Restaurant Influencers

Josh Kopel’s journey from successful restaurateur to media personality and business coach is one of resilience, vulnerability, and a commitment to helping others. As the host of Yelp for Restaurant’s podcast Full Comp, he has asked the hard questions and shared his battle scars through more than 400 episodes. Listen now to learn about making hospitality media, the benefits of scarcity, and elevating the restaurant industry. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Schwartz and Bobby Rutter, the dynamic leaders behind Forward Hospitality Group, have transformed the Midwest's entertainment scene. With 12 distinct concepts spanning multiple states and nearly 1,000 employees, their journey is a testament to adaptability, vision, and resilience. Listen now to learn about transforming the entertainment scene in the Midwest and reinvention as a business model Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monica Rothgery is a natural leader. She has trained army soldiers, managed fast-food restaurant teams, built international franchises, and wrote a book about it all. The former KFC Chief Operating Officer’s leadership journey fueled her unique approach to restaurant management and her mission to uplift frontline leaders. Listen now to learn about frontline leadership, the value of good training, and Lessons from the Drive-Thru. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perry Rogers, CEO/founder of PRP, has managed superstars and built a restaurant company. As Shaquille O’Neal’s superagent, those experiences prepared him to partner with his big client to create a truly larger-than-life restaurant brand. Big Chicken is a testament to collaboration, vision, and fun. Watch now to learn about building a food brand with Shaq, the power of collaboration, and the business of sports entertainment Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Morris’s journey from finance professional to the CEO of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is a story of perseverance, and a relentless passion for quality. He has led Capriotti’s from a regional favorite to a national franchised brand that is constantly expanding. Listen now to learn about buying his favorite sandwich shop, how to keep quality up while scaling, and operating a fast-casual franchise. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sohla El-Waylly went from dreaming of Michelin Stars to being a YouTube Star. Her unique perspective as a self-taught chef, rather than a traditionally trained writer, led to opportunities at higher-profile outlets like Bon Appetit, the History network, and the New York Times. Listen now to learn about making meals for the internet, secrets of YouTube success, and her personal tech stack. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As owner of Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole knows the value of attention. Her authenticity and genuine connection with audiences have been instrumental to Slutty Vegan's success. She believes that people aren't just buying her meatless burgers — they're buying into her story, her personality, and her mission Listen now to learn about leaning into failure, going from TV producer to the restaurant business, and the value of good PR. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victor Lugger, co-founder of the restaurant group Big Mamma and the tech platform sunday, is no stranger to building memorable experiences that transcend mere dining. For Lugger, restaurants should be spaces filled with joy and emotion, encouraging guests to savor each moment.  Listen now to learn about building the Big Mamma Group, lessons learned through disaster and creating the sunday app for restaurants. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Oakley wrote some of the most memorable episodes of The Simpsons. Now he’s an influencer who is building a brand centered around his love of food.  Before posting food content online, Bill Oakley had dozens of people following him on Instagram. Now he has 42,000+. Over on X he has more than 60,000.  Listen now to learn about his Steamed Hams Society, writing for The Simpsons, and the future of the television industry. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alison Roman is an author, chef, and digital creator known for her unfiltered, honest approach to food, lifestyle, and storytelling. She has carved her own path in a media landscape that often favors formulaic approaches, taking the helm of her content, and connecting deeply with her audience.  Listen now to learn about how Alison empowered herself through YouTube, the challenges of podcasting, and opening the First Bloom Corner Store. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices