Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants

We love locally owned independent restaurants. These businesses build strong communities by linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships. The more the independent restaurants are thriving, the healthier the community will be! We want to help restaurant owners and operators hone their competitive edge through effective marketing and business practices. Restauranttopia focuses on all things related to restaurant management and operations from hosts David Ross, Brian Seitz, and chef Anthony Hamilton. We feature interviews and restaurant success stories, along with insights on cost control, marketing, management and personnel issues. Tune in for marketing ideas and tactics from restaurant business experts, gathered from lessons from restaurants around the US.

How to buy or sell a restaurant with Brad Ruth. 10/21/2023

Diving Deep into "The Restaurant Marketing Mindset" with Chip Klose 10/14/2023

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. 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 , and soon-to-open , his driving purpose is to spread joy through meaningful experiences and shared passion. Chef Katz is also chef/partner of at the Cleveland Museum of Art, as well as former chef/owner of — 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 and . He also serves as a chef ambassador for the , which promotes environmentally responsible fishing and fish farming. He served on the board of 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. . 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. 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. 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. /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/28183031

PART 1: A Culinary Odyssey with Chef Doug Katz and Todd Thompson 09/30/2023

PART 1: A Culinary Odyssey with Chef Doug Katz and Todd Thompson Episode 156 is the first of a two-part 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. 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 , and soon-to-open , his driving purpose is to spread joy through meaningful experiences and shared passion. Chef Katz is also chef/partner of at the Cleveland Museum of Art, as well as former chef/owner of — 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 and . He also serves as a chef ambassador for the , which promotes environmentally responsible fishing and fish farming. He served on the board of 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. . 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. 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. 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. /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/28182989

Buying a Restaurant with Robin Gagnon of We Sell Restaurants 09/23/2023

Buying a Restaurant with Robin Gagnon of We Sell Restaurants About Restauranttopia Restauranttopia is your go-to podcast for everything restaurant related. From operations to marketing, and everything in between, we bring experts from all corners of the restaurant world to share their insights, experiences, and tips to help you succeed in this dynamic industry. Robin Gagnon is the Co-Founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants, a brand that has carved an unparalleled niche in the industry as the nation's leading and only business broker franchise focused on restaurants. Under Robin’s leadership, We Sell Restaurants has grown to 45 states where it dominates the restaurant for sale marketplace and franchise resales, delivering on the founder’s vision to Sell More Restaurants Than Anyone Else. We Sell Restaurants was named one of the most influential suppliers and vendors in the country by Nation’s Restaurant News and has earned a position on INC 5000’s list of fastest growing privately held companies. Franchisees of We Sell Restaurants surveyed by Franchise Business Review placed it 25th in the nation in franchisee satisfaction. Robin is the Chair of the Women’s Franchise Committee of IFA. She is also an MBA and Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) in addition to her CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) designation from the International Business Brokers Association. She co-authored Appetite for Acquisition, a small business book award winner in 2012 and contributes frequently to industry press appearing in Forbes, QSR, Modern Restaurant Management, Franchise Update, and others. Entrepreneur has named her to their list of the “Top Influential Women in Franchising.” About We Sell Restaurants We Sell Restaurants is the nation’s largest business broker franchise focused exclusively on the sale of restaurants, with 20 years of experience in helping buy, sell and lease hospitality locations. We Sell Restaurants and its franchisees have sold thousands of restaurants across the country and maintain a listing inventory of more than $200 million online at their powerhouse , including independent and restaurant franchises for sale. We Sell Restaurants is offering franchise opportunities for their brand in select market areas. For more information, visit . /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/28117562

Preparing Your Business for Sale with Robin Gagnon of We Sell Restaurants 08/19/2023

