The meez Podcast
Josh Sharkey
Josh Sharkey (Entrepreneur, professional chef, and founder/CEO of meez, the culinaryOS for food professionals) interviews world class entrepreneurs in the food space that are shifting the paradigm of how we innovate and operate in our industry.
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Top 10 The meez Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The meez Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The meez Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The meez Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
07/16/24 • 71 min
#68. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Matt Wampler, co-founder and CEO of ClearCOGS, one of the rising stars in the food tech industry. Josh and Matt delve into the fascinating world of predictive analytics, AI, and machine learning in the food sector.
ClearCOGS is revolutionizing the way large-scale organizations forecast sales and manage food prep. By leveraging advanced technologies, ClearCOGS provides daily insights that help businesses like Jimmy John's reduce waste and optimize operations. Josh and Matt explore the practical applications of these technologies and discuss how they make it easy for companies to access vital information.
The conversation also delves into Matt's background in the franchise world, where he managed multiple Jimmy John's locations. Matt shares his experiences of starting from scratch in a franchise, the resources available, and the unique challenges and advantages of having established processes in place.
Listeners will gain insights into Matt's journey from franchise management to co-founding ClearCOGS and learn about the company's mission to minimize food waste. This episode offers valuable perspectives on building a tech-driven company in the food industry and the impact of innovative solutions on sustainability.
Tune in to hear Josh and Matt's engaging discussion and discover how ClearCOGS is paving the way for smarter food management. Enjoy the episode!
Where to find Matt Wampler:
Where to find ClearCOGS
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(02:58): Owning a Jimmy John's franchise
(12:39): All about systems(15:21): In the people business
(20:14): ClearCOGS 101
(35:11): Using AI for ClearCOGS
(39:28): How Matt met Osa
(51:31): What's next for meez?
(59:18): Matt's two questions for Josh
(1:05:53): What makes Matt really angry?
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Bonus Episode: Josh Sharkey Talks Menu Engineering, Culinary Entrepreneurship and Innovation at ICE
The meez Podcast
07/09/24 • 42 min
#67. In this special episode of The meez Podcast, listeners are treated to a captivating talk given at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City between Brian Konopka, Director of Strategic Operations Dean of Restaurant & Culinary Management, and Josh Sharkey, Founder and CEO of meez.
Addressing a business class with a culinary focus, Josh and Brian engage with a dynamic group of students and faculty, discussing the journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges faced along the way, and the experience of building and scaling restaurants and a food tech company.
The episode delves deep into topics such as recipes, food costing, menu engineering, and, of course, meez. The students' enthusiasm and curiosity were truly inspiring, offering a hopeful glimpse into the future of the culinary industry. Tune in to share in the insightful and inspiring conversation.
Where to find ICE:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(02:50): Josh Sharkey's early career
(07:16): How and when meez was created(12:00): Menu engineering 101
(20:18): Gathering the recipe data for meez
(26:32): How AI is changing the industry
(33:33): Why grandma's recipe just tastes better
(36:11): Balancing work and life
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05/28/24 • 55 min
#61. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Sam Bernstein, the founder of Table22. Table22 is a pioneering company designed to help restaurants generate incremental new revenue through subscriptions, including memberships, CPG products, and events.
Josh and Sam's paths first crossed at The Chef Conference in Philadelphia. Since then, their encounters have become frequent, most recently at the National Restaurant Association Show, where they connected at an event hosted by meez, Made In Cookware, and Fernet.
In this episode, Josh delves into Sam's entrepreneurial journey, discussing his impressive background as a Thiel Fellow and his early forays in real estate before founding Table22. Sam's passion and smart approach to supporting the restaurant industry shine through as he shares insights into the growth of Table22 and his vision for the future of restaurant revenue streams.
Tune in to hear about Sam's innovative strategies, his dedication to the restaurant community, and the story behind Table22. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with entrepreneurial wisdom and industry insights.
Where to find Sam Bernstein:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(03:41): Sam's background
(15:17): Sam's learnings from receiving a Thiel Fellowship(22:00): How Table22 works
(47:39): Sam's interpretation of the 11 star experience for Table22
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Jack McGarry on Redefining Irish-American Pubs Through The Dead Rabbit and The Irish Exit
The meez Podcast
10/29/24 • 76 min
#83. In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with Jack McGarry, Managing Partner of world-renowned, The Dead Rabbit, for a deep dive into leadership in the restaurant and bar industry. Jack shares insights on building and scaling a globally recognized brand, including how he's led The Dead Rabbit to become one of the most awarded pubs in the world, with honors like Tales of the Cocktail awards and World’s 50 Best Bars titles. They also discuss the challenges of hiring in hospitality, what it takes to lead a successful team, and how to maintain authenticity while expanding into new cities.
Beyond the operational side, Jack opens up about his passion for contemporary Irish culture and how he’s reshaping the image of the Irish-American pub. From his expertise in cocktail development and Irish spirits to his commitment to philanthropy and mental health advocacy, Jack’s story is one of passion, purpose, and leadership. And, of course, no conversation with Jack McGarry would be complete without discussing what makes the perfect cocktail.
