The Pre-Shift

7shifts
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Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into what it takes to build great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, the strategies they use, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D. J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

  1. 5D AGO

    The QUESO Framework: how Condado Tacos built a culture-first restaurant empire | 072

    How do you grow from a single taco joint to a 50+ location brand without losing the soul of your company? For Joe Kahn and Chris Artinian of Condado Tacos, the answer is simple: QUESO. In this episode, Founder Joe Kahn and CEO Chris Artinian share the origin story of Condado Tacos, built on the principle of creating a restaurant where people would want to work forever. They detail their unique "QUESO" framework—Quality, Unique, Empowered, Service, and Opportunity—that serves as the lens for every business decision. From making tough calls on ingredient quality to fostering a pipeline of internal talent (with 66% of promotions from within), they provide a masterclass in scaling a people-first culture in the face of rapid expansion. Key Takeaways Culture as a Foundation: Learn how Condado Tacos was founded with the mission to correct the "injustice" of the restaurant industry by creating a respectful and opportunity-rich environment.Codifying Your Values: Discover the "QUESO" (Quality, Unique, Empowered, Service, Opportunity) framework and how it provides a clear guide for decision-making across the organization.Values-Driven Decisions: Hear real-world examples of how their values led them to absorb costs rather than compromise on quality, mirroring the famous "In-N-Out" philosophy.Scaling Culture: Understand the challenges of maintaining a strong culture during rapid growth and the strategies they use, including a focus on internal promotion and robust communication.Hiring for Heart: Find out what Condado looks for in new hires, prioritizing friendliness, integrity, and a desire to make a difference above all else.Resources Mentioned Condado Tacos: https://condadotacos.com/Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org/Send us a text 📲 Connect with D.J. DJ's Email Follow on LinkedIn More 7shifts Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter 7shifts on YouTube Follow us on TikTok Read the 7shifts Blog About Us 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

    25 min

  2. OCT 22

    How to get your team to actually care about the numbers with Ji Hye Kim | 071

    In an industry struggling with retention and wage disparity, how can operators build a business that is both profitable and truly equitable? In this episode, we talk to Ji Hye Kim, the celebrated chef-owner of Miss Kim and a leading advocate for One Fair Wage. She shares the innovative and practical systems she uses to foster a transparent and engaged team culture. From daily "Best Next Time" conversations that empower staff voices to "Gross Games" that make open-book finance an exciting team sport, Ji Hye offers a blueprint for a new kind of restaurant management. She details the evolution of her compensation model—from no-tip to a base pay plus tip-share system—and explains how it has eliminated the front-of-house/back-of-house divide, creating a unified and motivated team. Key Takeaways Simple Tools for Engagement: Learn about "Best Next Time," a simple post-shift framework to encourage open, constructive, and action-oriented feedback from the entire team.Making Open-Book Finance Fun: Discover how "Gross Games" transforms the abstract concept of sales numbers into a fun, daily competition that connects the team's effort directly to the restaurant's performance.A Fair Compensation Model: Ji Hye breaks down her base pay plus tip-share model, which ensures all staff earn well above minimum wage and fosters collaboration between the kitchen and dining room.Transparency Builds Trust: Understand why creating a simple, easy-to-understand pay structure is crucial for building trust and ensuring everyone feels valued.Retention Through Empowerment: Hear Ji Hye’s philosophy on retention—that creating a safe, empowering environment where personal goals are discussed is key to making restaurant jobs a viable long-term career.Resources Mentioned Miss Kim Restaurant: https://www.misskimannarbor.com/Zingerman's Community of Businesses: https://www.zingermanscommunity.com/One Fair Wage: https://onefairwage.site/Send us a text 📲 Connect with D.J. DJ's Email Follow on LinkedIn More 7shifts Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter 7shifts on YouTube Follow us on TikTok Read the 7shifts Blog About Us 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

    23 min

  3. OCT 8

    Anthony Valletta on tech, training, and tearing up the traditional pay model | 070

    What if your dishwasher earned the same as your most tenured line cook? At bartaco, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s the reality. In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco, to discuss the innovative strategies fueling their nationwide growth. Anthony pulls back the curtain on their revolutionary compensation structure, where every hourly employee receives the same base wage and an equal share of tips, eliminating pay disparity between the front and back of house. He explains how this model has not only provided a true living wage but also fostered unprecedented teamwork and a self-managing labor force. We also dive into bartaco's philosophy on technology as a tool to enhance hospitality and their unique leadership academy that invests in developing the whole person, not just the employee. Key Takeaways Tech as an Enabler: Learn bartaco's philosophy on using technology to handle transactional tasks, giving staff more time to engage with guests and enhance the human element of hospitality.A Radical Pay Structure: Discover how bartaco implemented a system where every hourly employee—FOH and BOH—earns the exact same base wage and receives an equal percentage of tips.The Unintended Benefits of Equal Pay: Hear how the equal-pay model has led to remarkable teamwork and a culture where the team holds each other accountable, creating a self-managing labor model.Developing People, Not Just Managers: Explore the "bartaco Leadership Academy," a program that provides executive-level coaching on life skills to every salaried employee, leading to profound personal and professional growth.Career Pathing That Works: Understand their "edible carrots" approach to career development, which provides clear, accessible, and attainable steps for advancement within the company.Resources Mentioned bartaco: https://bartaco.com/Send us a text 📲 Connect with D.J. DJ's Email Follow on LinkedIn More 7shifts Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter 7shifts on YouTube Follow us on TikTok Read the 7shifts Blog About Us 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