Preparing Your Business for Sale with Robin Gagnon of We Sell Restaurants Welcome to another exciting episode of Restauranttopia! In today's episode, we dive deep into a topic that every restaurateur should be well-acquainted with: Preparing your restaurant for sale. We're privileged to have Robin Gagnon, co-founder of "We Sell Restaurants", with us to demystify the process. Whether you're contemplating selling or merely want to be ready for the future, this episode is a goldmine of insights. Key Takeaways: What is an Exit Strategy? Robin defines an exit strategy as a planned approach to transitioning out of your business, either through selling, merging, or closing down. Having a strategy in place ensures you get the best possible outcome when you decide it's time to step back. When to Start Preparing? Robin's advice? Start now. It's never too early to have a plan. The sooner you begin preparations, the more control you have over the sale conditions, maximizing the potential value of your restaurant. Understanding Restaurant Valuation A restaurant's value isn't just about its current revenue. Robin delves into the multiple factors that influence a restaurant's worth, including location, brand reputation, customer loyalty, and more. Tools and metrics used in the valuation process to provide a clear picture of what your business is worth on the market. The Process of Listing and Selling From choosing the right time to list your restaurant to negotiating the final deal, Robin breaks down the steps involved. Tips on presenting your restaurant in the best light to attract potential buyers. Understanding the role of brokers and how they can ease the selling process. Critical Record Keeping Requirements Just like in any other business, keeping detailed and accurate records is essential. Robin highlights the kinds of records prospective buyers are most interested in and why. The importance of maintaining organized financial statements, licenses, lease agreements, employee contracts, and other pertinent documents. Closing Thoughts Selling your restaurant can be an emotional journey. It's more than just a business transaction; it's parting with a place you've poured your heart and soul into. But with the right preparation and guidance, as provided by Robin in this episode, you can ensure your restaurant's legacy continues and that you reap the rewards of your hard work. /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/27792363

Increasing Efficiency with Mobile Communication Platforms 08/12/2023

Increasing Efficiency with Mobile Communication Platforms Episode 153: Increasing Efficiency with Mobile Communication Platforms Episode 153 of Restauranttopia Podcast: Increasing Efficiency with Mobile Communication Platforms In this episode, we're diving deep into a topic that's revolutionizing the way we operate in the restaurant industry - mobile communication platforms. What are Mobile Communication Platforms? At their core, mobile communication platforms are dynamic tools designed to enhance real-time communication and collaboration using mobile devices. Think of apps and tools like: 7Shifts Push Operations Restaurant365 Jolt Harri HotSchedules Homebase CrunchTime MS Teams One Note Google Sheets These platforms don’t just offer messaging capabilities. They bring to the table features like video conferencing, document sharing, and project management tools. And before you fret about group text messages blurring the line between work and personal life, remember that dedicated platforms keep work distinct from personal life, aiding the work/life balance. Why Embrace Mobile Communication Platforms? Young Workforce Magnet: The numero uno benefit is how these platforms make your restaurant operations alluring to the younger workforce. Look at how Amazon has harnessed this model, building a more cohesive, responsive team. Augmented Communication & Collaboration: The essence of these platforms is to bring together team members, whether they’re in the kitchen, at a supplier's office, or even at home. Boosted Productivity: Shorter response times mean faster decisions, which lead to streamlined operations and higher productivity levels. Precision is Key: The readily accessible information ensures minimal errors and miscommunication. Implementing Mobile Communication Platforms: Steps to Success Identify Your Need Zones: Pinpoint the specific areas in your restaurant operations where these platforms can make a difference. Be it: Scheduling Onboarding/Training Recipe Planning Research Marketing/Promotions Resources Communication with Mentors Equip Your Team: A tool is only as good as its user. Ensure that your team is trained and comfortable with the platform. Organize tutorials and Q&A sessions. Lay Down the Law: Set clear guidelines and expectations. This ensures that the platform is used professionally and responsibly. Keep an Eye & Lend an Ear: Monitor the platform usage, ensuring it’s being used effectively. Moreover, always be ready to provide support and address any queries or concerns. The restaurant industry, like any other sector, needs to leverage modern communication tools to stay efficient and relevant. With the insights shared in this episode, we hope you’re better equipped to harness the power of mobile communication platforms. Stay tuned to Restauranttopia for more insights, tips, and industry secrets! Don't forget to subscribe, and here’s to running smarter, more efficient eateries! /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/27734148