Tune in to hear how Jack’s journey from Belfast to New York has made The Dead Rabbit a global institution, and what’s next for this Irish pub as well as other brands as it expands across the U.S.
Where to find Jack McGarry:
Where to find The Dead Rabbit:
Where to find The Irish Exit:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(02:18): What recently has been keeping Jack up at night
(06:38): How Jack maintains quality when scaling to new locations(14:55): How Jack thinks about hiring
(35:01): What Jack has learned about hiring for the future
(40:12): What makes a great cocktail and what makes a great bartender?
(1:01:06): The Irish Exit and Celebrating Irish Culture
(1:05:53): What is clear ice?
(1:13:17): Next steps for Jack
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09/03/24 • 51 min
#75. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we dive deep into the culinary world of Tyler Akin, founder of Form-Function Hospitality, and a celebrated chef and restaurateur who has left an indelible mark on the East Coast's dining scene. From his early days in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was inspired by his Southern grandmother's meticulous cooking, to his time at prestigious kitchens like minibar by José Andrés and Michelin-starred Komi, Akin's journey is anything but ordinary.
After leaving law school to follow his passion for food, Akin honed his craft under the mentorship of renowned chefs Johnny Monis and Michael Solomonov. His own ventures, including the acclaimed Stock in Fishtown and Res Ipsa Cafe, have garnered national recognition and cemented his reputation as a key figure in Philadelphia’s culinary renaissance.
Akin's latest project, Bastia, is set to open in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. This new venture, a collaboration with Foyer Project, will transform Hotel Anna & Bel into a vibrant space, offering a leisurely café experience by day and a coastal Mediterranean restaurant by night, drawing inspiration from the sun-drenched shores of Corsica and Sardinia.
As Form-Function Hospitality continues to expand with concepts like Bastia and the upcoming Caletta, Akin remains at the forefront of creating memorable dining experiences in historic spaces. Join us as we explore Tyler Akin's remarkable career, his passion for preserving culinary traditions, and the exciting new projects on the horizon.
Where to find Tyler Akin:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(05:40): Tyler's Delaware roots
(10:09): How Tyler got into cooking(17:57): The worst kitchen injury Tyler's seen
(23:21): All about Form and Function Hospitality
(30:28): Hotel Du Pont and Le Cavalier
(37:46): Batista Restaurant
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Keith Weaver on Building Iconic Hospitality Brands and the Legacy of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
The meez Podcast
11/12/24 • 50 min
#85. In this episode of The meez Podcast, Keith Weaver shares his remarkable journey from Los Angeles to Shelbyville, Tennessee, and the role he’s played in shaping the legacy of Uncle Nearest Whiskey and longest bar in the world, Humble Baron.
Keith dives into the creation of this iconic brand and explains what sets Tennessee whiskey apart from others, providing fascinating insights into the world of spirits. He also discusses his personal move to Shelbyville and his passion for giving back to the community through projects like The Humble Baron and Classic Hops Brewery. Finally, Keith reflects on his ultimate goal: building up the Shelbyville community and leaving a lasting impact.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in whiskey, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Where to find Keith Weaver:
Where to find Uncle Nearest Whiskey
Where to find Humble Baron Bar
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(01:46): Keith's background
(05:56): The creation of Uncle Nearest Whiskey(11:15): What makes Tennessee whiskey different than other whiskeys?
(23:17): Moving from LA to Shelbyville, Tennessee
(29:12): The Humble Baron
(40:56): Classic Hops Brewery
(44:06): Keith's goal of building up the Shelbyville community
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Ellen Yin on Building a Culinary Empire: Vision, Collaboration, and Empowering Women in Hospitality
The meez Podcast
06/18/24 • 62 min
#64. In this episode of the meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Ellen Yin, the esteemed founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen has garnered acclaim for her work, including being honored with the Outstanding Restaurateur Award by the James Beard Foundation. She also serves on the board of Open Table (among many other boards) and is the co-chair of the Sisterly Love Coalition, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the Philadelphia hospitality industry.
Josh and Ellen dive into her decades of experience running High Street Hospitality Group, discussing the challenges and successes she has encountered along the way. Despite not being a chef herself, Ellen has a clear vision for her business and has successfully collaborated with numerous talented chefs. The conversation explores how Ellen balances the creative vision of her chefs with her business objectives, offering valuable insights into her hiring process and leadership style.
Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with industry wisdom, stories of resilience, and Ellen's inspiring journey in the world of hospitality.
Where to find Ellen Yin:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(03:11): Ellen's thoughts on awards
(04:44): High Street Hospitality's new growth (07:24): How Ellen is adapting to opening restaurants in different cities
(10:12): Community involvement in new cities
(14:20): Pros and cons of being a restaurateur and not a chef
(26:55): How Ellen measures team growth and happiness
(32:21): The uniqueness of the Philly restaurant scene
(40:21): Today's cost of food and service charges
(46:26): Sisterly Love Collective and The Wonton Project
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Troy Hooper on Time Blocking, Unlocking Hospitality Success, and Outsourcing Smartly
The meez Podcast
12/10/24 • 59 min
#89. On this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Troy Hooper, a seasoned hospitality consultant, Founder & CEO of Kiwi Restaurant Partners (KRP) and Nurish, Founder of SNDWCH, CEO of Pepper Lunch, and the host of The Pineapple Perspective Podcast. Troy begins the episode with how he strategically blocks off his time to balance priorities and dives into the fascinating twists and turns of his diverse career journey.
