Restaurant Rockstars Podcast

Hosted by Roger Beaudoin

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498

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Tips, tools & resources to help restaurant owners and managers Rock Their Restaurant! Engaging conversations with industry leaders and fellow restaurateurs.

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60 recent

September 4, 202636 min

502. How to Build a Restaurant Team That Stays | Tom Kilby, Vanteo

Finding good restaurant employees is hard. Keeping them can be even harder. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, Roger sits down with Tom Kilby of Vanteo to talk about what it really takes to build a restaurant team that stays. They dig into smarter recruiting strategies, better onboarding, creating a culture people want to be part of, developing employees from within, and why restaurant operators need to think beyond simply filling the next open position. You’ll discover practical ideas for: • Recruiting restaurant employees beyond traditional job boards • Creating a stronger onboarding experience • Setting expectations from day one • Improving employee retention and workplace culture • Developing and promoting your best people • Building a longer-term staffing strategy If staffing challenges are costing your restaurant time, money and momentum, this episode will give you a different way to think about building your team. A special thank you to our sponsor, Smithfield Culinary. Smithfield Culinary serves up perfect proteins for every dish, every daypart, like Smithfield’s new Ready to Eat Select Bacon, new Ground Chorizo, or the broadest portfolio of pork. When you partner with Smithfield, you serve what you love and your guests will love what you serve. To order or learn more: https://smithfieldculinary.com/smithfield 🎓 Ready to build a stronger, more profitable restaurant? Join The Profitable Restaurant Operator Academy for proven systems, tools and training to help you improve your team, operations and bottom line: https://www.restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy Subscribe to the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast for more restaurant management, leadership, operations and profitability strategies.

August 26, 202633 min

501. The Restaurant Profit Strategy Most Operators Overlook | Greg Vojnovic

What if one of your greatest opportunities to improve restaurant profit has nothing to do with raising prices or cutting costs? Greg Vojnovic of The Melt joins Roger to reveal the restaurant profit strategy many operators overlook: building a culture and operation their people can execute successfully. In this episode, discover: • Why financial metrics are often lagging indicators • How operational complexity hurts execution • Why The Melt avoids constantly adding limited-time offers • How cross-training improves labor efficiency • Why strong restaurant cultures retain better employees • How The Melt develops leaders from within • How one location grew from $1.5 million to $6.1 million in annual sales Profitability is not created only in a spreadsheet. It begins with your people, leadership, culture and consistent daily execution. Learn more and join the Restaurant Academy: https://www.restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMelt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelt/ Website: https://www.themelt.com

August 17, 202638 min

500. 10 Restaurant Profit Strategies Every Operator Should Know - Roger Beaudoin

It’s our 500th episode, and I’m sharing 10 proven ways to make your restaurant more profitable. These aren’t theories. They’re strategies I used in my own restaurants to increase sales, control costs, build stronger teams and create extraordinary guest experiences. In this episode, I cover menu costing and profit contribution, prime cost, inventory, portion control, training your team to serve and sell, creating high-profit “cash cows,” generating additional revenue, recruiting A-players and recognizing and rewarding your best people. I’ll also share some of my favorite real-world strategies, including the mug club that grew to 1,200 members and generated $75,000 a year, plus the recognition program that helped us achieve a 96% employee retention rate. The big takeaway? Being busy doesn't necessarily mean you're profitable. Know your numbers, train your people and give your guests an experience that keeps them coming back. Ready to put these strategies to work in your restaurant? 👉 Join the Profitable Restaurant Operator Academy: https://www.restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy Here’s to 500 episodes...and to your restaurant’s success! Roger

August 9, 202637 min

499. Smarter Restaurant Operations: More Revenue, Better Culture, Happier Guests - Joe Mikulich

Smarter operations can mean more revenue, a stronger team, and happier guests. Joe Mikulich of EDO Hospitality shares practical ideas independent restaurant operators can put to work right now. What if running a more profitable restaurant isn’t about working harder, but operating smarter? Roger sits down with Joe Mikulich, co-founder of EDO Hospitality, to talk about the practical moves helping his growing restaurant group drive revenue, build a stronger culture, and create happier guests. From smarter SOPs and staff accountability to beverage profits, hiring, retention, marketing, memorable guest experiences, and AI, this episode is packed with ideas independent restaurant owners and operators can put to work right away. Want to build a restaurant that's more profitable, runs smoother, and doesn't depend on you every minute of the day? Join the Restaurant Rockstars Academy and learn proven systems for leadership, menu profitability, labor control, marketing, and operational excellence. 👉 https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy Want to find more profit hiding in your menu? Take Roger’s FREE 5-Day Menu Margin Makeover Challenge and learn how to identify your most profitable items, uncover missed opportunities, and make simple changes that can put more money on your bottom line. https://www.restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge

August 2, 202636 min

498. Restaurant Systems That Build Profitable Teams (Without Constant Turnover) - Kyle Peters

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, Roger sits down with Kyle Peters, co-owner of Sexy Pizza, to discuss the operational systems that help independent restaurants reduce turnover, improve profitability and build stronger teams. From employee retention and leadership to KPIs, inventory, labor management, marketing and community engagement, Kyle shares practical strategies that operators can implement immediately. Learn why checklists create accountability, how tracking the right numbers protects margins, and why investing in your people often delivers a bigger return than constantly hiring new ones. In this episode you'll discover: • Why retention beats constant hiring • The restaurant KPIs every operator should track • How checklists improve accountability and consistency • Ways to reduce labor leakage and protect profits • Community marketing that builds loyal guests • Loyalty ideas that keep customers coming back • Why strong vendor relationships improve your bottom line Whether you operate one restaurant or multiple locations, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you build a stronger team, improve operations and increase profitability. 🎙 Restaurant Rockstars Podcast: https://www.restaurantrockstars.com/podcasts Helping independent restaurant owners build more profitable restaurants through better leadership, systems and operations. ⭐️ The Profitable Operator Restaurant Academy: Practical systems and operational strategies designed to help independent restaurant operators improve profitability, performance, and control. https://www.restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy 🔥 FREE 5 DAY RESTAURANT MENU MARGIN MAKEOVER CHALLENGE: https://www.restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge Connect with our guest 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexypizza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexypizza/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexypizzaco?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sexypizza/ https://sexy.pizza

July 24, 202635 min

497. Restaurant Leadership Secrets That Build Better Teams & Bigger Profits | Steve Kislow, CEO of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

What separates great restaurant operators from everyone else? According to Firebirds Wood Fired Grill CEO Steve Kislow, it starts with leadership. In this episode of Restaurant Rockstars, Steve shares the leadership principles, accountability systems, and operational disciplines that helped grow Firebirds from just three restaurants to 70 locations across 23 states. Roger and Steve discuss hiring great leaders, creating a culture of meaningful feedback, improving employee retention, tracking the KPIs that matter most, protecting restaurant profits, using technology wisely, and delivering memorable guest experiences without losing the human side of hospitality. Whether you own a single independent restaurant or manage multiple locations, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can implement immediately. ▶️ Watch the Episode: https://restaurantrockstars.com/audio/497-restaurant-leadership-profits/ In this episode: • Hiring leaders who build winning teams • Creating accountability through feedback • Why employee retention is a critical KPI • Protecting profits without sacrificing hospitality • Restaurant systems that drive consistency • Using AI and technology the right way • Creating value that keeps guests coming back Connect with our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kislow/ https://firebirdsrestaurants.com 🔥 If you're serious about building a more profitable restaurant, the Restaurant Rockstars Academy is for you. Inside, you'll learn Roger's proven systems for leadership, profitability, menu engineering, marketing, labor control, and building a restaurant that runs smoothly, even when you're not there. Learn more at restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy. ⭐️ Thanks to our podcast sponsor – PosterMyWall PosterMyWall is the AI-powered marketing platform built for restaurants. Create social media posts, email campaigns, event promotions, automatic reminders, and event calendars, all from one easy-to-use platform. With millions of professionally designed templates and built-in AI, you can create high-quality marketing in minutes, no design skills or agency required. Visit postermywall.com and use promo code RESTAURANT30 to save 30% on a Premium subscription.

July 9, 202638 min

496. The Restaurant Hospitality Formula That Keeps Guests Coming Back - Brian Toll

What keeps guests coming back again and again? In this episode, Roger sits down with Brian Toll, co-founder of h.wood Group, to discuss the leadership, culture, and hospitality strategies behind one of the industry's fastest-growing restaurant groups. You'll learn: Why "wow" experiences create loyal guests How to hire and retain exceptional employees The leadership habits that build winning restaurant cultures The KPIs every operator should monitor Creative ways to increase traffic on slower nights Lessons learned from growing multiple successful restaurant concepts Learn more about h.wood Group: https://www.hwoodgroup.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Owner.com helps restaurants increase direct online orders with automated marketing campaigns and a branded mobile app. 👉 https://www.owner.com/rockstars Smithfield Culinary helps restaurants save time and labor while serving premium-quality proteins guests love. 👉 https://www.smithfieldselect.com Join the Restaurant Rockstars Academy Ready to build a more profitable restaurant? 👉 https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy

July 5, 202632 min

495. Restaurant General Manager Secrets with Andrew Roy | Leadership, Labor & Profit

What separates an average restaurant manager from a truly great general manager? In this episode, Roger sits down with Andrew Roy, General Manager of Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, to discuss the leadership habits, systems, and financial discipline that drive successful restaurants. From hiring and accountability to labor management, guest recovery, online reviews, inventory, prime cost, and profitability, Andrew shares practical strategies every restaurant owner, operator, and GM can put to work immediately. Whether you're leading one restaurant or a growing team, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you build stronger people, deliver better hospitality, and run a more profitable operation. ▶️ Watch now: https://restaurantrockstars.com/audio/495-restaurant-general-manager-secrets/ 👉 Want to build a more profitable restaurant? Join the Restaurant Rockstars Academy for proven systems, practical training, and expert coaching: https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy Thank You to our Sponsors: ⭐️ Smithfield Culinary serves up perfect proteins for every dish and every daypart like Smithfield’s new ready to eat select bacon, Its premium, ready to cook bacon that will elevate your menu and your bottom line. Smithfield Select saves you time, labor and back of house costs all while satisfying your guests. When you partner with Smithfield, you serve what you love and your guests will love what you serve. To order or more information go to: https://www.smithfieldselect.com ⭐️ Owner.com: Owner.com runs automated marketing campaigns for your restaurant that send personalized offers, order reminders, promotions, and new menu announcements automatically to your guests. So your marketing works for you every single day.And here’s the real power move: Owner.com gives your restaurant your own branded app. Go to https://www.owner.com/rockstars

