Running Restaurants

RunningRestaurants.com
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  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Running a restaurant is one of the most exhilarating yet challenging ventures out there. Every day, passionate restaurateurs pour their hearts into delivering dining experiences that both excite customers & simultaneously drive profits to the bottom line. But how can restaurants do both even better? Welcome to Running Restaurants, the podcast exploring actionable tips, valuable resources, and interesting insights every restaurant owner can easily implement in their own businesses. Whether you want your food venture to be more profitable, renowned, or enticing to many, we discuss every single strategy that could make your goals a reality. Tune in to insightful discussions with restaurant industry experts, business gurus, and food professionals about what it takes to bring your venture to the next level. Whether you are running a casual dining, quick service, table service, fine dining, or food bar, this podcast offers everything you need to hone the way you run your restaurant. Find out how to better market your place, increase your audience reach, and eventually turn your brand into a go-to or household name. Understand how to leverage the immense power of social media for your promotional campaigns in today’s ever-increasing digital world. Learn the best customer service strategies to keep everyone satisfied and longing for more. Discover how to develop your menu, keep it fresh and interesting, and make it suitable for a wide range of diets and food preferences. This podcast also explores the complex business aspects behind the scenes that require your utmost attention. Learn how to hire and maintain the most talented individuals, decrease food waste, eliminate internal theft, and comply with all legal matters to keep your restaurant up and running. Become more knowledgeable about finances and accounting, going in-depth about keeping restaurants highly profitable. Understand how to strike the perfect balance between good food and good revenue. This show provides solutions to the biggest and most common problems encountered by many in the restaurant industry. This is your chance to finally address low-profit margins, high food costs, and labor challenges. This is your opportunity to improve your business management tactics, staff training methods, and overall workplace culture. And of course, this is the best place to answer your technology and marketing questions, giving you a better edge in navigating the competition in this digital age.  Hosting the podcast is Jaime Oikle, owner of the restaurant content provider Running Restaurants. Through this online website and its sister platforms, he is able to deliver valuable resources and the latest news to help restaurant owners constantly deliver outstanding local dining experiences for more than 25 years. His website contains more than 1200 articles and 75 hours of seminar or webinar sessions. Jaime’s reason for being is to help restaurant owners succeed and thrive. He is deeply passionate about providing as many resources as possible to guide them toward business success. Jaime leads every podcast episode with the goal of extracting the most helpful information and tips that prove useful in building and maintaining a well-rounded and efficient food venture. Whatever kind of restaurant you are running, equip yourself with the right knowledge to keep it up and running, as well as ensure its straight path towards success. Discover the latest, dive deep into the complexities, and win big in this difficult yet rewarding industry. And if some obstacles and hurdles hinder you from achieving the restaurant of your dreams, let Jaime reveal what you must do to get rid of the problems along your path. The biz is fun, yet far from easy, and this is the podcast to support and help you out! Listen to Running Restaurants at www.runningrestaurants.com.    

  1. Quick Peak on How AI is Starting to Revolutionize Restaurants

    1D AGO

    Quick Peak on How AI is Starting to Revolutionize Restaurants

    In this episode of the Running Restaurants podcast, Jamie Oikle and Roger Beaudoin explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the restaurant industry. They discuss AI's role in tackling labor shortages, cutting costs, optimizing inventory, and enhancing menu engineering. Real-world examples illustrate how AI boosts efficiency and profitability, while creative menu descriptions and new revenue ideas are highlighted. Despite these technological advances, the hosts emphasize that genuine hospitality and personal guest service remain crucial, urging operators to use AI as a tool to support—not replace—the human touch that defines memorable dining experiences. Find out more at https://www.runningrestaurants.com Highlights Include: - Impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the restaurant industry - Addressing labor shortages and rising costs through technology - Importance of menu engineering and inventory management - AI's role in enhancing guest experience while preserving hospitality - Demand forecasting using historical data for better decision-making - Reducing waste and optimizing inventory with AI solutions - Improving menu descriptions and item naming for increased sales - Generating new revenue streams and innovative profit center ideas - Balancing technology with personal guest service and human connection - The evolving role of AI as a competitive tool in restaurant operations Timestamps: What is AI? (00:00:47) Roger explains artificial intelligence basics, how it learns from data, and its growing role in restaurants. Current Restaurant Challenges (00:01:09) Discussion of labor shortages, rising costs, shrinking margins, inefficiency, and the need for better systems. AI's Rapid Evolution & Search Capabilities (00:02:04) AI's fast-changing nature, comparison to Google, and how AI provides instant, accurate answers. AI for Demand Forecasting & Inventory (00:02:55) How AI predicts demand, improves ordering, reduces waste, and uses historical data for better inventory management. Menu Engineering with AI (00:03:46) Real-world example of a chef using AI for menu engineering, recipe creation, and ingredient cross-utilization. Profit Loss & Menu Descriptions (00:04:47) Pain points: lost profits, generic menu items, lack of costing, and using AI for creative menu naming. Creating Wow Factor & Social Media Appeal (00:05:40) Importance of wow factor in food presentation, guest reactions, and leveraging social media marketing. New Revenue Center Ideas (00:07:10) Using AI to brainstorm new profit centers beyond traditional options like catering or live music. Hospitality vs. Technology (00:07:30) Emphasis on maintaining hospitality as the foundation, ensuring technology enhances but doesn't replace the human touch. https://restaurant.mysamcart.com/products/

    9 min
  2. 5 Ways to Lower Your Restaurant's Prime Cost

    FEB 18

    5 Ways to Lower Your Restaurant's Prime Cost

    In this episode, Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars explains the crucial concept of prime cost in the restaurant industry (the combined percentage of food, beverage, and labor costs relative to sales). He discusses strategies for managing prime cost, such as accurate menu costing, promoting high-profit "cash cow" items, enforcing portion control, boosting alcohol sales, and efficient labor scheduling. Roger shares real-world examples of restaurants losing profits due to poor menu management and emphasizes the importance of understanding item profitability. The episode highlights how effective prime cost management is essential for restaurant profitability, especially amid rising costs and industry challenges. We hit on: - Definition and importance of prime cost in the restaurant industry - Breakdown of prime cost components: food, beverage, and labor costs - Industry benchmark for prime cost and its implications for profitability - Challenges faced by restaurants, including inflation and rising wages - Strategies for managing prime cost, including menu costing and portion control - Identification and promotion of high-profit "cash cow" menu items - Importance of increasing alcohol sales to enhance profitability - Effective labor cost management through efficient scheduling - Consequences of poor menu costing and its impact on profit margins - Need for ongoing analysis and adjustment of menu items to optimize profitability Timestamps Introduction to Prime Cost (00:00:00) Roger explains the concept of prime cost and its importance over just focusing on food cost. Prime Cost Formula and Benchmark (00:00:05) Breakdown of the prime cost formula, target percentage, and what it means for restaurant finances. Other Major Expenses Beyond Prime Cost (00:00:59) Discussion of additional expenses like lease, utilities, and the importance of keeping prime cost low. Strategies to Lower Prime Cost (00:02:03) Emphasis on menu costing, identifying high-profit items, and the impact of inflation and wages. Cash Cow Menu Items and Portion Control (00:03:04) Explanation of "cash cow" items, portion control, and the profitability of alcohol sales. Labor Cost Management (00:04:04) Advice on tracking labor costs and efficient scheduling to control prime cost. Lost Profit from Poor Menu Engineering (00:04:52) Roger shares real-world examples of restaurants losing profit due to poor menu costing and engineering. Menu Re-engineering for Profitability (00:06:03) Advice on re-engineering menus so all items in a category have similar profit margins. Consequences of Not Costing the Menu (00:06:59) Highlighting the financial risks and lost profits from not properly costing out the menu. Worst Case Scenario: Popular but Unprofitable Items (00:07:13) Warning about the danger of selling popular items that are not profitable, hurting the bottom line. Find out more at: https://www.restaurantformula.com/ https://restaurant.mysamcart.com/products/

    8 min
  3. Trackable Marketing And Boosting Guest Frequency For Your Restaurant With Roger Beaudoin

    JAN 13

    Trackable Marketing And Boosting Guest Frequency For Your Restaurant With Roger Beaudoin

