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
Release Date: 10/07/2023
AI in Your Restaurant: How Operators Can Save Hours, Increase Profit, and Build Smarter Systems Today
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
AI in Your Restaurant: How Operators Can Save Hours, Increase Profit, and Build Smarter Systems Today https://restauranttopia.com/ Episode Summary In this high-energy, highly practical episode, Brian Seitz and Dave Ross break down the real-world, right-now ways AI can support restaurant operators. Whether you’re hesitant, curious, or already all-in, this conversation will help you understand how to use AI to cut time-wasting tasks, improve menu performance, strengthen training, and build your own custom GPT to run sharper operations. AI isn’t a trend — it’s the next major shift in...
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6 Financial Mistakes That Are Killing Your Restaurant (and How to Fix Them)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
6 Financial Mistakes That Are Killing Your Restaurant (and How to Fix Them) In this episode of Restaurantopia, the guys break down six common financial mistakes that can quietly (or not so quietly) destroy your restaurant’s profitability. Brian Seitz leads the conversation with Anthony Hamilton and Dave Ross, bringing his experience from restaurant acquisitions and financial consulting to uncover what so many operators are doing wrong — and how to turn it around. From mixing personal and business finances to overleveraging debt, this is a no-nonsense, practical guide to tightening up your...
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Culture Beyond the 4 Walls
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this episode of Restauranttopia, the crew dives deep into culture — not just within your restaurant walls, but in every corner of your business ecosystem. Inspired by Cameron Mitchell’s book Yes is the Answer. What’s the Question?, Dave, Brian, and Anthony unpack how a restaurant’s mission and culture extend to employees, guests, purveyors, investors, and the community. From the dangers of ignoring toxic high performers to the power of making vendors raving fans, this conversation highlights practical strategies and real-life stories that restaurant operators can implement today....
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From Break Room to Boardroom: Turning Staff Ideas Into Restaurant Wins (Ep. 180)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Restaurant owners and managers: want more profitable menus and a stronger culture? In this episode, the crew digs into a simple, powerful idea—moving frontline ideas from the break room to the boardroom. Anthony shares how a young dishwasher created a signature chicken-tender sauce (thanks to a happy smoked paprika mistake) that became a hit with guests. We also spotlight fryer safety, dirty oil’s hidden costs, and how better oil management lifts food quality, reduces risk, and saves money. Brought to you by a device that helps clean fryer oil, clean the fryer, and improve BOH safety and...
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Big Beautiful Bill (BBB): How Restaurant CFOs and Operators Can Navigate Major Financial Changes
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this timely episode of Restauranttopia, we sit down with Jamie, the CFO of a prominent restaurant group, to unpack the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) and explore how it directly impacts restaurant owners, CFOs, and operations leaders. As one of the most talked-about pieces of legislation in 2025, the BBB is bringing major changes to restaurant financial planning, labor compliance, and vendor relationships. Jamie provides a clear and insightful breakdown of the new bill’s implications—from tax advantages and cost controls to restaurant labor law updates and long-term forecasting. Whether...
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Investing in the future of your Restaurant
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Investing isn’t just about money—it's about prioritizing your people, tools, and time to create a restaurant that thrives long-term. In this episode, we discuss how great restaurant leaders think about investment differently, with a focus on vision, leadership, and long-term growth. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we dive deep into the topic of investment in the restaurant industry—not just financial investment, but also in people, tools, time, and vision. We explore: Why traditional ROI calculations are sometimes short-sighted. The importance of investing in your team’s...
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Secret Cost Killers in your Restaurant (Ep. 177)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this episode, we expose the sneaky expenses silently draining your restaurant’s profits… from linen contracts and POS subscriptions to fryer oil issues and bloated utility bills. Learn real-world tactics to find and eliminate cost leaks that could be costing you thousands each year. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started, this 30-minute episode is packed with quick wins you can take action on today. What You’ll Learn: The importance of regular expense audits—and how to do them Which contracts and services are silently stealing your money Why "set it and forget...
