Closed Monday

Kyle Inserra
Closed Monday

Ever wonder what it really takes to go from one location to ten? Every Monday, top restaurant operators share their actual playbooks for scaling - from site selection and systems to funding and team building. No basics, no fluff – just real conversations about what works (and what doesn't) in multi-unit growth.

  1. -4 J

    The $5M Restaurant Startup Taking on Labor, Real Estate, and Delivery All at Once

    Is it time to rethink how restaurants are built—literally from the ground up? On this episode Kyle sits down with Nipun Sharma, CEO and co-founder of Appetronix, to talk about how robotics, AI, and first-principles thinking are completely transforming what a “restaurant” can be. With nearly two decades of global food experience and a sharp eye for operational pain points, Nipun is leading the charge with fully autonomous restaurant pods that slash labor, rent, and delivery inefficiencies—all while delivering chef-quality food. From launching in Columbus Airport with Donato's Pizza to raising funds in a post-hype market, Nipun shares how thinking like a restaurant operator—not a tech bro—is what sets Appetronix apart. 💡 Actionable Takeaways: The future of food service isn’t Jetsons—it’s profit-driven design Automating a bad system won’t fix the economics—start from zero Use AI for food quality, inventory prediction, and real estate strategy Choose launch partners based on food credibility, not novelty Embrace automation as an extension of hospitality, not a replacement 🎯 Who This Episode Is For: Franchise executives exploring automation for expansion Real estate developers seeking 24/7 food solutions Restaurant tech investors evaluating next-gen platforms Operators struggling with labor costs, late-night coverage, or staffing gaps Food founders rethinking traditional kitchens Connect with Nipun on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nipun-sharma-to/ Appetronix Website https://appetronix.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours. Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content. The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week. Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference! Thanks, Kyle

    46 min
  2. 17 AVR.

    Real Estate, Risk & Resilience: The Franchise Lessons You Can’t Ignore w/ Chris Olexa | CEO, Aspire 2B Hospitality Group

    From a challenging upbringing to becoming the CEO and founder of Aspire 2B Hospitality Group, Chris Olexa shares his entrepreneurial journey. Chris dives deep into his franchising experiences, with Quiznos and Buffalo Wild Wings, offering practical insights and hard-earned lessons. He emphasizes resilience, the significant influence of sports on his business mindset, and strategic methods for evaluating franchise opportunities. Chris candidly discusses balancing ambition with family responsibilities, navigating the complexities of franchise real estate, and maintaining strong leadership and team engagement. Packed with real-world advice, this episode is essential for anyone interested in getting ahead in the franchise space. 💡 Actionable Takeaways: Conduct comprehensive market analyses before franchise expansion Embrace resilience to effectively handle business setbacks Plan carefully to balance aggressive growth with financial stability Foster a strong team environment for sustained operational success 🎯 Who This Episode Is For: Aspiring and current restaurant franchise owners Franchisors dealing with expansion and real estate challenges Entrepreneurs seeking advice on balancing work-life dynamics Individuals interested in applying sports psychology to business Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-olexa-2580151a6/ Aspire 2B Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire2b-podcast/id1657424112 Follow Aspire 2B on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aspire2bhospitality/ If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours. Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content. The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week. Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference! Thanks, Kyle

    47 min
  3. 10 AVR.

    Purpose-Driven Profits: Turning Vietnamese Heritage Into America's Next Hot Franchise

    From courtroom to kitchen: in this episode, Kyle sits down with Denise Tran, the visionary founder and CEO who traded her law career for the high-stakes world of restaurant entrepreneurship. Hear the raw, unfiltered story behind Bun Mee's journey from passionate concept to scalable franchise powerhouse. Denise pulls back the curtain on how her Vietnamese heritage shapes every aspect of her business, the unexpected challenges of airport locations, and the critical systems that transformed her personal passion into a replicable model. If you've ever dreamed of turning your cultural food heritage into a thriving restaurant brand, this conversation delivers both the inspiration and the practical blueprint you've been searching for. 💡 Actionable Takeaways: How to define your purpose before launching a restaurant conceptCritical steps for standardizing operations when preparing to scaleFinancial preparation strategies that prevent common growth disastersThe real estate lessons Denise learned the hard way (so you don't have to)How to navigate market differentiation in an increasingly competitive landscape 🎯 Who This Episode Is For: First-time restaurant entrepreneurs looking for a realistic roadmapEstablished operators considering the franchise modelRestaurant owners navigating cultural representation in their conceptsAnyone interested in the intersection of personal heritage and commercial foodOperators evaluating airport or non-traditional location opportunities Connect with Denise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-tran-aa97734/ Follow Bun Mee on IG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-tran-aa97734/ Interested in learning more about becoming a franchisee at Bun Mee? https://bunmee.co/franchise If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours. Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content. The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week. Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference! Thanks, Kyle

    49 min
  4. 3 AVR.

