Closed Monday Kyle Inserra
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- Business
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We see the world through the eyes of the independent restaurant owner - hospitality, integrity, hard work, community, and innovation. This is a show for the progressive restaurateur and the curious cook looking to take the next step.
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Cultivating Culture and Cash Flow w/ Preston Lee, Founder, The 30% Rule
Summary
Preston Lee shares his background in the restaurant industry and the challenges of getting restaurant owners to recognize issues. The significance of company culture and alignment in restaurant success Preston also touches on the future of restaurant technology, including the potential use of AI and the power of social media in driving business, and much more.
Takeaways
Verbiage and personalization are crucial in creating a positive dining experience.
Servers should be seen as salespeople and focus on building relationships with customers.
The three goals of customer service are to get customers to come back, recommend the restaurant to others, and leave positive reviews.
Going above and beyond for customers can lead to long-term loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
Hiring based on attitude and potential rather than experience can result in more motivated and dedicated employees.
The future of restaurant technology may include AI for tasks like reservation management and personalized customer interactions.
Utilizing social media to showcase the unique aspects of a restaurant can attract new customers and build brand loyalty.
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out here, and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try DAVO for FREE!
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: @closedmondaypodcast
Email: kyle@four-turns.com
Check out that TikTok on Birthday Party Invitations.
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.
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AI-Driven Demand Prediction in the Food Industry w/ Matt Wampler, Co-Founder & CEO - ClearCOGS
Summary
In this conversation, Kyle sits down with Matt Wampler, Co-Founder and CEO of ClearCOGS. . Matt and Kyle discuss the resistance to embracing data analytics in the hospitality industry and the role of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in demystifying AI and making it more accessible. ClearCOGS is a technology company that provides AI-driven solutions for the restaurant industry. The company helps restaurants optimize their operations and make data-driven decisions to improve profitability. ClearCOGS offers a user-friendly platform that integrates with existing POS systems, such as Toast, to provide real-time insights and reporting. The AI technology analyzes historical data, trends, and external factors to forecast demand and optimize inventory management. ClearCOGS aims to simplify technology for restaurants and be their co-pilot in running efficient and successful operations. The company envisions a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into the hospitality industry, allowing restaurant owners to focus on creating memorable customer experiences.
Takeaways
Balancing parenting and work can be challenging, especially in industries like the restaurant business.
Data analytics can greatly benefit the restaurant industry by providing insights and improving decision-making.
There is resistance to embracing data analytics in the hospitality industry, but AI, such as ChatGPT, is helping to demystify and make it more accessible.
AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of daily life, including writing children's stories. ClearCOGS provides AI-driven solutions for the restaurant industry to optimize operations and improve profitability.
The company's platform integrates with existing POS systems, such as Toast, to provide real-time insights and reporting.
ClearCOGS uses AI technology to analyze historical data, trends, and external factors to forecast demand and optimize inventory management.
The goal is to simplify technology for restaurants and be their co-pilot in running efficient and successful operations.
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out here, and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try DAVO for FREE!
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: @closedmondaypodcast
Email: kyle@four-turns.com
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the show and tagging @closedmondaypodcast. I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.
Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
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Building a Scalable Team: Leadership Lessons from The Taco Project
Summary
This week I sit down with Nick, Carmelo and Sebastian, the neighbohood friends and co-founders of The Taco Project, a taqueria with multiple locations in Westchester & Fairfield County. They discuss their background, how they started the business, the challenges they faced, and their plans for expansion. They also touch on the difficulties of finding new locations and adapting their model. Additionally, they share insights on how they balance work and family life. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges and successes of running a business while balancing family life. They emphasize the importance of supporting each other and trusting their employees.
Takeaways
Starting a successful business requires a combination of passion, market research, and understanding customer needs.
Expanding to multiple locations involves learning from each location and continuously improving the business model.
Finding new locations can be challenging, especially in a competitive market with high rent prices.
Balancing work and family life requires setting priorities, delegating tasks, and valuing employees. Balancing family and business is a challenge, but with support and trust, it can be managed effectively.
Empowering employees and building a strong team are key to running a successful business.
Financial responsibility and strategic partnerships are important considerations for growth and expansion.
Letting go and thinking ahead are crucial for long-term success in entrepreneurship.
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out here, and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try DAVO for FREE!
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: @closedmondaypodcast
Email: kyle@four-turns.com
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.
Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
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How Not To Handle Negative Reviews, NRA Show Preview, And How To Properly Pay Your Sales Tax w/ Shawn Walchef & Troy Hooper
Summary
In this episode, the Kyle is joined by Shawn Walchef & Troy Hooper and, this is one of those episodes that really gets into the nitty-gritty of the restaurant business: from real estate to the process for getting locations, down to the last comma in Letters of Intent, and relationships with landlords. They talk current events- including a restaurateur's who managed the negative reviews like a maniac, the operational challenges that are facing restaurants and the trends in the digital space how hospitality is key and how Ozempic craze is affecting what is offered on the menus. They discussed the dynamics of the NRA show: "What the show is supposed to look like," "How to make an educational show," "Recycle content," and "What it takes to produce a video. The show sums up with insights on marketing strategies for franchises, adoption of the latest technologies, potentials in artificial intelligence, and benefits from automation in sales tax.