    More than social media influencers and online reviews, your most important marketing resource is your loyal guests. Through trackable marketing, you can ensure they will keep coming back and will talk about you even beyond the table. Jaime Oikle sits down with Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars to discuss how to keep track of your marketing strategies and boost guest frequency. They discuss how to train your team to constantly deliver impeccable services and offer customer incentives to attract new guests and retain the most loyal ones. From mug clubs to trivia nights, discover interesting ways to encourage people to visit your restaurant over and over again. Find out more at https://restaurantrockstars.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.  https://restaurant.mysamcart.com/products/

    29 min
  4. How Restaurants Can Stay Relevant And Keep Guests Coming Back With Samantha Flynn

    12/15/2025

    How Restaurants Can Stay Relevant And Keep Guests Coming Back With Samantha Flynn

    Restaurants have to go the extra mile and go beyond food if they want to stay relevant and keep their seats filled at all times. Through the right content creation strategies, you can use social media to your advantage and keep guests coming back. Jaime Oikle sits down with Samantha Flynn, founder of Junipr Public Relations, who breaks down practical tips to market your restaurant in the vast online space, even with a tight budget. From fixing early branding mistakes to highlighting your very own signature dish in your posts, she explains what it takes to tell your story through social media, drive real traffic, and bring customers to your tables. Find out more at https://juniprpublicrelations.com & https://www.runningrestaurants.com. https://restaurant.mysamcart.com/products/

    32 min
  5. Mentoring, Shadowing & Sales Training at Your Restaurant

    11/18/2025

    Mentoring, Shadowing & Sales Training at Your Restaurant

    In this Running Restaurants Podcast episode, Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars shares practical strategies for training restaurant staff. The discussion covers mentoring and shadowing multiple top performers, cross-training for versatility, and the value of daily pre-shift huddles focused on sales and guest experience. Roger also describes engaging role-playing exercises, like "How to Turn $100 into $1000," to sharpen sales skills. The episode emphasizes empowering staff, using creative sales props, and identifying unique "hooks" to boost revenue and set restaurants apart, offering actionable tips for operators to elevate team performance and guest satisfaction. Highlights include: - Mentoring and shadowing strategies for restaurant staff. - Importance of learning from multiple top-performing employees ("A players"). - Cross-training staff to enhance versatility and understanding of various roles. - Daily pre-shift huddles as a strategy for improving guest experience and sales. - Key topics for discussion during pre-shift huddles, including guest needs and sales strategies. - Role-playing training exercises to develop sales skills and team engagement. - The impact of effective sales training on restaurant revenue. - Use of props and unique selling points to enhance sales and differentiate the restaurant. - Identifying and promoting profitable items or experiences ("hooks") to drive sales. Find out more at https://restaurantformula.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com/ https://restaurant.mysamcart.com/products/

    12 min
  6. Managing Four Restaurant Concepts With Leo Moura

    10/20/2025

    Managing Four Restaurant Concepts With Leo Moura

    Managing one restaurant is already challenging. How crazy would it be to manage not one but four different restaurant concepts? This is exactly the life of Leo Moura, a seasoned restaurant owner and operator in the Atlanta marketplace. He joins Jaime Oikle to share his experiences and strategies in handling American, French, and Italian cuisine – and even a pizzeria. Leo breaks down his approach to staff hiring, onboarding, and training, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and public recognition in a restaurant team. He also explains how they adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with digital marketing and online ordering.  Find out more at  https://lagardeamerica.com, https://restolantoinette.com, https://ilgialloatl.com, https://gspizzaria.com & https://www.runningrestaurants.com.  https://restaurant.mysamcart.com/products/

    41 min
  7. Restaurant Digital Marketing That Actually Drives Results With David "Rev" Ciancio

    09/24/2025

    Restaurant Digital Marketing That Actually Drives Results With David "Rev" Ciancio

    In today’s highly digital world, maintaining a strong online visibility is a must if you want your business to thrive. But in the restaurant industry, hospitality marketing executive David "Rev" Ciancio has noted one alarming truth: many are not doing even the fundamentals of digital marketing. He joins Jaime Oikle to point out what restaurant owners and operators are missing out on if they refuse to post on social media, build a properly optimized website, and create engaging digital ads. Rev also highlights the benefits of publishing build videos regularly, setting up a rewards program for customers, and gathering client feedback to continuously improve your systems. Find out more at https://handcraftburgers.com/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com. https://restaurant.mysamcart.com/products/