    Building and Leveraging Your Authentic Personal Brand w/ Josh Halpern | CEO, Big Chicken

    Is your personal brand helping or hurting your restaurant's growth? In this candid conversation, Kyle sits down with Josh Halpern, the driving force behind Big Chicken, to explore the powerful intersection of personal branding and franchise success. From navigating the influence of celebrity partner Shaquille O'Neal to making tough decisions about franchisee selection, Josh shares unfiltered insights on building an authentic leadership presence that resonates with partners, customers, and communities. Whether you're a single-unit operator or managing multiple concepts, this episode reveals why your personal brand might be the most undervalued asset in your restaurant portfolio. Key Conversations: How authenticity in leadership creates accountability throughout an organizationThe delicate balance of managing your personal brand alongside your restaurant brandWhy shared values trump experience in franchisee selectionHow Shaquille O'Neal's personal brand influences Big Chicken's business decisionsThe critical role community connection plays in sustainable franchise growth 💡 Actionable Takeaways: Practical approaches to developing an authentic leadership presenceCommon personal branding pitfalls that restaurant leaders should avoidStrategic real estate considerations that align with your brand valuesHow to leverage your personal presence to strengthen business relationshipsTechniques for maintaining open communication across multi-unit operations 🎯 Who This Episode Is For: Restaurant owners looking to strengthen their leadership presenceFranchise operators navigating growth challengesMulti-unit leaders building systems for communication and accountabilityIndependent restaurateurs considering franchise opportunitiesAnyone interested in the human side of restaurant business success If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours. Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content. The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week. Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference! Thanks, Kyle

    43 min
  5. 27 MARS

    Deal Diaries | Vol. 2

    Think finding the perfect restaurant location is just about foot traffic and rent? Think again. In this revealing Deal Diaries episode, Kyle pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of commercial real estate for franchisees, taking you behind the scenes of a challenging Long Island City deal. From soaring rents to new development complexities, this real-world case study showcases the unexpected obstacles that can derail even the most promising location. Whether you're a seasoned operator or planning your first expansion, this episode delivers invaluable insights on navigating today's competitive real estate landscape. Key Conversations: • The unique challenges franchisees face in premium urban markets• How rising rent trends are reshaping location strategies in NYC• The hidden complications of securing space in new developments• Why timing and market knowledge can make or break a deal• The strategic pivot that led to exploring Brooklyn alternatives 💡 Actionable Takeaways: How to properly assess if a hot market is actually right for your conceptTactics for strategic positioning when negotiating in competitive areasRed flags to watch for when considering spaces in new developmentsWhen to walk away from a location that looks perfect on paperHow to adapt your expansion strategy when market conditions shift🎯 Who This Episode Is For: Franchisees planning their next locationIndependent operators considering expansionRestaurant groups evaluating new market entryReal estate decision-makers in the food service industryAnyone fascinated by the real-world complexities of restaurant deals If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours. Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content. The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week. Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference! Thanks, Kyle

    21 min
  6. 18 MARS

    Deal Diaries | Vol. 1

    Ever had that perfect space slip through your fingers? In this raw and revealing episode, Kyle takes us behind the scenes of a deal that went from "sure thing" to "sh*t canned" in a blink of an eye. It's a nail-biting journey through the trenches that'll definitely have you shouting advice at your speakers – complete with unexpected plot twists, funding f*ck ups, and a landlord who wasn't exactly sitting by the phone. If you've ever wondered why securing that perfect location feels like an emotional rollercoaster, this story exposes all the thrills, spills, and behind-the-scenes drama that never makes it into the lease agreement. Key Conversations: • Why timing is everything when dealing with NYC landlords (especially post-pandemic)• The funding delay domino effect that ruins more deals than you'd imagine• How competing concepts swoop in when you're stuck in decision paralysis• The crucial negotiation moments where everything change 💡 Actionable Takeaways: The "golden window" for making decisions in competitive marketsHow to keep landlords engaged when facing inevitable delaysAlternative funding strategies when traditional methods move too slowlyThe communication approach that keeps deals alive during uncertainty 🎯 Who This Episode Is For: First-time restaurant operators navigating lease negotiationsFranchisees expanding into competitive marketsRestaurant groups looking to avoid costly real estate mistakesAnyone who's ever lost a perfect location and wondered why If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours. Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content. The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week. Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference! Thanks, Kyle

