The Pre-Shift Podcast: Building a Kitchen OS | Josh Sharkey, CEO of meez

01/07/25 • 40 min

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This week, we are excited to bring you an episode from The Pre-Shift Podcast hosted by DJ Costantino, where our host, Josh Sharkey, was as a guest.
Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.
This episode of the Pre Shift Podcast focuses on Josh Sharkey, the founder and CEO of meez, an innovative recipe tool and culinary operating system. Josh shares his journey from a Michelin-starred chef to a tech entrepreneur. He discusses the motivation behind creating meez, driven by the loss of his recipe notebook and the need for a specialized tool for culinary professionals. Throughout the conversation, Josh elaborates on the challenges faced in transitioning to tech, the features of meez that enhance operational efficiency, and how it serves chefs and restaurant operators in maintaining consistency and profitability. Sharkey also highlights the importance of empowering teams with the right tools and maintaining a clear vision in business. Tune in for practical advice, real stories, and valuable insights into bridging creativity and profitability in the restaurant industry.
00:00 Introduction and Insight
00:29 Meet Josh Sharkey
01:21 The Birth of meez
03:03 Challenges and Solutions
05:42 Building the Company
08:30 Data and Recipe Management
22:47 Team Empowerment and Retention
27:12 Leadership and Vision
38:36 Exciting Developments
40:10 Conclusion and Farewell

Previous Episode

Culinary Mechanic Podcast: The Value of the Pursuit of Excellence with Josh Sharkey (Part 1)

This week, we are excited to bring you part one of a two-part episode from Culinary Mechanic Podcast hosted by Simon Zatyrka, where our host, Josh Sharkey, was as a guest.
Join host Simon Zatyrka on the Culinary Mechanic Podcast for an insightful conversation with Josh Sharkey, founder of meez, a revolutionary software transforming recipe management and restaurant operations.
From his humble beginnings cooking at home to becoming a celebrated chef, Josh shares his journey through the culinary world and the unexpected twists that led him to entrepreneurship. Discover how a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for innovation shaped Josh's career, offering valuable insights for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs alike.
Where to find Simon Zatyrka:

Where to find Culinary Mechanic Podcast:

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

Next Episode

Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna of Ample Hills

#92.
We’re kicking off Season 3 of The meez Podcast with an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and really good ice cream. In this episode, Josh sits down with Jackie Cuscuna and Brian Smith, the founders of Ample Hills Creamery. Jackie and Brian share candid insights on what it takes to start over in the food industry, the lessons they’ve learned about business and creativity, and how they’re keeping the magic of Ample Hills alive.

They reflect on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from expansion struggles to the realities of bankruptcy. The pair also explores the importance of quality control, strategic partnerships, and storytelling in branding. Plus, offer insights into developing new food concepts and their unexpected pivot from ice cream to chicken wings.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, or just someone who appreciates a great comeback story, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Links and Resources:
Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.com
Follow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeez
Follow Brian and Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/astheicecreamchurns?igsh=dmZ6cnJ5Ymdwbmk2

Chapters:
00:00 The Ice Cream Dream Begins
03:05 Crafting the Perfect Ice Cream
05:59 The Art of Flavor Creation
08:57 Behind the Scenes of Ample Hills
11:59 Innovations in Ice Cream Making
14:56 The Business of Ice Cream
17:53 Lessons Learned and Future Plans
22:52 Quality Control and Consistency in Ice Cream Production
24:23 The Journey from Neighborhood Shop to Scaling Up
26:28 The Role of Partnerships and Opportunities in Growth
28:44 The Impact of Disney and Celebrity Endorsements
33:20 The Rise and Fall: Navigating Success and Bankruptcy
42:04 Reinventing the Brand: From Ice Cream to Chicken
46:52 Creative Ideation: The Process Behind New Concepts