Takeaways
Hospitality is crucial in handling negative situations and public call-outs may not be the best approach.
Cancellation fees for restaurant reservations can vary and are common in certain areas.
Capturing and repurposing content from events like trade shows can provide long-term value.
Investing in storytelling and content creation can have a significant impact on brand awareness and customer engagement.
The demand for videographers is high, and pricing can vary based on expertise and production quality. Effective communication and collaboration between corporate and local franchise groups are crucial for successful marketing strategies.
Franchise brands should prioritize the financial success of their franchisees, as it directly impacts the brand's profitability.
Restaurant technology, including artificial intelligence, is constantly evolving and can provide valuable insights and efficiencies for businesses.
Sales tax automation solutions, like DAVO, can help restaurant owners avoid fines and penalties by ensuring accurate and timely tax payments.
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out here, and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try DAVO for FREE!
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: @closedmondaypodcast
Email: kyle@four-turns.com
Check out that TikTok on Birthday Party Invitations.
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.
Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/closedmondayshow/message -
Should You Lease of Buy Your Restaurant's Real Estate?
In this episode, the Kyle apologizes and promises to be more transparent and consistent in the future. We also discuss the restaurant industry's projected sales reaching $1 trillion in 2024, new regulations in New York for passing credit card fees to customers, and a debate over who should pay for a birthday dinner. Lastly, we explore the pros and cons of owning vs leasing restaurant real estate.
Takeaways
The restaurant industry is projected to reach $1 trillion in sales in 2024.
New regulations in New York require restaurants to disclose credit card fees on menus.
There is a debate over who should pay for a birthday dinner at a restaurant.
The decision to own or lease restaurant real estate depends on individual goals and financial situations.
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out here, and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try DAVO for FREE!
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: @closedmondaypodcast
Email: kyle@four-turns.com
Check out that TikTok on Birthday Party Invitations.
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.
Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/closedmondayshow/message -
Feeding the Future: Voosh.ai's Impact on Restaurant Growth and Innovation w/ Co-Founder, Priyam Saraswat
Priyam Saraswat, co-founder of Vosh.ai, dives into the journey of starting Vosh.ai and how they help independent restaurants thrive. He explains their pivot to a SaaS product and the importance of technology in the restaurant industry. Priyam also highlights their dispute management and review response services, which help restaurants improve their online reputation and profitability. He concludes by sharing their plans for the future and their focus on working with both mid-market and enterprise chains. In this conversation Kyle & Priyam, discusses the changing perception and adoption of technology in the restaurant industry. They highlight how leaders in the industry are becoming more open to adopting new technologies and how technology can give restaurants a competitive edge. Priyam also shares his approach to social media and content, focusing on adding value and bringing a smile to people's faces. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of connecting with others in the industry and helping them overcome challenges.
Takeaways
Vosh.ai helps independent restaurants thrive by providing a technology-enabled virtual franchise model.
Their dispute management service helps restaurants contest and win disputes with third-party delivery platforms, resulting in increased revenue.
Vosh.ai's review response service uses AI to automatically respond to reviews, improving online reputation and customer satisfaction.
The restaurant industry is slowly adopting technology, and Vosh.ai aims to equip restaurants with the tools they need to compete in the digital landscape. Restaurant leaders are becoming more open to adopting new technologies to gain a competitive edge.
Social media is a powerful platform for building connections and receiving feedback from customers and industry professionals.
Adding value and bringing a smile to people's faces through content can help create a positive brand image.
Connecting with others in the industry and helping them overcome challenges is essential for the overall growth and success of the restaurant industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New York Trip
03:00 Starting Vosh.ai and Helping Independent Restaurants
09:00 Pivoting to a SaaS Product
13:00 Working with Restaurant Chains
17:00 Dispute Management and Review Response
26:00 The Importance of Technology in the Restaurant Industry
29:00 Future Plans and Expansion
30:19 Changing Perception and Adoption of Technology
33:02 Social Media and Content Strategy
36:27 Connecting with the Industry and Helping Others
Exclusive Partners
Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out here, and instantly level up your digital presence.
Hate paying sales tax? Let DAVO do it for you, so you can pay on time, and sleep at night. Try DAVO for FREE!
Connect with Closed Monday
Instagram: @closedmondaypodcast
Email: kyle@four-turns.com
Special Offers
Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.
Subscribe & Share
If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/closedmondayshow/message
Customer Reviews
Preston Lee episode
Wow!!! I enjoyed the episode with Preston Lee. I have never heard of him but can tell he is very knowledgeable in the restaurant area. Where can we find him? Does he have his own podcast?
Great jobs, fellas!!! Very enjoyalbe.
Great insights on the restaurant business
Very enlightening for restaurant owners. I can’t agree more on what Preston said. Customer experience and retention is key. If the food is decent but the server/staff is exceptional, I’ll be back for sure. Great food, bad service, I won’t be back. Preston highlighting the importance of verbiage was spot on. Teach your staff this and it will be a full house every night.
great episode
Just finished listening to the newest episode on Cultivating Culture, Kyle and Preston had a great conversation and touched on a lot of great points regarding what hospitality actually is and the basis of that is what keeps your customers returning. Preston mentioned his extensive restaurant experience (i think he said 18 years) and it shows with his distinct and concise thinking on customer retention, and implementing strategies for business owners. I got a lot out of this episode!