#LocalBites Craver

Prepare to unlock the secrets of successful restaurant marketing with Aaron Young, the creative director of Cross Pizza Co. Promising a riveting conversation, we journey with Aaron as he navigates his unique shift from the non-profit sector to the unpredictable waters of the restaurant industry. We dissect the critical role of customer feedback and its impact on marketing strategies, as well as the challenges of maintaining a consistent brand image across multiple outlets. Not to be missed is Aaron’s expertise on regional messaging adjustments and the integration of franchisee needs into overarching corporate marketing strategies.
Continuing our enlightening chat with Aaron, we pivot towards the digital realm of brand loyalty. Learn how loyalty programs act as a barometer for customer engagement and the subtle art of message tailoring to draw in clientele. Aaron generously shares Cross Pizza Co.'s approach to creating a harmonious brand identity across digital and physical spaces, and their nimble response to the COVID-19 disruption. Lastly, we delve into his insights on keeping pace with marketing trends, capitalizing on a restaurant's unique strengths, and the ingenious adaptation of ideas from other brands. Be ready to gather pearls of wisdom, whether you're an ambitious restaurant entrepreneur or a passionate foodie with a business bent!
(0:00:02) - Local Restaurant Marketing Challenges(0:10:23) - Building Brand Loyalty in Digital Age(0:18:23) - Maximizing Marketing Impact for Restaurants

Ever wondered how to successfully navigate the trials and triumphs of the restaurant business? Join us as we explore this challenging yet rewarding industry with our special guest, Vanessa Gantos, the brilliant mind behind Provisions. Vanessa shares her profound insights on everything from sourcing quality restaurant equipment, managing unexpected malfunctions, to the ins and outs of operating a food truck. She even sheds light on the unique benefits and challenges of setting up a coffee shop within a YMCA. Vanessa's wealth of experience and strategic approach to these issues is nothing short of inspiring, providing invaluable guidance for anyone dreaming of their own culinary venture. 
Looking beyond the practical aspects of running a restaurant or coffee shop, Vanessa and our hosts delve deep into the concept of flexible business models and the importance of self-care as a business owner. Listen as Vanessa divulges how aligning your business with your lifestyle and keeping up with personal commitments and relationships outside of work can create a perfect recipe for success. It's not just about running a successful business, it's about finding happiness and fulfillment in what you do. So, tune in and learn how to run a business that not only thrives but also nourishes your soul.
(0:00:01) Challenges and Tips for Restaurant Equipment(0:11:41) Start Coffee Shop in YMCA(0:18:26) Flexible Business for Happiness and Success

Unearth the secrets behind the success of a Seattle-based restaurant tech startup, Tip Haus, as we sit down for a riveting conversation with the COO, Kirk Grogan. Expect to walk away with a deep understanding of the challenges restaurant owners face, the importance of local entrepreneurship, and the highs and lows of launching a tech startup in the throes of a global pandemic. Kirk's insights into the intricacies of tip calculation and allocation, and the imperative nature of transparency in this process, will offer a fresh perspective on the inner workings of the hospitality industry.
As we navigate this journey, you'll be introduced to the ways in which technology is revolutionizing the restaurant industry, making it more efficient and fair for both staff and customers. We'll be discussing how Tip Haus's innovative software simplifies the daunting task of tip calculation and allocation, fostering a transparent and motivational work environment. Moreover, you'll discover how this automated system can turn tips into powerful incentives, boosting your staff's income while enhancing the overall guest experience.
Finally, adopt innovative digital marketing strategies tailored to the restaurant business. Kirk will illuminate how a robust online presence can effectively engage customers and the role of social media in creating a personalized dining experience. Gain insights on how to optimize tipping and get acquainted with tools that can augment your online presence. By the end of the episode, you'll have a clear roadmap on how to successfully navigate Tip haus and leverage its benefits. Your next big leap in the restaurant industry is just a listen away!
(0:00:02) - Exploring Challenges Faced by Local Restaurants(0:07:59) - Restaurant Tip Calculations and Transparency(0:15:56) - Improve Tips and Incentives for Employees(0:23:10) - Optimizing Restaurant Tipping and Marketing(0:28:32) - Marketing and Sales for Restaurants(0:35:26) - Learn About Tiphouse at Tiphousecom

We are welcoming Mike Ayars, owner of Turnstile Coffee in NJ, to this episode of #localbites! Mike has over a decade of experience in the specialty coffee business, and is talking to us today about some unique experiences he has had and how he runs a wholesale roastery business at the same time.
Website: https://www.turnstilecoffee.com/Instagram: @turnstilecoffee Coffee Pick Up Window: https://943thepoint.com/turnstile-coffee-in-belmar-opens-takeout-window/
[00:00] Show intro [00:35] Welcome to Mike [00:50] Biggest lessons learned after a decade of specialty coffee[01:34] Why start with specialty coffee?[02:56] How do you survive in a world without coffee[03:17] From a first taste of coffee to opening Turnstile[04:45] Where Mike looked for roasting classes[05:30] What’s the draw for roasting?[06:54] The unique aspects of roasting and owning a cafe[08:44] Finding good sources[11:05] Who is over the roasting business?[11:45] How to keep up with the trends?[12:54] Customer education [16:16] What does Mike do to make Turnstile unique?[18:55] Why do other cafes come to Turnstile for their coffee?[20:11] Ratio of wholesale to cafe business[21:28] What the pandemic was like: take out window edition [25:23] How special events can promote coffee[28:04] The biggest challenges in 11 years of Turnstile[30:09] #1 piece of staffing advice[31:30] Advice for aspiring coffee shop/roastery owners[33:47] Wrap up 

LocalBites Rewind: Matthew Evilsizor’s Coffee Shop Design Masterclass

Join us for an insightful episode of #localbites as we dive into the captivating journey of Alexandra Scott within the restaurant industry for an impressive 13 years. Starting from the humble role of a server, she hustled her way up to management stardom and eventually found herself rubbing shoulders in the corporate realm. Currently, Alex is the secret sauce behind Tableside Restaurant Group's marketing wizardry.

Drawing from her front-line experience, Alex brings a fresh and distinctive twist to the world of marketing, sharing valuable lessons she's gathered along her path. Tune in to catch the exclusive scoop on her riveting ride. Tableside Restaurant Group, masters of managing multiple restaurant brands, isn't just about great food – they're all about community engagement. Alex spills the beans on some of their community-captivation strategies, with a spotlight on a game-changer: influencer partnerships. Learn how they sprinkle that influencer magic to not only draw the crowd but also shine a spotlight on their eateries.

And here's the golden question: You've got a full house after the influencer cameo, but how do you make sure they keep coming back for seconds? Alex breaks it down – turning those one-time diners into beloved regulars.Hungry for insights? Eager to discover how the restaurant game really works? Join us on this episode as we unravel the mysteries behind the scenes, learning from the best in the biz. It's all served up fresh on #localbites!


[00:00] Show intro 
[01:17] Alex and her story
[06:30] How Alex learned to keep ego out of things 
[08:03] Engaging different brands and the community
[12:14] Picking influencers to work with  [15:12] Measuring the success of campaigns 
[17:01] Turning one time customers into loyal ones
[18:51] Campaigns that succeeded (and the ones that didn’t)
[22:28] Marketing advice for aspiring restaurateurs
[24:29] Closing out