June 27, 202633 min

494. Restaurant Growth Strategies: How to Grow Sales Without Lowering Prices - Mike Montagano,

If you're looking for restaurant growth strategies that increase sales without relying on constant discounts, this episode is for you. Roger sits down with Dog Haus CEO Mike Montagano to discuss how one of the industry's fastest-growing brands is building customer loyalty, protecting margins, and growing sales through memorable guest experiences, smart marketing, AI, menu innovation, and operational excellence. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why competing on price is a losing strategy • How loyalty programs drive repeat business • Restaurant marketing ideas that keep your brand relevant • How AI is improving restaurant operations • Why a strong bar program can become a major profit center • Menu engineering strategies that improve profitability • The KPIs every restaurant owner should monitor • How to create an experience that keeps guests coming back Whether you operate a single independent restaurant or a growing restaurant group, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can implement immediately to grow sales and protect your profits. 👇 Take the FREE Restaurant Menu Makeover Challenge! https://restaurantrockstars.com/the-5-day-menu-margin-makeover-challenge/ Thanks to our Sponsors ⭐️ Owner.com: Owner.com runs automated marketing campaigns for your restaurant that send personalized offers, order reminders, promotions, and new menu announcements automatically to your guests. So your marketing works for you every single day.And here’s the real power move: Owner.com gives your restaurant your own branded app. Go to https://www.owner.com/rockstars ⭐️ Smithfield Culinary serves up perfect proteins for every dish and every daypart like Smithfield’s new ready to eat select bacon, Its premium, ready to cook bacon that will elevate your menu and your bottom line. Smithfield Select saves you time, labor and back of house costs all while satisfying your guests. When you partner with Smithfield, you serve what you love and your guests will love what you serve. To order or more information. Go to: https://www.smithfieldselect.com 🎙️ Subscribe for new Restaurant Rockstars episodes every week featuring proven strategies to increase restaurant sales, improve profitability, build stronger teams, and create exceptional guest experiences.

June 21, 202634 min

493. Avoid Costly Restaurant Labor Violations, Lawsuits & Compliance Mistakes - Doug Plass

What if one employee mistake could cost your restaurant $100,000...or more? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, Roger sits down with employment attorney and former chef Doug Plass to discuss the restaurant labor law mistakes that create the biggest risks for owners and operators. From wage and hour violations, overtime rules, and tip pooling compliance to discrimination claims, workplace investigations, wrongful termination concerns, and child labor laws, Doug shares practical guidance every restaurant leader should understand. Drawing from both his hospitality background and legal expertise, Doug explains where restaurants commonly get into trouble, how costly violations can become, and the policies, documentation, and procedures that can help protect your people, profits, and business. If you employ people, manage labor, or oversee restaurant operations, this episode is packed with actionable advice that could save you from expensive mistakes and legal headaches down the road. In this episode you'll learn: ⚡️ Common restaurant labor law violations ⚡️ Wage and hour compliance essentials ⚡️ Overtime and employee classification rules ⚡️ Tip pooling and tip-sharing best practices ⚡️ Hiring and interviewing do's and don'ts ⚡️ Employee complaint investigation procedures ⚡️ Wrongful termination risk reduction ⚡️ Child labor laws and compliance requirements ⚡️ How to build stronger workplace policies and documentation Whether you're an independent operator, multi-unit owner, general manager, or hospitality leader, this episode will help you better understand the legal responsibilities that come with managing employees in today's restaurant industry. Thanks to our Sponsors ⭐️ Smithfield Culinary serves up perfect proteins for every dish and every daypart like Smithfield’s new ready to eat select bacon, Its premium, ready to cook bacon that will elevate your menu and your bottom line. Smithfield Select saves you time, labor and back of house costs all while satisfying your guests. When you partner with Smithfield, you serve what you love and your guests will love what you serve. To order or more information go to: https://www.smithfieldselect.com ⭐️ ZivZo Marketing, Advertising & Video Production: ZivZo is not only a full service marketing agency, but restaurant industry pros specializing in animation and video production that brings your restaurant to life. Go to https://www.zivzo.com ⭐️ Owner.com: Owner.com runs automated marketing campaigns for your restaurant that send personalized offers, order reminders, promotions, and new menu announcements automatically to your guests. So your marketing works for you every single day.And here’s the real power move: Owner.com gives your restaurant your own branded app. Go to https://www.owner.com/rockstars