven Hot Chicken Builds Loyalty with Jason Sobocinski 20:16

2M ago20:16

20:16

De către Ovation

1
Paul Damico of Global Franchise Group on What Really Drives Traffic 19:19

3M ago19:19

19:19

Send us a text Paul Damico joins Zack Oates to share what still wins guest loyalty today. His take is simple: nail the four walls first, then scale. With leadership across Blaze, Fuzzy’s, Global Franchise Group, Focus Brands, and Moe’s Southwest Grill, Paul explains how culture, training, and clean execution turn into traffic, while technology shou…

1
John Laun of Earthbar on Using AI and Feedback to Elevate Guests 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

Send us a text John Laun, CMO of Earthbar, joins Zack Oates to share how a wellness brand with roots in the 1970s is scaling nationally while keeping guest experience front and center. With over 60 locations and a strong partnership with Equinox, Earthbar focuses on energy, consistency, and culture to make every visit the best part of a guest’s day…

1
Why Guest Experience Starts with GMs, with Justin Falciola of Deliverect 19:40

3M ago19:40

19:40

Send us a text Justin Falciola, President of the Americas at Deliverect, joins Zack Oates to explore how technology and hospitality can work hand in hand. With leadership experience at Papa John’s and CKE, Justin has seen the restaurant industry from both the operator and vendor sides. He shares how Deliverect is helping brands scale profitably by …

1
From Football Field to Franchise Growth: Mark Moseley at Five Guys 17:12

4M ago17:12

17:12

Send us a text From NFL MVP to franchise powerhouse, Mark Moseley has done it all. After a legendary 16-year career as the Washington Commanders’ clutch kicker and the only special teams player to ever win MVP, Mark went on to help grow Five Guys from just 3 locations to nearly 2,000 worldwide. In this episode of Give an Ovation, Mark shares how le…

1
How Drew Kimball of SpotOn Builds Loyalty Through Service and Tech 17:02

5M ago17:02

17:02

Send us a text Drew Kimball, Relationship Manager at SpotOn, joins Zack Oates to talk about what it really takes to build lasting relationships in hospitality. With over 15 years in B2B sales and a background in restaurants, Drew shares stories from his work with operators, his time as a game store owner, and how he helps brands improve guest exper…

1
Live from the National Restaurant Association Show 27:07

6M ago27:07

27:07

Send us a text Zach takes the Ovation mic to the streets of Chicago for a special edition of the Two Question Podcast, recorded live at the National Restaurant Association Show. From tech innovators to restaurant operators, leaders across the industry answer two key questions: what should restaurants focus on over the next 12 months, and what tacti…

1
From Gas Stations to 3,400 Units: Alice Crowder at Krispy Krunchy Chicken 19:09

6M ago19:09

19:09

Send us a text Alice Crowder, CMO of Krispy Krunchy Chicken, joins Zack Oates to break down how the brand grew to nearly 3,400 locations without traditional franchising. From gas stations to guest experience strategy, Alice shares how high-quality food, grassroots marketing, and authentic partnerships drive brand love and repeat visits. Zack and Al…

1
Michael Lukianoff of SignalFlare on Using AI to Drive Smarter Restaurant Strategy 16:59

6M ago16:59

16:59

Send us a text Michael Lukianoff, CEO of SignalFlare, joins Zack Oates to unpack the restaurant industry's biggest data challenges and opportunities. From AI-driven decision-making to understanding local market dynamics, Michael explains how restaurants can stay ahead in a crowded, fast-changing landscape. Zack and Michael discuss: Why restaurant g…

1
Russ Hawkins of Agilence on Using Data to Improve Guest Experience 14:02

6M ago14:02

14:02

Send us a text Russ Hawkins, CEO of Agilence, joins Zack Oates to break down how restaurant operators can use data to improve guest experience, boost loyalty, and align teams. With a background spanning telecom, retail, and hospitality, Russ shares practical strategies for avoiding waste, tracking behavior, and turning missed expectations into long…

1
Serving Hospitality for 75 Years: Ralph Lewis of Okeechobee Steakhouse 16:31

6M ago16:31

16:31

Send us a text Ralph Lewis, CEO and third-generation owner of Okeechobee Steakhouse, joins Zack Oates to share the secrets behind one of Florida’s most iconic dining institutions. From 75 years of legacy service to 350,000 free birthday steaks, Ralph dives into how family values and consistent hospitality drive lasting guest loyalty. Zack and Ralph…

1
From 16 to 75 Locations: Eric Robison’s Growth Journey at Rock N' Roll Sushi 15:16

6M ago15:16

15:16

Send us a text Eric Robison, developer and multi-unit owner at Rock N' Roll Sushi, joins this episode of Give an Ovation to break down how the brand has grown from 16 to 75+ units and what it takes to get guests back through the doors. From creating a fun, high-energy dining experience to transforming guest feedback into operational change, Eric sh…

