Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies

Robin B

Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies is a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of marketing. Join us as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies to attract new customers, build brand loyalty, and drive revenue. Our expert guests share their insights, experiences, and practical advice on topics like: -social advertising, -food photography, -local SEO, and more. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just starting, we'll help you elevate your restaurant's marketing game and achieve sustainable growth.

Episodes

  1. Behind The Kitchen Door: Restaurant Pest Control 101

    AUG 26

    Behind The Kitchen Door: Restaurant Pest Control 101

    Restaurant pest control isn’t just about keeping bugs and rodents out of sight—it’s about protecting your customers, your reputation, and your bottom line. Is your marketing doing the same for your restaurant? Schedule a discovery call with us to find out. In this episode of Setting the Table, host Robin B sits down with Alan Clark and Will Forest of Modern Pest Control, a trusted, family-owned company serving Houston and surrounding areas, to uncover what every restaurant operator needs to know about pest prevention. You’ll learn: Why restaurant pest control is critical for health department compliance and food safety The most common pest hotspots in restaurants—drains, dumpsters, ceilings, rooftops, and under booths Seasonal pest challenges restaurants face in Houston, from rodents and crickets to insects attracted to lighting Simple preventive measures that reduce risks: door sweeps, weather stripping, flylights, and regular drain cleaning Red flags restaurant operators should watch for—like odors, droppings, and gaps that let pests in How proper documentation and logbooks help pass inspections and avoid shutdowns Whether you run a local café, a high-volume full-service restaurant, or manage multiple locations, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to keep your business safe, compliant, and pest-free. —------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Video: Are Your Kitchen Vents a Fire Hazard? Discover why regular exhaust and exterior cleaning is critical for safety, compliance, and customer experience here – https://youtu.be/azOD7d5lYP4  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on: FacebookInstagram TikTok LinkedIN Need marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session Interested in working with Modern Pest Control? Visit their Website or call them at 218-214-8066 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies  Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of restaurant marketing. Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, building brand loyalty, and driving real revenue. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

    34 min
  2. Don’t Get Burned: Restaurant Cleaning Mistakes That Could Shut You Down

    JUL 16

    Don’t Get Burned: Restaurant Cleaning Mistakes That Could Shut You Down

    Restaurant owners, operators, and facility managers — this episode is a must-listen if you care about kitchen safety, compliance, and keeping operations smooth. We dive into the often overlooked but critical topic of vent hood and grease exhaust cleaning. Our guest, Ann Tran from Albedo’s Return Power Washing, breaks down how often commercial kitchens should be cleaning their hoods, what inspectors are really looking for, and why first-time cleanings are sometimes more expensive, and more. You’ll also learn the most common mistakes restaurant operators make, from skipping filter cleanings to letting grease build up far too long between services. Plus, we talk about dumpster area maintenance and how it impacts sanitation, staff and customer experience, and pest control. —------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Video:  What Insurance Do Restaurants Really Need? Get the insider Info About Business Interruption, Liability, & More here - ​​https://youtu.be/qyxB_NLHzmI  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmktg/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@squeakywheel_rm - LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/squeaky-wheel-restaurant-marketing/  Need marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session https://app.squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing.com/schedule-page --------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 Restaurant owners, operators, and facility managers — this episode is a must-listen if you care about kitchen safety, compliance, and keeping operations smooth. We dive into the often overlooked but critical topic of vent hood and grease exhaust cleaning. Our guest, Ann Tran from Albedo’s Return Power Washing, breaks down how often commercial kitchens should be cleaning their hoods, what inspectors are really looking for, and why first-time cleanings are sometimes more expensive, and more. You’ll also learn the most common mistakes restaurant operators make, from skipping filter cleanings to letting grease build up far too long between services. Plus, we talk about dumpster area maintenance and how it impacts sanitation, staff and customer experience, and pest control. —------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Video:  What Insurance Do Restaurants Really Need? Get the insider Info About Business Interruption, Liability, & More here - ​​https://youtu.be/qyxB_NLHzmI  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmktg/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@squeakywheel_rm - LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/squeaky-wheel-restaurant-marketing/  Need marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session https://app.squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing.com/schedule-page --------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies  Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of restaurant marketing. Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, building brand loyalty, and driving real revenue. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

    26 min
  3. A Restaurant Success Story: Grupo Herrera’s Journey

    MAY 8

    A Restaurant Success Story: Grupo Herrera’s Journey

    In this episode of Setting the Table, Robin B sits down with Dario Herrera of Grupo Herrera Restaurants — the family behind some of the most beloved restaurant brands in Cypress and the greater Houston area. From Alicia’s Mexican Grille to Dario’s Steakhouse & Seafood, the Herrera family has built a successful restaurant group by blending family values with a commitment to quality, smart innovation, and deep community roots.Dario shares their inspiring family restaurant success story — how his parents’ dream turned into a thriving restaurant business with seven locations, how they overcame today's hospitality industry challenges, and the marketing strategies that keep loyal guests coming back. ✨ Key Takeaways from This Episode: How to build a restaurant brand and how family values can shape and strengthen a brand’s identity.Innovative ways to adapt and evolve your restaurant without losing your core customers.How creating engaging customer experiences like wine and tequila dinners has helped the Herreras keep their restaurant relevant and top of mind.Tips for staying ahead of restaurant trends and refreshing menus regularly.The importance of community connection in driving long-term restaurant success.Real-world lessons on building and scaling a restaurant business from scratch. ✅ If you're looking for restaurant branding strategies, actionable restaurant marketing tips, or simply want inspiration from a real-world success story, this episode is packed with insights you can use immediately. 👉 Watch the full episode now to hear the full Herrera family journey — and walk away inspired to grow your own lasting restaurant brand! To learn more about Grupo Herrera's Restaurants click the links below! Alicia's Mexican Grille - https://aliciasmexicangrille.com/Galiana's Tex Mex & Agave Bar - https://galianastexmex.com/Dario's Steakhouse & Seafood - https://dariossteakhouse.com/ Marvino's Italian Steakhouse - https://marvinositaliansteakhouse.com/Papito's Pizzeria & Pasta - https://papitospizzapasta.com/

    34 min

About

Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies is a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of marketing. Join us as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies to attract new customers, build brand loyalty, and drive revenue. Our expert guests share their insights, experiences, and practical advice on topics like: -social advertising, -food photography, -local SEO, and more. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just starting, we'll help you elevate your restaurant's marketing game and achieve sustainable growth.