Restaurantology

Andrew Smith
  • 4.8 (14)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Hosted by Savory Managing Director Andrew K. Smith, and the executive team of Savory Restaurant Fund, Restaurantology: The Journey from 2-10 units - will feature discussions among Founders, Senior Level Executives and CEOs of restaurant companies that are working through their journey of scaling. The difference: Everyone speaking is working within a restaurant company, every day, and talking from first-hand experience. Each week, Restaurantology with Andrew K. Smith, or one of his restaurant veteran partners, will discuss a trending topic with others within the F&B industry and discuss it unscripted, with no pre-prepared questions. It will be as if you are sitting with all guests at lunch – discussing the truth behind each topic of discussion. And the truth is – it isn’t what you are hearing in most interviews. The black box has officially been broken open. We are discussing the good, bad, and ugly that we all must deal with, and how we are all pressing forward, despite constant shifts, changes, and headwinds within the industry. This is the study of Restaurants. This is Restaurantology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 12/03/2025

    Byte to Table Part Two | Juan George, Clay Dover, Wade Allen, Josh Boshard

    This episode is the kick off of a two part episode of "Byte to Table", where Juan George (858 Partners) leads a conversation with Sandy Nguyen (Saigon Hustle), Steve Heeley (South Block), and Otto Othman (PINCHO) on how technology is reshaping guest acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty. Together, they share real-world stories of using tools like Ovation, customer data platforms, and voice AI to connect with guests in real time, rescue poor experiences, and unlock insights that drive growth. From franchise expansion and catering strategies to social media, direct mail, and community engagement, the panel highlights how blending old-school tactics with cutting-edge digital solutions can maximize impact. With candid examples of what worked, what didn’t, and how to vet new technology partners, this session provides operators with actionable lessons for navigating today’s crowded tech landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min

  2. 11/26/2025

    Byte to Table Part One | Juan George, Steve Heeley, Otto Othman, Sandy Nguyen

    This episode is the kick off of a two part episode of "Byte to Table", where Juan George (858 Partners) leads a conversation with Sandy Nguyen (Saigon Hustle), Steve Heeley (South Block), and Otto Othman (PINCHO) on how technology is reshaping guest acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty. Together, they share real-world stories of using tools like Ovation, customer data platforms, and voice AI to connect with guests in real time, rescue poor experiences, and unlock insights that drive growth. From franchise expansion and catering strategies to social media, direct mail, and community engagement, the panel highlights how blending old-school tactics with cutting-edge digital solutions can maximize impact. With candid examples of what worked, what didn’t, and how to vet new technology partners, this session provides operators with actionable lessons for navigating today’s crowded tech landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    Trademarks or Trade Mess | Josh Merrell, Chris Connors, Cassandra Moore, Farah P. Bhatti

    Josh Merrell (Creative Director, Savory Fund) brings together Chris Connors (Co-Founder, Bonrue), Cassandra Moore (Art Director, Savory Fund), and Farah P. Bhatti (Shareholder, Buchalter) to explore the critical, but often overlooked—world of trademarks. Through firsthand stories, expert insights, and creative strategies, they reveal how trademarks sit at the intersection of legal protection, brand identity, and company culture. Chris shares his cautionary tale of building Farmstead Bakery without securing trademark protection, only to face a costly name change when expansion revealed the mark was already registered. Cassandra highlights the creative process of rebranding to Bonrue, emphasizing how customer transparency and community involvement can turn a potential setback into an opportunity for deeper loyalty. Farah explains the legal nuances, from wordmarks and logos to trade dress and international filings, offering clear guidance on how operators can safeguard their most valuable intangible assets. The conversation also covers practical advice for small brands on balancing originality with practicality, managing costs, and protecting menu items, packaging, and even catchphrases. Together, the panel underscores why trademarks are not just legal technicalities but foundational tools for scaling, protecting, and building long-term brand value in the restaurant industry  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    The Founders Table | Shauna Smith, Nicole Robison, Akshat Sethi

    Shauna Smith (Savory Fund) sits down with founders Nicole Robison (Swig) and Akshat Sethi (Thai Chili 2 Go) for a conversation about building enduring restaurant brands. Together, they share their journeys from opening a single shop to scaling across states, unpacking both the highs of breakthrough moments and the challenges of personal and professional trials. The panel dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, from breaking Guinness World Records to protecting trademarks, refreshing brands, and safeguarding culture during rapid growth. With themes of resilience, kindness, and staying true to your original vision, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical lessons for anyone navigating the restaurant/F&B industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    Scratch Made | Taylor DeHart, Claudia Lezcano, Neha Govindraj

    Taylor DeHart (Principal, Savory Fund) leads a conversation with Claudia Lezcano (CEO of Fuku) and Neha Govindraj (Founder of Bonside) on how to fund and grow restaurant brands in today’s capital landscape. Together, they explore traditional financing, creative alternatives, and the rise of asset-light growth strategies that are reshaping the industry. Claudia shares her journey of scaling Fuku through licensing and partnerships with major sports venues while protecting brand standards and culture. Neha explains how Bonside is rethinking capital for brick-and-mortar businesses by underwriting unit-level performance instead of relying on outdated models. The panel offers practical lessons on aligning with investors, protecting founder vision, and navigating new financial solutions that give operators more flexibility and ownership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  6. 10/29/2025