    20 min

  4. SEP 24

    Where are you on the restaurant tech journey? | 069

    Do you ever wonder if your restaurant's technology is ahead of the curve, just keeping pace, or falling behind the competition? In a tough environment where 44% of restaurants are missing their labor targets, knowing where you stand is the first step to getting ahead. In this special solo episode, host D.J. Costantino walks you through the four distinct stages of a restaurant's digital journey: from "Analog" paper-and-pen operations to a fully "Optimized" and integrated tech stack. Discover where your restaurant fits in this framework and get a clear, practical roadmap for what comes next. In this episode, you'll discover: How to identify your restaurant's current stage of tech maturity, from Analog to Optimized.Why 44% of restaurants are missing labor targets and how real-time data can give you back control.The direct link between modern tools, a positive employee experience, and improving your team's retention rate.How automating manual tasks can free up hours of your time to work on your business, not just in it.Send us a text 📲 Connect with D.J. DJ's Email Follow on LinkedIn More 7shifts Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter 7shifts on YouTube Follow us on TikTok Read the 7shifts Blog About Us 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

    6 min

  5. SEP 10

    The WOWorks growth playbook for repeatable systems and unified tech | 068

    How do you take six distinct fast-casual brands and scale them under a single, efficient operational umbrella? In this episode, we sit down with Lauriena Borstein, Chief Operating Officer, and Kyle Mark, Chief Information Officer of WOWorks—the restaurant group behind Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, and Garbanzo, among others. They share the "One WOW Way," their philosophy for unifying operations, technology, and communication across their entire portfolio. Lauriena details how creating repeatable systems while maintaining flexibility is the key to scaling, and why franchisee profitability is their non-negotiable north star metric. Kyle explains the monumental task of consolidating disparate systems into a single tech stack and how proving the ROI—like a 30-35% increase in digital sales—is crucial for getting franchisee buy-in. This conversation is a masterclass in managing growth, the c between operations and technology, and why a strong culture is built on communication. Key takeaways Building repeatable systems. Scaling any brand requires creating consistent, repeatable systems with flexibility for local execution.The "one WOW way" is A core philosophy for shared services like tech and supply chain, which creates efficiency across a multi-brand portfolio.Franchisee profitability is #1. Franchisee profitability is the primary metric for success, as no initiative is scalable if it isn't profitable.Unify your tech stack for growth. A single tech stack (POS, online ordering, loyalty) simplifies operations, reduces training, and unifies data analysis.Communicate, communicate, communicate. Build a strong culture with a consistent communication cadence, ensuring franchisees hear a unified message from all leadership.Don't be afraid to fail fast. Growth-minded operators must try new things and be willing to fail fast, dropping what doesn't work to move on quickly.Resources Learn more about WOWorks and their family of brands: Connect with the guests on LinkedIn:Kyle MarkLauriena BorsteinSend us a text 📲 Connect with D.J. DJ's Email Follow on LinkedIn More 7shifts Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter 7shifts on YouTube Follow us on TikTok Read the 7shifts Blog About Us 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

    29 min

  6. AUG 13

    Franchising isn't an exit strategy—it's a full-time job with Shawn Saraga | 067

    What does it truly take to turn a successful restaurant into a scalable franchise? In this episode, D.J. sits down with Shawn Saraga, a franchise development expert who has been involved in opening nearly 1,000 franchise locations. Shawn shares his journey from nightclub DJ to franchise guru and dives deep into the realities of restaurant expansion. He explains why franchising is not an exit strategy but an entirely new business that requires immense dedication. Listeners will learn the critical systems and benchmarks a restaurant must have in place before franchising, the "devil in the details" of standardizing your secret sauce, and, most importantly, the non-teachable personality trait to look for in a potential franchisee: persistence. Key Takeaways Prove the Model First: Before you even consider franchising, you need a replicable model. This means having at least two or three successful locations to prove the concept works beyond your direct, daily involvement.Franchising is a New Job, Not an Exit: Thinking of franchising as a way to step back is a mistake. It’s an entirely new, full-time role focused on recruiting, real estate, operations, and support. You are no longer just an operator; you are a "king maker."Systemize Your Intangibles: The "little things" that make your restaurant special—like your networking style or community involvement—must be documented and turned into a trainable system for your franchisees to follow.Location is Non-Negotiable: As Shawn says, "50 feet from great is not great." You cannot afford to compromise on real estate. Diligent, multi-day scouting and research of a location is critical before signing a long-term lease.Hire for Persistence: You can teach someone how to make your food, but you can't teach them the grit to get through the hard days. Persistence is the single most important personality trait of a successful franchisee.Resources The Franchise Academy: Learn more about Shawn and his consulting services at thefranchiseacademy.ca.Upcoming Book: Keep an eye out for Shawn's book, How to Choose the Right Franchise for You, releasing in early 2026.Send us a text 📲 Connect with D.J. DJ's Email Follow on LinkedIn More 7shifts Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter 7shifts on YouTube Follow us on TikTok Read the 7shifts Blog About Us 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

