Smart Marketing Tactics That Work (Ep. 171)
Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants
Release Date: 05/10/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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....
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineIn 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 big results when it's done with intention.
Key Takeaways:
- Elevate the Guest Experience
- A warm welcome, fast service, accurate orders, and friendly follow-through are marketing tactics in disguise.
- Great hospitality = repeat business = higher lifetime customer value.
- Menu Design is Strategic
- Use the Golden Triangle of eye movement to highlight your most profitable items.
- Your specials should be "special" for both the customer and the operator—easy to execute, high margin, and memorable.
- Host In-House Events
- Wine tastings, trivia nights, and theme dinners on slower weekdays are powerful tools to build community and fill tables.
- Partner with vendors who may help cover costs or provide promotional support.
- Bounce-Back Offers Done Right
- Get guests to return with limited-time offers—but only after their first visit.
- Examples: "Come back in 7 days for a free dessert" or "Next visit appetizer on us."
- Use Guerrilla Text Marketing
- Borrow tactics from political campaigns (urgency, personalization, exclusivity).
- Build a list and send targeted, engaging messages like "You've been hand-selected" or "Spots are filling up."
- Turn Customers into Promoters
- Make your restaurant Instagram-able (photo walls, branded hashtags).
- Personalize touchpoints—birthdays, anniversaries, and even beta-tester panels for new dishes.
- Community & Loyalty
- Engage schools, PTAs, and neighborhood leaders—support them and they'll support you.
- Feature a "Customer of the Month" to spotlight regulars and drive local goodwill.
🔥 Pro Tips:
✅ Don't throw out blanket coupons—use personalized bounce-back incentives.
✅ Focus on repeat business before chasing new traffic.
✅ Test, tweak, and keep things human—marketing is about relationships.
✅ Be memorable: the goal isn't just attention, it's retention.