1
Barry McGowan of Fogo de Chão on Climbing the Ranks in Hospitality 18:54

6M ago18:54

18:54

Send us a text Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão, joins Zack to share his incredible rise from washing dishes to leading a global hospitality brand. With over 40 years in the industry, Barry dives into what real value means for guests, why customization and celebration matter, and how to scale culture while staying people first. He discusses the i…

1
Inside 3Natives: Anthony Bambino’s Guide to Sustainable Growth 18:50

7M ago18:50

18:50

Send us a text Anthony Bambino, founder and CEO of 3Natives, joins Zack Oates to share how he grew a 900-square-foot juice bar into a 50+ location health-focused brand. With no outside investment, Anthony emphasizes why slow, steady, and personal growth beats fast cash. He shares insights on creating memorable guest experiences, leading a tight-kni…

1
How Savory Fund Powers Guest Experience at Scale with Josh Boshard 21:08

7M ago21:08

21:08

Send us a text Josh Boshard, COO of Savory Fund, joins Zack Oates to talk about what it really takes to scale great restaurant brands. With a background in tech and an obsession for operations, Josh shares how momentum, team empowerment, and data-driven decisions shape unforgettable guest experiences. From system-wide A/B testing to feedback-fueled…

1
Creating Guest Loyalty from the Inside Out with Amy Hom of Barcelona Wine Bar 20:26

7M ago20:26

20:26

Send us a text Amy Hom, CEO of Barcelona Wine Bar and a powerhouse leader in hospitality, joins Zack to share how she’s created strong cultures and top-tier guest experiences across some of the industry’s most iconic brands. From reducing turnover to building future leaders, Amy brings practical wisdom and contagious energy. Zack and Amy discuss: H…

1
Designing Dining Experiences with Sebastien Silvestri of The Dinex Group 22:31

7M ago22:31

22:31

Send us a text Sebastien Silvestri, CEO of The Dinex Group, joins Zack Oates to share lessons from decades of global hospitality leadership—spanning Bora Bora, Vegas, Miami, and NYC. He dives into how restaurants can elevate the guest experience through entertainment, precision, and people-first operations. From value perception to theatrical dinin…

1
Winning with Hospitality-Driven Catering with Pete Mora of Fajita Pete’s 17:56

7M ago17:56

17:56

Send us a text Pete Mora, founder of Fajita Pete’s, joins Zack Oates to share how a catering-first mindset transformed his brand from a full-service Tex-Mex restaurant into a thriving, multi-unit concept. Pete reveals how simplifying the model, building genuine guest relationships, and leading with care have been the keys to sustainable growth. He …

1
Behind the Pizza: Building Community and Culture with Avery Ward 19:24

7M ago19:24

19:24

Send us a text Avery Ward, CEO of Little Italy Pizza, shares how he transformed his family's business from a small pizza shop into a multi-million-dollar restaurant group. In this episode, Avery talks about the power of content marketing, building lasting relationships with customers, and staying true to core values while innovating. From the “Slic…

1
Building a Brand on Love, Legacy, and Leadership with Jane Abell of Donatos Pizza 18:55

7M ago18:55

18:55

Send us a text Jane Abell, Executive Chairwoman and Chief Purpose Officer of Donatos Pizza, joins Zack Oates live to discuss how leading with love and purpose has fueled Donatos' growth and guest loyalty. Jane shares how a people-first mindset, innovation, and agape capitalism shape every decision, from store operations to franchise relationships. …

1
Inside The Great Greek’s Rapid Growth with Bob Andersen 22:22

7M ago22:22

22:22

Send us a text Bob Andersen, President of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, joins Zack Oates live at RLC to share how the brand delivers full-service hospitality in a fast-casual setting. Bob discusses the art of preserving authentic experiences while scaling rapidly, the role of franchisee relationships in sustainable growth, and why Mediterran…

1
Preserving Culture Through Rapid Growth with Rob Ertmann 19:23

7M ago19:23

19:23

Send us a text Rob Ertmann, President of Mo’ Bettahs, joins Zack Oates live to share how the brand scaled from 22 to over 60 locations while staying true to its “be aloha” culture. Rob explains how simplicity, consistency, and operational focus helped Mo’ Bettahs deliver great guest experiences at every stage of growth. He shares insights on traini…

1
Behind the Growth of Bushfire Kitchen with Oliver Barwin 17:54

7M ago17:54

17:54

Send us a text Oliver Barwin, CEO of Bushfire Kitchen, joins Zack Oates live to share how he transitioned from Wall Street to hospitality, building a fast-casual brand focused on healthy food, hospitality, and smart growth. Oliver explains how technology upgrades, streamlined operations, and a better-for-you menu helped Bushfire Kitchen scale durin…

1
Baking Joy Into Every Bagel with Jeff Perera 19:02

7M ago19:02

19:02

Send us a text Jeff Perera, founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run, joins Zack to share how a passion project turned into one of the fastest-growing bagel brands in the country. From baking fresh bagels all day long to building real connections with guests, Jeff explains how focusing on hospitality, simplicity, and genuine joy helped grow his business to 12 l…