Josh and Troy discuss the unique concept behind Pepper Lunch and explore the benefits of outsourcing high-quality prepped ingredients. Finally, Troy talks about his podcast, The Pineapple Perspective, and leaves listeners with insightful closing advice for navigating the hospitality industry.
Whether you’re in foodservice or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways!
Where to find Troy Hooper:
Where to find Pepper Lunch:
Where to find Kiwi Restaurant Partners:
Where to find Nurish:
Where to find SNDWCH:
Where to find The Pineapple Perspective Podcast:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(02:01): How Troy blocks off his time
(13:33): Troy's diverse career journey(24:16): Pepper Lunch
(33:59): Outsourcing high quality prepped ingredients
(50:20): The Pineapple Perspective Podcast
(54:30): Troy's closing advice
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12/24/24 • 46 min
#91. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we chat with Kristen Hawley, a renowned journalist in restaurant technology, founder of the acclaimed newsletter Expedite, and cohost of the podcast, The Simmer.
Kristen shares her journey into the restaurant tech space, reflecting on the early tech boom and her role in documenting its growth. We delve into the challenges and opportunities in restaurant tech, from the differences between consumer-facing tools and back-office systems to the surprises and emerging trends she’s observed over the past year. Kristen also discusses what she’s most excited about for the future, including new additions to the tech stack and the ongoing influence of tools like AI.
Throughout the conversation, Kristen provides thoughtful insights on measuring success, her hopes for deeper industry conversations, and what consolidation could mean for the future of restaurant technology.
Whether you're in hospitality, tech, or just curious about the intersection of the two, this episode offers a fascinating look into the world of restaurant innovation.
Where to find Kristen Hawley:
Where to find Expedite:
Where to find The Simmer
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(01:45): How Kristen became passionate about restaurant tech
(06:08): Acute memories of the restaurant tech boom(11:33): Kristen's role and impact in the industry as a journalist
(15:47): How Kristen measures success
(18:03): What Kristen wished more people would ask her
(24:10): Consumer-facing tech vs back office tech
(26:20): What surprised Kristen during the last year
(30:45): Speculation of future consolidation
(33:17): New parts of the tech stack emerging
(37:58): QR Codes
(39:30): What Kristen is most excited about regarding restaurant tech
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Ben Pryor on Augmented Intuition
The meez Podcast
04/29/25 • 76 min
#95.
In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with Ben Pryor, a former restaurant operator turned tech leader at Fourtop, to explore the real-world impact of AI in the hospitality industry—and why it should empower teams, not replace them.
With more than 30 years of experience running restaurants like Noodles & Co., Brinker, and Dewey’s, Ben brings a sharp operator-first perspective to restaurant innovation. He unpacks his concept of “augmented intuition”—a rebrand of AI that’s rooted in support and empowerment rather than substitution—and shares how technology can be used to enhance human decision-making across teams. From simple tools like Expensify to AI-powered note-taking apps, he breaks down the systems that have helped streamline his own day-to-day work.
Josh and Ben also dig into the intersection of technology and hospitality, talking through why investing in people and processes is still critical, the role of friction in the guest experience, and the operational challenges restaurants face when integrating new tech. They explore the importance of service in shaping memorable dining experiences, what scalable leadership really looks like, and how restaurant teams can take ownership of their internal systems and data.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking critically about the future of hospitality—whether you're navigating AI tools, building smoother workflows, or trying to create a seamless experience for both staff and guests.
Links and resources 📌
Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.com
Follow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeez
Follow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkey
Visit Ben: https://www.fourtop.ai/
Audio chapters:
00:00 - Investing in People and Processes
07:47 - Augmented Intuition in the Restaurant Industry
14:54 - AI Tools and Daily Operations
22:57 - The Role of Friction in Hospitality
30:46 - Rethinking Restaurant Operations and Technology
40:08 - Understanding Restaurant Economics
43:52 - The Importance of Service in Dining Experiences
46:05 - The Role of Technology in Restaurant Operations
51:54 - The Intersection of Technology and Hospitality
56:34 - Data Integration Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
01:01:46 - The Future of Restaurant Technology
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FAQ
How many episodes does The meez Podcast have?
The meez Podcast currently has 105 episodes available.
What topics does The meez Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Restaurant, Entrepreneurship, Culinary, Chef, Podcasts, Arts, Business and Food.
What is the most popular episode on The meez Podcast?
The episode title 'Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher on Austin’s Dining Scene, Building Lenoir, and Balancing Life as Restaurateurs' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The meez Podcast?
The average episode length on The meez Podcast is 57 minutes.
How often are episodes of The meez Podcast released?
Episodes of The meez Podcast are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The meez Podcast?
The first episode of The meez Podcast was released on Mar 17, 2023.
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