How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room 08/05/2023

How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room Episode 152 How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room How to Get Younger in Your Dining Room Offering a unique experience: Young diners are often looking for something that sets a restaurant apart from others. This could be a unique menu, a cool atmosphere, or a fun theme. Restaurants should consider offering something that will appeal to this demographic and make their establishment stand out from the crowd. Providing shareable options: Young diners are often social and enjoy sharing food with friends. Restaurants can cater to this by offering shareable options such as small plates or appetizers that are perfect for groups. Being social media savvy: Young diners are active on social media, and restaurants can use this to their advantage by creating visually appealing dishes that are "Instagram-worthy" and encouraging guests to share their experiences online. Offering vegan and vegetarian options: Many young diners are health-conscious and may follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Offering plant-based options can attract these customers and show that the restaurant is conscious of dietary restrictions and preferences. Providing technology-based solutions: Young diners are often tech-savvy and appreciate the use of technology in restaurants, such as online ordering, mobile payments, and loyalty programs that can be accessed through a mobile app. What not to do… Providing affordable options: Young diners are often on a budget, so offering affordable menu options can make the restaurant more appealing. Restaurants can offer special deals, happy hours, or lunch specials to attract this demographic. By incorporating these strategies, restaurants can attract young diners and create a loyal customer base for years to come. When trying to attract younger restaurant customers, there are some things that should be avoided. Here are a few examples: Being too gimmicky: While it's important to offer a unique experience, being too gimmicky can turn off younger customers who are looking for authenticity. Restaurants should be careful not to overdo it with trendy themes or menu items that feel forced. Ignoring dietary restrictions: Younger customers are more likely to have dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free diets. Ignoring these needs can turn off potential customers and limit the restaurant's appeal. Neglecting social media: Younger customers are active on social media and use it to make dining decisions. Neglecting social media or having a weak online presence can make the restaurant appear out of touch or unappealing. Not providing good value: Younger customers are often on a budget and expect good value for their money. Restaurants that charge high prices without providing quality food and service will struggle to attract this demographic. Offering limited options: Younger customers value choice and variety, and restaurants that offer limited menu options or lack flexibility with substitutions may not appeal to this demographic. Not being eco-conscious: Younger customers are increasingly concerned with sustainability and the environment. Restaurants that don't prioritize eco-conscious practices may be seen as outdated or unappealing to this demographic. /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/27651432

151 Is Your Restaurant Prepared for Economic Downturns? Insights and Strategies to Protect Your Business Now 05/27/2023

150 How to fight DoorDash's new menu pricing policy 05/13/2023

Mastering the Art of SOPs: Streamline Your Restaurant Operations 04/29/2023

Mastering the Art of SOPs: Streamline Your Restaurant Operations Mastering the Art of SOPs: Streamline Your Restaurant Operations Running a successful restaurant involves juggling numerous tasks, from managing inventory to ensuring excellent customer service. To streamline operations and maintain consistency in the face of staff turnover, implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is crucial. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of creating effective SOPs for your restaurant. Identify key procedures and processes Begin by listing all the essential tasks and processes involved in running your restaurant. These should span across all departments, including front of house, back of house, and administration. Examples of procedures to document include opening and closing routines, food preparation, cash handling, and inventory management. Define clear objectives For each procedure, establish the desired outcome, and highlight the benefits of following the SOP. Clearly defining the objectives will help your team understand the importance of adhering to the procedures and will encourage them to execute them consistently. Break down each procedure into steps Once you've identified the procedures, break them down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Be as specific as possible, detailing the actions required, the order in which they should be performed, and any necessary tools or equipment. Avoid using jargon, and aim for clarity and simplicity. Assign responsibilities Assign each procedure to a specific role within your restaurant. This will help ensure accountability and make it easier for staff members to understand their responsibilities. Clearly define who is in charge of executing the procedure, as well as who should be overseeing or double-checking the process. Create a visual format People often learn better through visual aids. Consider incorporating illustrations, flowcharts, or photographs to complement the written instructions. A visually appealing and easy-to-follow format will encourage your team to reference and adhere to the SOPs. Train your staff Once you've created your SOPs, it's essential to train your team on how to follow them. Hold training sessions, provide written materials, and offer hands-on demonstrations to ensure your staff understands the procedures thoroughly. Encourage questions and feedback, as this will help identify areas for improvement and clarify any ambiguities. Monitor and update regularly Regularly review and update your SOPs to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Changes in technology, industry standards, or regulations may necessitate adjustments. Additionally, feedback from your team can provide valuable insights for refining your procedures. Schedule routine reviews and make necessary updates to maintain the effectiveness of your SOPs. Conclusion Implementing well-crafted Standard Operating Procedures is essential for maintaining consistency, efficiency, and quality in your restaurant. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a comprehensive and effective set of SOPs that will help ensure the smooth operation of your business. /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/26689782