    25 min

  7. JUL 23

    What do restaurant investors really want? unlocking the financial trifecta with Garrett Mills | 066

    What does it truly take to grow a restaurant concept from a single unit to a multi-location brand? In this episode, we're joined by Garrett Mills, Partner at Uncommon Brands, for a deep dive into the world of restaurant growth and investment. Garrett shares his unique journey and unpacks the key financial and qualitative factors his firm evaluates when partnering with emerging brands. From the importance of a strong employee culture to the challenges of letting go of control, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for any operator looking to scale their business and build a lasting brand. Key Takeaways The Financial Trifecta: When evaluating a business, focus on three key ratios: sales-to-investment, store-level margin, and cash-on-cash returns. Achieving strength in at least two of these areas is crucial for attracting investment and ensuring sustainable growth. Embrace the GM-Driven Model: To scale effectively, founders must transition from being hands-on in every detail to empowering their general managers. This requires building trust and creating systems that allow unit-level leaders to take ownership of their stores. Culture Drives Experience: Your employees are the ones driving the guest experience. Investing in a strong employee culture is fundamental to creating a restaurant experience that keeps customers returning. Technology Should Inform Decisions: The most valuable technology partners provide clear information that helps you make better, faster decisions, especially around food and labor costs. The goal is to get GMs out of the back office and onto the floor with guests and staff. Growth Isn't Easy: The path to scaling a restaurant is a grind. Surround yourself with experienced advisors and be prepared to overcome significant challenges along the way. Resources Uncommon BrandsUncommon Brands on LinkedIn7shiftsSend us a text 📲 Connect with D.J. DJ's Email Follow on LinkedIn More 7shifts Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter 7shifts on YouTube Follow us on TikTok Read the 7shifts Blog About Us 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

    31 min

  8. JUL 2

    The franchise playbook: A CEO’s guide to restaurant expansion with Troy Hooper | 065

    What does it take to grow a restaurant from a single location to a global phenomenon? In this episode, D.J. sits down with Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palate America, the holding company for the rapidly expanding Japanese fast-casual brand, Pepper Lunch. Troy pulls back the curtain on his extensive career, from his early days in the kitchen to leading a global brand. He offers a masterclass on scaling a restaurant business, detailing the crucial transition from hands-on manager to visionary executive. Listeners will learn the key metrics and, more importantly, the mindset required to franchise, the right way to enter new markets successfully, and how to use data to understand your customer on a deeper level. This is a must-listen for any operator with ambitions to grow. Key Takeaways The 3-Thing Rule: To let go effectively, identify the 1-3 things you are most passionate about in your business and focus on them. Outsource everything else to people who are passionate about those specific areas.Are You Franchise-Ready? Franchising means leaving the restaurant business and entering the business of providing service to your franchisees. It's a fundamental mindset shift.Grow Methodically: The biggest mistake brands make is jumping from one market to another with single stores. Instead, grow adjacent and open at least three locations in a new market quickly to achieve penetration and build an audience.Master Market Research: Use technology like geofencing to get demographic and sociographic data on your customers, where they come from, and where else they shop. But don't discount analog research—stand in line at a local grocery store and ask people what they value in a restaurant.Real Estate is Everything: After choosing your franchise partner, selecting the right real estate is your most critical decision. It is the most common, painful, and costly mistake. Never call the number on the "For Lease" sign yourself; get professional representation.Resources Pepper Lunch: pepperlunchrestaurants.comConnect with Troy: LinkedInMentioned Tools:Site ZeusSend us a text 📲 Connect with D.J. DJ's Email Follow on LinkedIn More 7shifts Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Subscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter 7shifts on YouTube Follow us on TikTok Read the 7shifts Blog About Us 7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for more than 50,000 restaurants.

    44 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into what it takes to build great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, the strategies they use, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D. J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts.

Information

  • Creator
    7shifts
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 7shifts, Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Pre-Shift

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