Restaurant Leaders Unplugged

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Randy Burks, the founder of Randy’s Steakhouse in Frisco, Texas. With over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Randy shares the journey of building his iconic steakhouse, navigating challenges like sky-high food costs, labor shortages, and even pandemic shutdowns. From starting as a dishwasher with a notebook of solutions to becoming a revered restaurateur in a historic 1869 house, Randy’s story is packed with insights, resilience, and some unforgettable tales (like the time he had to remove a pool due to skinny-dipping staff!).

Discover how Randy turned mistakes into loyal customer relationships, the secrets to leading a dedicated team for over 20 years, and his unique perspective on the future of the restaurant industry. Whether you're an aspiring restaurateur, seasoned pro, or just love a great story, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice you don’t want to miss.

Connect with our guest:
Website: www.randysteakhouse.com

Follow Randy’s Steakhouse on Social Media:
Instagram: @RandysSteakhouse
Facebook: Randy's Steakhouse

Listen now to dive into the world of steak, hospitality, and leadership!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we’re thrilled to host Christin Marvin, influential leadership coach, author of The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap, and founder of Solutions by Christin. Christin opens up about her transformative journey in the hospitality industry—from her early days as a line cook to scaling restaurant groups, facing burnout, and becoming a sought-after coach for independent restaurant owners.

Christin shares:

• The emotional toll of burnout and how to overcome it
• The crucial difference between management and leadership
• Practical tools to create a positive, mentally fit work culture
• How to balance personal growth while leading a team
• Insights into navigating the future of restaurants in a changing industry

Packed with real-life stories, valuable leadership lessons, and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for restaurant leaders looking to empower their teams and themselves.
Her podcast: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/podcast
Her book: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/book
Social media links: Instagram, LinkedIn
https://www.instagram.com/solutionsbychristin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christin-marvin/
Website: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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Journey to Culinary Excellence: Jaime Pesaque's Road to the World's 50 Best

This episode of the Restaurant Leaders Unplugged Podcast features Jaime Pesaque, renowned Peruvian chef and restaurateur. Host Sebastian Stahl delves into Jaime's 25-year journey in the culinary world, beginning with his education at Le Cordon Bleu, his training in Europe, and the eventual founding of his flagship restaurant, Mayta. Jaime discusses the challenges he faced in the early years, the importance of patience and consistency, and the crucial balance between creativity and entrepreneurship. He also shares the significant milestone of Mayta being recognized among the World's 50 Best Restaurants. Emphasizing the preservation and promotion of Peruvian culture through his cuisine, Jaime highlights the role of PR and marketing in his success and the value of teamwork and leadership. He offers insights on family life, managing stress, and the importance of enjoying the journey. The episode concludes with his aspirations for the future, focusing on forming new chefs and continuing to elevate Peruvian cuisine on the global stage.

00:00 The Early Struggles and Determination

00:24 Introduction to the Podcast

01:05 Jaime's Culinary Journey

03:05 Opening Mayta and Other Ventures

06:38 The Unique Concept of Mayta

10:18 The Role of PR and Marketing

11:34 Partnerships and Collaborations

24:36 Balancing Family and Career

28:38 Handling Stress and Learning from Mistakes

33:12 Future Goals and Legacy

35:44 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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From Generation to Generation: Lauri's Journey in the Family Restaurant Business

In this episode of the Restaurant Leaders Unplugged podcast, Lauri shares her journey and deep-rooted passion for the hospitality industry. Growing up in a family-run restaurant, her transition from marketing to hospitality was a natural fit. She discusses the multi-generational evolution of their business, the impact of her family's values, and the significant challenges they faced, including the 2020 pandemic. The conversation shifts to marketing strategies, operational adjustments, maintaining consistency across multiple locations, and balancing personal and professional life. Lauri emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks, self-awareness in leadership, and shares advice for aspiring restaurant owners. Tune in for a comprehensive look at sustaining a successful family-run restaurant through dedication and adaptive strategies.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Lauri's Background in Hospitality

02:02 Joining the Family Business

05:39 Values and Culture at Padrinos

09:43 Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

Mastering the Restaurant Game: Insights from Ryan Egozi | Restaurant Leaders Unplugged

Dive into the dynamic world of restaurant management with Ryan Egozi, a seasoned expert from Toast and former leader at Suviche Hospitality Group, as he shares invaluable insights on thriving in the modern restaurant industry. In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Ryan discusses the transition from hands-on restaurant operations to technology, the power of simplifying your approach, and the critical role of processes in achieving restaurant success.

🍴 What You’ll Learn:

• Quality of Life in Tech vs. Restaurant Operations: Discover how moving from restaurant floors to tech can change your work-life balance without losing the essence of hospitality.
• Simplicity in Operations: Ryan breaks down why focusing on happy guests, great food, and satisfied employees creates a foundation for success.
• Integrating Technology: Learn how tools like Toast can streamline operations while enhancing the customer experience, and where the line should be drawn to preserve the human touch.
• Adapting to Consumer Changes: Understand the challenges of rising commodity costs and how rapidly changing consumer preferences impact restaurant strategies.
• Marketing and Operations Synergy: Uncover the benefits of aligning marketing efforts with operational capabilities to ensure realistic and impactful promotions.

💡 Ryan shares stories and lessons that highlight the importance of balancing creativity with systematic processes, the role of technology in modern hospitality, and strategies for adapting to the ever-changing landscape of consumer demands.

Whether you're a budding restaurateur, a seasoned operator, or simply fascinated by the intersection of hospitality and technology, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon for more insights from industry leaders!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!