Maximizing Your Profits with Ice Cream: An Expert's Perspective from Brian Zeit
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Release Date: 04/22/2023
MALT – The 4 Key Elements That Shape Your Restaurant’s Atmosphere (Ep. 166)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
A restaurant’s atmosphere can make or break the guest experience, but many operators overlook key environmental factors. In this episode, we break down MALT – Music, Ambiance, Lighting, and Temperature—the four elements that directly influence customer comfort, spending habits, and return visits. Learn how to fine-tune your restaurant’s environment to create an experience that keeps guests coming back. Key Takeaways: Music Sets the Tone and Spending Habits Background music matters—the right tempo can increase customer spending or speed up table turnover. Fine dining...
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5 Mistakes Restaurants Are Making (Ep. 165)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Are you making these five costly restaurant mistakes? Many independent restaurant operators are leaving money on the table by overlooking simple but essential strategies. In this episode, we break down five common mistakes and how to fix them right away. Listen now to learn: Why tracking prime costs daily can improve profitability How collecting and using customer data effectively boosts sales The biggest mistake restaurants make with their online presence Simple ways to improve hospitality and customer experience Your customers are paying attention—make sure you're giving them a reason to...
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Transforming Restaurant Managers into Hospitality Leaders with Jason Brooks - PART 2 (Ep. 164)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this second part of our interview with Jason Brooks—speaker, author, and coach—we continue the conversation on leadership in the restaurant industry. With over 30 years of experience, Jason shares key insights from his upcoming book, including how to master meetings, provide impactful feedback, and harness the power of influence. We also discuss his inspiring partnership with The Giving Kitchen, where he’s aiming to raise $30,000 in 30 days to support food service workers in crisis. Show Notes Introduction to Jason Brooks: Professional speaker, author, coach, and a family man...
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Restaurant Industry Challenges with Jason E. Brooks - PART 1 (Ep. 163)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this episode, we sit down with Jason E. Brooks, a seasoned restaurant industry veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. Jason shares insights from his 30-year journey from dishwasher to VP of Operations, as well as highlights from his upcoming book on hospitality leadership. We explore his actionable leadership framework (MODEL), the importance of KPIs, fostering ownership among teams, and the power of one-on-one engagement. Jason also discusses his partnership with The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit supporting food service workers, and how his book contributes to this cause. Tune in for...
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Online Ordering with Better Photos and Descriptions (Ep. 162)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this episode, the Restauranttopia team dives into the essentials of optimizing your online ordering platform with high-quality food photography and effective menu descriptions. Learn how these small but impactful changes can increase sales, enhance customer experience, and showcase your brand's best. Show Notes: Episode Highlights: The Importance of Online Ordering: Pandemic-driven growth made online ordering a necessity. Many restaurants overlook critical elements like descriptions and photos. Menu Descriptions: Ensure accuracy and clarity with detailed, enticing descriptions. Use...
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Are You Not Entertained?!? (Ep. 161)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this episode of Restauranttopia, we explore creative ways to elevate your guests' dining experience and keep them coming back for more. From interactive menus and themed nights to customer spotlights and unique partnerships, we share actionable ideas to help you entertain, engage, and delight your customers. Don't miss this deep dive into the strategies that will set your restaurant apart in 2024! Show Notes: Episode 161 "Are You Not Entertained?!?" Key Topics: Strategies to create engaging, memorable dining experiences. Post-pandemic trends impacting consumer behavior and...
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Treat Your Employees Like Customers (Ep. 160)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OblkAEH8AXg In this episode, the Restauranttopia team explores how to attract, engage, and retain top talent by treating employees like valued customers. From creating a standout workplace culture to leveraging marketing strategies in recruitment, discover actionable tips and insights to build a loyal and motivated team in today’s competitive labor market. Treating Employees like customers: Episode 160 Episode Highlights: Shifting Mindset: Treat your employees as you would customers—market to and retain them effectively. Culture Matters: Employees...
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How to buy or sell a restaurant with Brad Ruth.
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
How to buy or sell a restaurant with Brad Ruth. https://restauranttopia.com/episode-159-how-to-buy-or-sell-a-restaurant-with-brad-ruth/
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Diving Deep into "The Restaurant Marketing Mindset" with Chip Klose
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Welcome back, dear readers, to our latest episode recap. This time, we had the pleasure of hosting the insightful Chip Klose, author of "The Restaurant Marketing Mindset." With Brian Seitz and Anthony Hamilton guiding the conversation, this episode was nothing short of a culinary marketing masterclass! Order Now A Glimpse into "The Restaurant Marketing Mindset" The restaurant industry is notorious for its harsh statistics. Many establishments struggle to even stay afloat. So, when a veteran like Chip Klose comes forward with years of hands-on experience and academic know-how, it's time to...
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PART 2 of our series with Chef Doug Katz and Todd Thompson talking about their Restaurant Group, how they navigated the pandemic and operating multiple successful restaurants in northeast Ohio.
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
The magnetic culinary scene of Cleveland takes center stage on the latest episode of Restauranttopia! Our very own Brian Seitz had the pleasure of hosting two of the city's most prolific food maestros - Chef Doug Katz and Todd Thompson. If you've been searching for an episode brimming with passion, delectable tales, and insights into what makes the dining experience memorable, this one's for you. This episode was more than just an interview; it was a culinary odyssey, taking listeners on a flavorful ride through the lanes of Cleveland, the stories behind two iconic restaurants,...
info_outline148 "Maximizing Your Profits with Ice Cream: An Expert's Perspective from Brian Zeit"
As a restaurant owner, you're always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to drive revenue and attract customers. One option that you may not have considered is incorporating ice cream into your menu offerings. In this week's episode of Restauranttopia, we spoke with Brian Zeit, the author of "Ice Cold Profits: Everything You Need To Know About Ice Cream Stands," about the ways that local independent restaurants can use ice cream to drive revenue.
According to Brian, ice cream can be a highly profitable addition to any restaurant's menu. Not only does it provide a sweet treat for customers, but it can also be incorporated into a variety of menu items, from shakes and sundaes to unique and creative desserts. Additionally, Brian mentioned that offering seasonal and limited-time-only flavors can help to create a sense of excitement and anticipation among customers, driving repeat business.
In terms of creative ways to incorporate ice cream into your menu, Brian suggested thinking outside of the box. For example, you could offer a "build-your-own shakes" option, or even offer ice cream-based cocktails. He also emphasized the importance of using high-quality ingredients to create unique and memorable flavors that will keep customers coming back for more.
Along with incorporating ice cream into your menu offerings, Brian also shared some tips for maximizing profits and staying ahead of the competition. These included:
- Offering take-home containers or pints for customers to enjoy later
- Creating a fun and interactive atmosphere in your restaurant, such as hosting ice cream socials or ice cream-making classes
- Using social media and other marketing channels to promote your ice cream offerings and create buzz around your restaurant.
Incorporating ice cream into your menu can be a highly profitable and creative way to drive revenue and attract customers to your restaurant. By thinking outside of the box and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a unique and memorable experience for your customers that will keep them coming back for more.
We hope that you found this week's episode of Restauranttopia to be informative and inspiring. Be sure to tune in next week for more expert insights and tips on how to take your restaurant to the next level.
Brian Zeit
About the Author
Brian Zeit is an accomplished sales and operations leader with more than eighteen years of enterprise, retail, and food-service experience. With a forward-thinking, value-added approach, he strives to propel business growth through employee development, analytical insight, strategic alignment, and new business development. A lover of all thing’s food and restaurant, Brian is a frequent podcast guest and writer. He also holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and has won multiple awards for operational excellence and sales performance.