1
Craveable Brands Done Right with Lawrence Longo 16:50

8M ago16:50

16:50

Send us a text Lawrence Longo, serial food entrepreneur and founder of Off the Menu, joins Zack to share how building craveable products, creating genuine hospitality, and staying relentlessly simple have driven his success across multiple brands. As CEO of Prince Street Pizza, Irv’s Burgers, and The Bar Next Door, Lawrence talks about what it real…

1
Real Connections, Real Results with Yasaman Stewart 15:48

8M ago15:48

15:48

Send us a text Yasaman Stewart, Senior Director of Marketing at Brix Holdings, joins Zack to share how consistency, energy, and real connection drive powerful guest experiences. Drawing from her deep operations and marketing background, Yasaman explains how brands can inspire their teams, build authentic connections, and turn recognition into loyal…

1
Turning Insight Into Action with Kendall Ware 20:10

8M ago20:10

20:10

Send us a text Kendall Ware, keynote speaker and franchise growth coach, joins Zack to share strategies for building memorable guest experiences rooted in authenticity, consistency, and connection. With a deep background in franchise leadership and hospitality, Kendall offers insights on what really drives guest loyalty—and how small moments make a…

1
Operational Clarity Wins with Sebastian Stahl 15:48

8M ago15:48

15:48

Send us a text Sebastian Stahl, former hospitality operator and now founder of Breadth, joins the show to talk about how restaurants can build marketing systems that actually work. As the host of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Sebastian shares how guest experience starts long before a diner walks through the door—and how to align your team, tech, an…

1
What Truly Creates Restaurant Magic with Troy Guard 18:37

8M ago18:37

18:37

Send us a text Chef Troy Guard, founder of TAG Restaurant Group, joins the show to share how creating a vibe, embracing the unexpected, and mentoring talent have helped him grow multiple restaurant concepts across states. From dishwasher to executive chef, Troy reflects on his journey and how guest experience is driven by feeling—not formulas. Zack…

1
Rewiring Customer Perception with Melissa Hughes 19:32

8M ago19:32

19:32

Send us a text Dr. Melissa Hughes joins Zack to explore the neuroscience behind the guest experience. As a keynote speaker and author, Melissa breaks down why small missteps in a restaurant can have an outsized impact, and how operators can respond to reviews with empathy and intention. Zack and Melissa discuss: How the brain's negativity bias affe…

1
Culture That Connects with Chris Schultz 18:46

9M ago18:46

18:46

Send us a text Chris Schultz, CEO of Voodoo Doughnut, joins Zack to share how the brand’s rebellious spirit and cult following stem from bold choices and intentional culture. With decades of experience in hospitality, Chris explores how staying weird can still mean staying operationally sharp. Creating a culture that celebrates personality and crea…

1
Authenticity by Design with Shaz Khan of Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks 17:43

9M ago17:43

17:43

Send us a text Shaz Khan, co-founder of Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks, joins Zack to share how he's built a beloved multi-unit brand without losing the feel of a local favorite. With an engineering mindset and a passion for hospitality, Shaz breaks down the systems, tech, and transparency that drive guest loyalty and operational excellence. Zack and…

1
Running a Profitable Restaurant Without Being Trapped in It with David Scott Peters 19:24

9M ago19:24

19:24

Send us a text Zack sits down with David Scott Peters, restaurant coach, speaker, and author of Restaurant Prosperity Formula, to break down how independent restaurant owners can create financial and operational freedom. He shares why delegation without documentation leads to failure, how to build a system that works without you, and why great gues…

1
From Brand Voice to Guest Experience with Stacey Kane 18:15

9M ago18:15

18:15

Send us a text Zack welcomes Stacey Kane, a fractional CMO for emerging and beyond brands, to discuss the importance of brand voice, guest experience, and tactical marketing strategies in the restaurant industry. With experience leading marketing efforts for multiple brands, Stacey shares how businesses can define their identity, engage guests, and…

1
Frictionless Ordering & Smarter Tech with Johnathan Chen 21:10

9M ago21:10

21:10

Send us a text On this episode of Give an Ovation, Johnathan Chen, CEO and Co-Founder of 5&5, joins Zack Oates to discuss how restaurants can optimize their technology stack to improve operations and guest experience. With years of experience in restaurant tech and digital services, Johnathan shares insights on streamlining systems, avoiding tech o…

1
Five-Star Strategies for Restaurant Success with Michael Halen 17:22

9M ago17:22

17:22

Send us a text On this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack Oates welcomes Michael Halen, Senior Restaurant and Foodservice Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence and host of Chopping It Up. Michael shares his insights on industry trends, value perception, and the impact of inflation on restaurant profitability. He discusses how brands like Texas Roadhouse …

1
How Genuine Hospitality and Guest Engagement Drive Restaurant Success with Julie Zucker 18:29

10M ago18:29

18:29

Send us a text Zack welcomes Julie Zucker, CMO and Partner at Branded Strategic Hospitality and producer of the Hospitality Hangout podcast. With years of experience in restaurant marketing and guest experience, Julie shares invaluable insights into building genuine guest connections, leveraging technology, and fostering a hospitality-driven cultur…

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