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Surviving the Squeeze – Strategies for Restaurants in a Tight Economy
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Feeling the pressure of rising costs and tighter margins? In this episode of Restauranttopia, we break down actionable strategies to help independent restaurant operators survive—and thrive—during economic squeeze periods. From cost control to leadership communication, this episode delivers the blueprint to stay sharp when business gets tough. 💡 Key Takeaways: Identify the “squeeze”: Understand the convergence of food cost increases, labor pressure, and declining customer frequency. Cut the fat, not the muscle: Why slashing everything isn’t the right answer—trim waste,...
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Tipflation: How Digital Guilt and Hidden Fees Are Changing Hospitality
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Hosts: Dave Ross, Brian Seitz, Anthony Hamilton Tipping expectations are out of control—and your guests are noticing. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we break down the rise of tipflation, how digital guilt is changing hospitality, and what operators can do to protect their guest experience while still supporting their teams. Key Takeaways: What is Tipflation? The creeping rise of tipping expectations—from a simple jar to digital prompts that pressure consumers to tip for counter service, takeout, and more. The COVID Effect: The pandemic created a surge in empathy, making consumers...
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The Hidden Costs of Dirty Fryer Oil—and How to Fix Them
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
The Hidden Costs of Dirty Fryer Oil—and How to Fix Them Guest: Peter Kirwan – Founder & CEO of Hosts: Dave Ross, Brian Seitz 🔑 Key Takeaways: The Origin Story: Peter shares what led him to invent Halcyon Eco in Ireland and how he brought this revolutionary product to market. The Problem with Dirty Oil: Degraded oil increases costs, decreases food quality, and raises safety risks. Halcyon Eco’s Solution: A cutting-edge fryer oil cleaning system that reduces waste, improves safety, and extends oil life. Labor & Safety Wins: Less manual oil handling = fewer burns and...
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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, and the minds of two extraordinary restaurant professionals. If you haven’t tuned in yet, make sure to check out this delicious episode on Restauranttopia!
About Chef Katz
For the past 25 years, Chef Douglas Katz has focused on creating fulfilling, transportive experiences for Clevelanders to enjoy. As chef/owner of Zhug, Amba and soon-to-open Chimi, his driving purpose is to spread joy through meaningful experiences and shared passion. Chef Katz is also chef/partner of Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art, as well as former chef/owner of fire food and drink — which operated in Shaker Square for more than 20 years.
Chef Katz is passionate about using fresh, high-quality ingredients with integrity. Throughout his career, he has been celebrated for his unwavering support of local farmers and food artisans. He advocates nationally and internationally for sustainable, healthful and local food systems, and frequently consults with media and civic leaders on local food initiatives. Chef Katz is an advisor for Seeds of Collaboration Tahini and Smart Soda. He also serves as a chef ambassador for the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafoodwatch program, which promotes environmentally responsible fishing and fish farming. He served on the board of Countryside in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and has held leadership positions with Destination Cleveland and Cleveland Independents, an organization of 90 locally owned restaurants that nurtures and promotes local independent restaurants.
Esquire magazine named Zhug one of America’s best new restaurants in 2020. In 2014, the prestigious James Beard Foundation nominated Chef Katz for Best Chef of the Great Lakes Region. In 2010 he was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business, “Who’s Who, 150 Names to Know in Northeast Ohio.” He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Denver School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Prior to opening fire food and drink, he served as executive chef of Moxie the restaurant (Cleveland, OH) and worked at acclaimed restaurants including The Little Nell (Aspen, CO) and Wildwood Restaurant (Portland, OR).
In his free time, Chef Katz enjoys traveling and exploring the world and other cultures through food — and then sharing those experiences in his restaurants. He also loves relaxing at home with his family and much-loved dog, Arlo.
Learn more about Chef Douglas Katz
Connect with Douglas Katz on LinkedIn
Follow Douglas Katz on Twitter @phireman
Follow Douglas Katz on Instagram
Learn more about Amba
Amba is the newest addition to Chef Douglas Katz and Todd Thompson’s restaurant group.
Located in the Hingetown neighborhood of Ohio City, Amba’s menu of shareable plates pays homage to the flavors and ingredients of India.
Learn more about Zhug
Follow Zhug on Instagram
Zhug is a concept by chef Douglas Katz that offers Mediterranean Mezze in a casual, high energy urban space at Cedar Fairmount in Cleveland Heights.