Transforming Restaurant Managers into Hospitality Leaders with Jason Brooks - PART 2 (Ep. 164)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Release Date: 02/01/2025
Clean Oil, Safer Kitchens: The Halcyon Eco Innovation
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
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 injuries. ROI in Months: Operators see dramatic oil savings...
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Comfort is a Slow Death (Ep. 173)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Comfort is deceptive. It feels good, but it quietly stalls growth and progress. Fear keeps you frozen. Most people stay in bad jobs, unhealthy relationships, or stagnant routines because of fear—not logic. Growth is uncomfortable. Every breakthrough happens outside your comfort zone, whether in business, relationships, or self-discipline. You can’t evolve and stay the same. Taking risks and embracing new challenges are essential for development. Self-awareness is step one. Recognize when comfort has turned into complacency. Leaders lead by example. If you're stuck, your team will be too....
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The Art and Science of Menu Design and Printing (Ep. 172)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Your restaurant's most powerful marketing tool? The menu. In this episode, the team dives deep into one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your restaurant: the menu. From visual psychology and printing strategies to layout, material choices, and pricing tactics, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you treat your menu like what it truly is—your #1 marketing and sales tool. You'll walk away with insights on font choices, color psychology, menu engineering, printing vendors, and even why leaving drink prices off the menu can increase profits. If you’ve ever...
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Smart Marketing Tactics That Work (Ep. 171)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this powerhouse episode, the team unpacks real-world, actionable marketing tactics that restaurant owners can implement immediately to drive traffic, create loyal customers, and boost profits—without relying on gimmicks or deep discounts. From the power of thoughtful guest experiences to bounce-back promotions and handwritten letters to lapsed customers, this is a masterclass in doing marketing the right way. Packed with humor, strategy, and personal stories, this episode delivers the perfect blend of inspiration and execution—proving that even the smallest marketing effort can lead to...
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Beyond the Buzz – Embracing the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Movement in Restaurants
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this episode of Restauranttopia, Dave and Brian explore the growing non-alcoholic beverage movement and why it's a must for modern restaurants. They break down the cultural shifts, customer expectations, and real profitability behind offering thoughtful non-alcoholic options. Learn practical ways to adapt your menu, train your staff, and create a welcoming experience for all guests—drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Key Takeaways The Cultural Shift Toward Less Drinking Gen Z drinks 20% less than millennials. Health, wellness, and cognitive performance are driving alcohol reduction. Events...
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5 Things I Learned in Vegas to Increase Restaurant Profitability (Ep. 169)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Summary In this episode, Brian shares five key lessons from Las Vegas that every restaurant operator should hear. From faster drink service to private room optimization and upsell strategy, these practical insights are designed to boost revenue while enhancing the guest experience. Learn how to modernize your operations, empower your staff, and grow profitability—starting tonight. Key Takeaways Modernize the Reservation Process Use your reservation system to curate guest experiences, not just book tables. Ask the purpose of the visit—anniversary, business dinner, birthday—to...
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Pain and Suffering – How It Can Lead to Better Leadership (Ep. 168)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
In this thought-provoking episode, the team explores how pain and suffering can cultivate stronger leadership skills. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, Buddhist parables, and personal experiences, they discuss the concept of the "two arrows"—how pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional—and how leaders can apply this mindset to stay composed and guide their teams effectively. They dive into how emotional control and mindfulness can transform not just your professional leadership, but also your personal relationships. If you're looking to develop a more resilient,...
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The Hidden Danger of Merchant Service Loans (Ep. 167)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Many restaurant operators are unknowingly signing their businesses away with predatory merchant cash advances (MCAs). These high-cost financing options promise fast money but come with crippling repayment terms that can put restaurants out of business. In this episode, we break down: What MCAs really are and why they’re dangerous How POS companies and third-party apps market these loans The long-term financial risks of taking an MCA What better financing options exist for restaurant operators If you're considering quick funding, listen to this episode first—you might save your business....
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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...
info_outlineIn 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 passionate about transforming restaurant managers into hospitality leaders. He has a book coming out in March, focusing on leadership in the hospitality industry.
Jason's Background and Book Motivation: Over 30 years in the restaurant industry, working his way up from dishwasher to VP of Operations. His journey reflects a deep understanding of the industry's challenges and the potential for personal growth within it.
The Giving Kitchen Partnership: Jason's book launch is tied to supporting The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that assists food service workers in crisis. A portion of book sales will contribute to this cause, emphasizing the community-focused spirit of the hospitality industry.
Key Concepts Continuation from Jason's Book:
- Master Your Meetings: Jason emphasizes the importance of having purposeful meetings with clear agendas, pre-reads, and relevant participants to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
- Never Stop Training: The importance of continuous training and development is highlighted, including training employees up to their last day to ensure they leave better than when they arrived.
- The Art of Giving Feedback: Discusses the necessity of providing constructive feedback in the right environment, ensuring that feedback is meaningful and actionable.
- Closing the Gap: Focuses on bridging the gap between managers' and customers' perceptions by understanding the customer's viewpoint from the moment they approach the restaurant to their dining experience.
- Using the Power of Influence: The final key discussed involves understanding and utilizing the power of influence effectively within the hospitality industry to foster positive change and development.
- Book Launch and Partnership with The Giving Kitchen: Jason shares his initiative to support The Giving Kitchen through his book sales, aiming to donate $30,000 in 30 days to help food service workers in crisis.
Jason Brooks Links:
Book Website - https://www.jasonebrooks.com/everyleader
Amazon: Book Link
Brand Website - www.jasonebrooks.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/2LeadNSucceed
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jason-e-brooks
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/2leadnsucceed/
Giving Kitchen - www.givingkitchen.org