    Main Dish Energy: How to Get Your Restaurant Featured in the Right Headlines

    Jeanette Bennett brings together Sam Oches (Nation’s Restaurant News) and Jonathan Maze (Restaurant Business Magazine) for an inside look at how trade media shape the stories that define the restaurant industry. With humor, candor, and decades of combined experience, they reveal what it takes to get your concept noticed by the publications that operators, investors, and franchisees read every day. They explain the distinction between trade, local, and consumer media—and why understanding these differences is key to building meaningful coverage. They share practical guidance on what makes a story newsworthy, the mistakes operators often make when pitching, and how to create relationships with editors that last. From the importance of being available and authentic, to the value of PR firms and the role of emerging technologies like AI in shaping the future of journalism, this conversation is a must listen for founders who want to see their names in the right headlines. Filled with behind the scenes anecdotes and actionable insights, it pulls back the curtain on the media world that influences the entire restaurant industry. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Opening: Main Dish Energy 00:48 – Why the Restaurant Industry is Human 01:47 – From Competitors to Colleagues 03:11 – What is Trade Media? 04:54 – Trade Media Drives the Narrative 06:24 – The Key: Be Available & Present 08:57 – What’s Your Unique Story? 10:32 – Tell Stories with Real Drama 11:47 – Human-Interest Angles & Sources 13:31 – Podcasts, Video, and New Media Channels 14:10 – What NOT to Do 17:08 – When Local Media Does Matter 18:11 – Do You Need a PR Firm? 20:02 – Bribes, Crab Rangoons & Ethics 22:01 – Press Releases vs Personal Pitches 24:14 – Common Mistakes Operators Make 26:45 – What’s Next: Economy & AI 29:16 – Closing Thanks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  7. 10/22/2025

    The Casual Comeback | Barry McGowan, Kaleb Harrell, Christine Magrann, Jeff Chandler

    Is casual dining just surviving or thriving? In this dynamic roundtable from The Depot in Salt Lake City, Barry McGowan (Fogo de Chao) leads a conversation with Kaleb Harrell (Hawkers), Christine Magrann (FB Society), and Jeff Chandler (Hopdoddy) to explore why many believe casual dining is in the midst of a renaissance. Together, they unpack how operators are innovating without losing hospitality’s soul, why experiential dining is driving growth, and how culture remains the foundation for sustainable expansion. From pricing strategies and tech adoption to guest connection and brand integrity, this panel delivers actionable insights for restaurateurs, founders, and foodservice investors alike. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 | Intro: The Casual Dining Renaissance 03:01 | Hawkers: Origin Story & Why Casual Lasts 07:01 | Guests Want Approachable Excellence 10:45 | Hospitality Is Human Connection 15:11 | Scaling Culture Without Losing the Soul 18:45 | Balancing Tech with Leadership Intuition 21:28 | Owning and Nourishing Company Culture 26:00 | Innovation Done Thoughtfully 27:34 | Guests Crave Experiences & Shared Moments 29:23 | Experimenting with Craveable Value 32:15 | Team Input & Operational Reality Checks 34:05 | Pricing Strategy: Art Meets Science 39:33 | The Promise & Pitfall of Technology 42:52 | Final Thoughts & Mic Drop Moments Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  8. 09/19/2025

    The Entrepreneurial Mindset | Andrew Smith with Charlie Kirk

    Andrew Smith (Co-Founder & Managing Director, Savory Fund) sits down with Charlie Kirk (Turning Point USA) for a candid exploration of the entrepreneurial mindset. Together, they reflect on the sacrifices and rewards of building lasting organizations, the unique spark founders bring to their businesses, and why vision and relentless drive remain the lifeblood of growth. The conversation dives into time management, leadership principles, and the balance of physical, mental, and spiritual health in sustaining an entrepreneurial journey. Charlie shares insights from leading teams of thousands, navigating criticism, and keeping a brand rooted in founder energy and mission. With perspective on both the challenges and the optimism surrounding the U.S. economy, this episode provides a thoughtful and practical look at what it takes to thrive as a founder today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
See All (25)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Hosted by Savory Managing Director Andrew K. Smith, and the executive team of Savory Restaurant Fund, Restaurantology: The Journey from 2-10 units - will feature discussions among Founders, Senior Level Executives and CEOs of restaurant companies that are working through their journey of scaling. The difference: Everyone speaking is working within a restaurant company, every day, and talking from first-hand experience. Each week, Restaurantology with Andrew K. Smith, or one of his restaurant veteran partners, will discuss a trending topic with others within the F&B industry and discuss it unscripted, with no pre-prepared questions. It will be as if you are sitting with all guests at lunch – discussing the truth behind each topic of discussion. And the truth is – it isn’t what you are hearing in most interviews. The black box has officially been broken open. We are discussing the good, bad, and ugly that we all must deal with, and how we are all pressing forward, despite constant shifts, changes, and headwinds within the industry. This is the study of Restaurants. This is Restaurantology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Smith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Savory
  • Show Website
    Restaurantology

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