The Restaurant Innovator

Hosted by FSR magazine

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Episodes

115

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Restaurant Innovator is a podcast from the editors of FSR magazine—the leading publication for full-service restaurants—that dives into the world of running restaurants and explores the latest trends, strategies, and technologies being used by today's NextGen operators. Each episode features insightful conversations with trailblazing restaurateurs who are leading the charge in creating new and memorable experiences. From cutting-edge menu design and front-of-house operations to back-of-house efficiencies and sustainability initiatives, The Restaurant Innovator offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started in the business, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay on top of the latest trends and best practices.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 1535 min

Why Cotton Patch Cafe Stopped Chasing Newness

Cotton Patch Cafe CEO Brandon Coleman joins the podcast to share how the Texas-based chain is driving double-digit traffic growth without chasing constant menu innovation. Instead, Coleman explains how simplifying operations, lowering prices on key items, investing in team members, and building a culture of feedback helped unlock the brand’s latent equity. He also discusses why occasion-based thinking matters, what full-service operators can learn from Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse, and how Cotton Patch plans to expand across Texas.

June 3, 2026Episode 1438 min

Why Chef Michael Campbell is Betting Big on Catering to Scale in California

In this episode, chef Michael Campbell shares how he’s expanding a multi-concept restaurant group in Southern California at a time when many operators are pulling back. From Pacific Pearl Café to White Rooster and his newest concept, Capo Leisure House, Campbell shares the strategy behind his post-COVID growth and how each concept is designed for today’s economic realities. He breaks down his approach to the “new math” of restaurants and shares how his team-first mindset is shaping the next phase of his business.

May 20, 2026Episode 1332 min

How Fiamma Turned Scarcity Into a Sellout Strategy (With Just 5 Burgers a Day)

Chefs Britt Rescigno and Kinsey Leodler dive into the high-stakes first year of Fiamma, their live-fire destination restaurant in Sun Valley, Idaho. The duo shares how they successfully pivoted their concept from a pasta house to an Italian steakhouse, the operational genius behind their "five-burgers-a-day" exclusivity play, and the mindset shift required to move from micromanagement to empowered leadership. It’s a masterclass in adapting to an emerging market, building a sustainable team culture, and the "yin and yang" of a professional and personal partnership. Read Britt & Kinsey’s recent feature in FSR here, follow Fiamma’s Instagram here, and check out their Sunday Supper series here.

May 13, 2026Episode 1249 min

Chef Basil Dean’s Blueprint for Island Hospitality

Basil Dean, executive chef at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, reflects on three decades in the hospitality industry. He shares what it takes to lead nine dining concepts at the island destination and how he uses his global experience to mentor the next generation of chefs. He also dives into the importance of trust and consistency in the kitchen, and why his legacy is built on giving back to the talent that supports him.

May 6, 2026Episode 1134 min

How Cracker Barrel Balances Nostalgia and Newness

From line cook to leading innovation for a $3.2B brand, Chef Jeremy Lett breaks down what it really takes to create craveable food at scale. He shares how data, cross-functional teamwork, and real-world restaurant insight shape every dish at Cracker Barrel, plus how to balance nostalgia with fresh ideas without losing what guests love.

April 29, 2026Episode 1039 min

Disco Unicorns and Designing for the ‘Wow’ Factor

With 25+ years in hospitality, Alan Roth—operating partner of The Restaurant People and the mind behind iconic venues like Rosa Sky and Giselle—is now launching Atlanta’s newest rooftop destination, Jagger Suite. In this episode, Alan discusses the strategy for expanding into the fast-growing Atlanta market and the Studio 54-inspired concept behind Jagger Suite. We dive into how headline-grabbing design, curated programming, and energy drive revenue beyond traditional food and beverage. Alan also breaks down the evolution of nightlife, sharing how operators can stay relevant by adapting to changing drinking habits.

April 22, 2026Episode 936 min

Why “Brilliant at the Basics” Wins in Modern Dining

Nick Kennedy and Greg Root, co-owners of Defined Hospitality, break down how they scaled a seven-concept restaurant group without losing sight of what matters most: the basics. From reading guest body language to something as simple as whether the trash can is placed correctly, they explain how small details reveal bigger operational standards. It’s a candid look at building authentic concepts, developing people from within, and why doing the fundamentals exceptionally well still wins in modern dining.

April 1, 2026Episode 839 min

Katie Button’s Recipe for Resilience Through Crisis and Competition

From biomedical engineering to the high-stakes kitchen of “America’s Culinary Cup,” chef Katie Button has spent 15 years building Cúrate into an Asheville icon. In this episode, she breaks down the systems that sustain a decade-plus legacy, the reality of Asheville’s recovery, and a critical "operator’s warning" on the gaps in business interruption insurance. We explore how her scientific background fuels her culinary precision and why she believes restaurants remain the most beautiful—and vulnerable—cornerstones of our economy.

March 25, 2026Episode 736 min

How Keke’s is Scaling a Florida Favorite Nationwide

Jenna Law from Keke’s Breakfast Cafe joins host Sam Danley to trace the chain’s evolution from a regional favorite to a growing leader in the $15 billion brunch segment. She unpacks what it’s like “flying the plane while building it” at nearly 100 units, why loyalty is about more than earning points, and how AI should support decisions instead of making them. She also explains how the brand is entering new markets without built-in awareness, refreshing its cafe design to reflect its made-to-order promise, and leveraging Denny’s scale while staying distinct.

March 18, 2026Episode 651 min

How Paul Mangiamele Brought Iconic Brands Back from the Brink

In this episode, Paul Mangiamele shares the remarkable story of rescuing Bennigan’s from the brink and leading the triumphant return of the iconic Steak and Ale under his Legendary Restaurant Brands umbrella. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bennigan’s, Paul breaks down his "NEWstalgia" strategy—balancing five decades of brand heritage with modern guest expectations—and explains why emotional connections are the ultimate driver of guest frequency.