Check, Please!

Anthony Valletta
  • 5.0 (5)
  • CAREERS

Check, Please! is a short-form podcast for leaders in the restaurant and hospitality industry who are good at execution and want to get better at judgment. Each episode is around 15-20 minutes and features candid conversations with operators, founders, and industry leaders who’ve actually lived the decisions most people only talk about. This isn’t a traditional interview show. There are no origin stories, no PR answers, and no recycled advice. Check, Please! is about cutting through the noise, saying what you mean, and respecting your time. If you lead people, run teams, or are trying to climb to the next level this show is for you.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    The Biggest Threat to a Turnaround Isn't the Business. It's the Leader

    In this insightful interview, Brandon Coleman shares his expertise on leading organizations through turnaround, the importance of culture, managing ego, and maintaining work-life balance. Discover practical strategies for leadership, board dynamics, and building lasting relationships.

    18 min

  2. APR 29

    The Most Underrated Leadership Skill Nobody Is Training For

    This episode explores the importance of curiosity in leadership, addressing how blind spots, overconfidence, and decision-making processes impact organizational growth.Landon Lynch shares insights on developing self-awareness, fostering influence, and asking the right questions to unlock leadership potential.

    18 min

  3. APR 15

    Your Feedback Is Lying to You

    Zach Oates, CEO of Ovation, discusses the importance of genuine guest feedback, the pitfalls of relying solely on metrics, and how AI can enhance guest recovery without losing the human touch.Learn how to turn feedback into actionable insights and build true loyalty in hospitality.

    17 min

  4. APR 1

    Less Is More: Why Simplicity and Authenticity Are Winning the Beverage Game

    Anthony Valletta and Curt Goldman discuss the evolving landscape of the beverage industry, emphasizing the emotional connection consumers now have with their choices. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior, the importance of authenticity in branding, and the necessity of building meaningful partnerships. The conversation highlights the shift from transactional relationships to genuine connections, advocating for simplicity and intentionality in both product offerings and partnerships.

    19 min

  5. MAR 25

    The Fourth Place: What It Actually Takes to Make Guests Feel at Home

    Anthony Valletta and Peter Newlin explore the evolving landscape of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful experiences that go beyond mere transactions. They discuss the concept of the 'fourth place' a restaurant that feels like home, and the critical role of human connection in fostering a sense of belonging. The discussion also highlights the significance of sound design in enhancing the dining experience and the challenges of aligning restaurant design with guest expectations. As technology and AI continue to shape the industry, the duo reflects on the irreplaceable value of authentic human interactions in hospitality.

    17 min

  6. MAR 18

    Why the Guest Experience Is Still the Only Real Advantage

    In a saturated hospitality market, where technological solutions and loyalty programs dominate the conversation, one factor remains the key differentiator: the guest experience. In this podcast episode, Scott Lawdon, the co-founder of bartaco, shared invaluable insights on how to cultivate a memorable guest experience that goes beyond mere transactions.

    16 min

  7. MAR 9

    The Disconnect in Hospitality Training: A Conversation with Rachel Nemeth

    In this episode of Check, Please, host Anthony Valletta engages with Rachel Nemeth, CEO of Opus Training, to discuss the critical disconnect in leadership training within the hospitality industry. They explore how traditional training methods often fail to reflect the realities of on-the-ground work, emphasizing the need for real-time learning and continuous development. Rachel argues that many leaders mistakenly believe that completing a training program equates to effective learning, while in reality, ongoing coaching and adaptation are essential for true skill retention and application.

    18 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Check, Please! is a short-form podcast for leaders in the restaurant and hospitality industry who are good at execution and want to get better at judgment. Each episode is around 15-20 minutes and features candid conversations with operators, founders, and industry leaders who’ve actually lived the decisions most people only talk about. This isn’t a traditional interview show. There are no origin stories, no PR answers, and no recycled advice. Check, Please! is about cutting through the noise, saying what you mean, and respecting your time. If you lead people, run teams, or are trying to climb to the next level this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Valletta
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Anthony Valletta

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