    36 min
  8. Music For Restaurants: Build Your Brand & Boost Profits with Ola Sars of Soundtrack

    09/08/2025

    Music For Restaurants: Build Your Brand & Boost Profits with Ola Sars of Soundtrack

    Choosing the right music for restaurants may not seem important from the get-go, but it is definitely a crucial aspect of your business that you must never set aside. Jaime Oikle emphasizes how your chosen playlist can make or break your restaurant environment with Ola Sars, founder and CEO of Soundtrack. He shares how they serve as a one-stop shop for businesses that want to secure the right music for their commercial needs while navigating all of its complicated licensing matters. Ola discusses their process in cultivating music for restaurant owners and employ AI tools to elevate their techniques. He also explains how restaurant managers should handle their music access, deal with explicit content, and determine the best music volume that works well for your place. Find out more at https://www.soundtrack.io/ & https://www.runningrestaurants.com. Sponsor Link: https://servicewithstyle.com/runningrestaurants Sponsor Link: https://www.theleasecoach.com

    39 min
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4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Running a restaurant is one of the most exhilarating yet challenging ventures out there. Every day, passionate restaurateurs pour their hearts into delivering dining experiences that both excite customers & simultaneously drive profits to the bottom line. But how can restaurants do both even better? Welcome to Running Restaurants, the podcast exploring actionable tips, valuable resources, and interesting insights every restaurant owner can easily implement in their own businesses. Whether you want your food venture to be more profitable, renowned, or enticing to many, we discuss every single strategy that could make your goals a reality. Tune in to insightful discussions with restaurant industry experts, business gurus, and food professionals about what it takes to bring your venture to the next level. Whether you are running a casual dining, quick service, table service, fine dining, or food bar, this podcast offers everything you need to hone the way you run your restaurant. Find out how to better market your place, increase your audience reach, and eventually turn your brand into a go-to or household name. Understand how to leverage the immense power of social media for your promotional campaigns in today’s ever-increasing digital world. Learn the best customer service strategies to keep everyone satisfied and longing for more. Discover how to develop your menu, keep it fresh and interesting, and make it suitable for a wide range of diets and food preferences. This podcast also explores the complex business aspects behind the scenes that require your utmost attention. Learn how to hire and maintain the most talented individuals, decrease food waste, eliminate internal theft, and comply with all legal matters to keep your restaurant up and running. Become more knowledgeable about finances and accounting, going in-depth about keeping restaurants highly profitable. Understand how to strike the perfect balance between good food and good revenue. This show provides solutions to the biggest and most common problems encountered by many in the restaurant industry. This is your chance to finally address low-profit margins, high food costs, and labor challenges. This is your opportunity to improve your business management tactics, staff training methods, and overall workplace culture. And of course, this is the best place to answer your technology and marketing questions, giving you a better edge in navigating the competition in this digital age.  Hosting the podcast is Jaime Oikle, owner of the restaurant content provider Running Restaurants. Through this online website and its sister platforms, he is able to deliver valuable resources and the latest news to help restaurant owners constantly deliver outstanding local dining experiences for more than 25 years. His website contains more than 1200 articles and 75 hours of seminar or webinar sessions. Jaime’s reason for being is to help restaurant owners succeed and thrive. He is deeply passionate about providing as many resources as possible to guide them toward business success. Jaime leads every podcast episode with the goal of extracting the most helpful information and tips that prove useful in building and maintaining a well-rounded and efficient food venture. Whatever kind of restaurant you are running, equip yourself with the right knowledge to keep it up and running, as well as ensure its straight path towards success. Discover the latest, dive deep into the complexities, and win big in this difficult yet rewarding industry. And if some obstacles and hurdles hinder you from achieving the restaurant of your dreams, let Jaime reveal what you must do to get rid of the problems along your path. The biz is fun, yet far from easy, and this is the podcast to support and help you out! Listen to Running Restaurants at www.runningrestaurants.com.    

Information

  • Creator
    RunningRestaurants.com
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    262
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 | All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Running Restaurants