    18 min
  7. 6 MARS

    AI-Powered Success: The Tools Transforming Today's Most Profitable Restaurants

    Still think AI is just for tech bros and Silicon Valley startups? In this episode Kyle breaks down how artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionizing restaurants right now - from mom-and-pops to major chains. Forget the hype; this is more than just messing with ChatGPT, we're talking practical, profit-boosting processes that are changing how the smartest operators run their kitchens, manage their teams, and provide better customer service. If you've been dismissing AI at your restaurant, this episode might be your much-needed wake-up call. MASTERMIND IS HERE!! SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL If your looking to grow this year, and are struggling to make sense of the the market, or if your stuck in endless negotiations - my weekly Real Estate Mastermind, might be for you -Schedule your FREE call today! Connect with Kyle on Instagram or shoot him an email at kyle@four-turns.com for real-time advice on your franchise real estate journey. 💡 Actionable Takeaways: Where to start with AI if you're completely new to it (without breaking the bank)How to evaluate which AI solutions actually deliver ROI for your specific operationThe right questions to ask vendors when they pitch you AI productsCommon implementation mistakes that doom restaurant AI projects🔥 Notable Quote:"The restaurants winning with AI aren't the ones with the fanciest tech - they're the ones solving real operational headaches that have been bleeding money for years. This isn't about robots flipping burgers; it's about finally fixing the broken parts of our business model." 🎯 Who This Episode Is For: Restaurant operators tired of hearing about AI but unsure what it means for themMulti-unit leaders looking for competitive advantages in operationsIndependent restaurateurs wanting affordable tech solutionsAnyone who wants to understand the future of restaurant operations If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours. Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content. The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week. Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference! Thanks, Kyle

    27 min
  8. 26 FÉVR.

    Unconventional Growth Strategies: How Walter's Hot Dogs Built a 106-Year Empire

    What happens when a family recipe becomes a cultural icon? In this episode, we dive into the 100+ year journey of Walter's Hot Dogs, where tradition meets innovation in the most delicious way possible. From their secret blend to food trucks and beyond, Gene-Christian Baca shares how they've kept the family legacy intact while being flexible and creative in evolving their business model. If you've ever dreamed of turning your family's culinary traditions into a thriving business, this conversation serves up equal parts inspiration and practical wisdom. MASTERMIND IS HERE!! SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL If your looking to grow this year, and are struggling to make sense of the the market, or if your stuck in endless negotiations - my weekly Real Estate Mastermind, might be for you -Schedule your FREE call today! Connect with Kyle on Instagram or shoot him an email at kyle@four-turns.com for real-time advice on your franchise real estate journey. Key Conversations: The "secret sauce" behind surviving over a century in the competitive food business Food truck tales: From permit nightmares to unexpected triumphs Why Goldbelly and shipping changed everything for this local legend The family's decision to license rather than franchise (and the lessons learned) How a humble hot dog stand became woven into thousands of family memories 💡 Actionable Takeaways: How to maintain quality standards while scaling a food business Smart approaches to licensing vs. franchising for food concepts Balancing tradition with innovation when growing a heritage brand Leveraging e-commerce to take a local food business national 🔥 Quote: "We're not just selling hot dogs – we're selling the memories people make while eating them. That's been true for over a hundred years, whether it's at our original stand, from our trucks, or shipped to your doorstep." 🎯 Who This Episode Is For: Restaurant owners looking to expand beyond their four walls Family business operators navigating growth while preserving legacy Food entrepreneurs interested in licensing and e-commerce opportunities Anyone fascinated by the stories behind iconic local food institutions If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours. Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content. The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations. Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week. Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference! Thanks, Kyle

    49 min
5
sur 5
31 notes

À propos

Ever wonder what it really takes to go from one location to ten? Every Monday, top restaurant operators share their actual playbooks for scaling - from site selection and systems to funding and team building. No basics, no fluff – just real conversations about what works (and what doesn't) in multi-unit growth.

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