Maximizing Your Profits with Ice Cream: An Expert's Perspective from Brian Zeit 04/22/2023

Maximizing Your Profits with Ice Cream: An Expert's Perspective from Brian Zeit 148 "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 "," 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. LinkedIn /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/26613387

Where did all the restaurant labor go? 04/15/2023

Where did all the restaurant labor go? https://restauranttopia.com/episode-147-where-did-all-the-restaurant-labor-go/ In the latest episode of the Restauranttopia podcast, host David Ross delves into a topic that has been top of mind for restaurant owners and operators across the country: Where did all the restaurant labor go? As the restaurant industry continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many operators are struggling to find and retain staff. David Ross explores the various factors that have contributed to this labor shortage and offer insights into what restaurants can do to overcome these challenges. One of the key issues discussed in the episode is the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant workforce. Many workers were forced to leave the industry due to safety concerns, lack of work, or the need to care for children or other family members. Additionally, the availability of unemployment benefits and stimulus checks may have also played a role in deterring some workers from returning to the workforce. However, the labor shortage is not solely a result of the pandemic. The episode also explores other factors that have contributed to the shortage, including changing attitudes towards work and the rise of gig economy platforms. The hospitality industry has historically been known for low wages, long hours, and unpredictable schedules, and many workers are now looking for more stable and rewarding career paths. Despite these challenges, David Ross offers practical advice for restaurant owners and operators looking to attract and retain staff. They suggest focusing on employee engagement and creating a positive work culture, offering competitive wages and benefits, and providing opportunities for professional development and advancement. Overall, the latest episode of the Restauranttopia podcast offers valuable insights into a critical issue facing the restaurant industry today. Whether you are a restaurant owner, operator, or employee, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the current state of the restaurant labor market and what can be done to address it. /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/26550243

Gain followers three times faster with Abraham McCune’s Hashtag strategy 04/08/2023

Gain followers three times faster with Abraham McCune’s Hashtag strategy Episode 146: Gain followers three times faster with Abraham McCune’s Hashtag strategy In this week's episode of Restauranttopia, we had the pleasure of speaking with Abraham McCune, founder of Eat Local Ohio, about his hashtag strategy for gaining Instagram followers three times faster. Abraham has developed a unique approach to hashtag usage that has helped him grow his own following on Instagram, as well as his clients' followings. He emphasizes the importance of using niche and location-specific hashtags to reach a targeted audience. Abraham recommends using a mix of broad and specific hashtags, and researching popular hashtags in your niche to stay up-to-date. He also suggests creating a branded hashtag for your restaurant and encouraging customers to use it when they post about their experience at your establishment. By using Abraham's hashtag strategy, restaurants can increase their visibility on Instagram and reach a wider audience. Abraham's approach is not only effective, but it's also practical and easy to implement. In addition to his hashtag strategy, Abraham also shares tips on engaging with followers, creating high-quality content, and measuring success on Instagram. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your Instagram game to the next level. Listen to Episode 146 of Restauranttopia now to learn from Abraham McCune's expertise on hashtag strategy for restaurants. #restaurantmarketing #socialmedia #Instagrammarketing #podcast Enter your email and get the very latest from Restauranttopia - marketing tips and insights, announcements, pro tips, and more! And don’t worry, we hate spam too! Check out the show notes at https://restauranttopia.com/category/podcast-episodes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Restauranttopia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restauranttopia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restauranttopia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9aRVuDUYsV370Rfh-QxDag Brian Seitz https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-seitz-j-d-19863616/ David Ross https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ross-b6b39175/ Anthony Hamilton https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-hamilton-5805013a/ /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/26415291

Maximizing Your Restaurant's Instagram Presence with Abraham McCune from Eat Local Ohio 04/01/2023

Maximizing Your Restaurant's Instagram Presence with Abraham McCune from Eat Local Ohio Episode 145 Maximizing Your Restaurant's Instagram Presence with Abraham McCune from Eat Local Ohio Are you looking for ways to promote your restaurant on social media? Look no further than Instagram! Instagram is a visual platform that allows restaurants to showcase their food, atmosphere, and overall brand to potential customers. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we spoke with Abraham McCune, founder of Eat Local Ohio, about all things Instagram for restaurants. Content Strategy Abraham stresses the importance of a solid content strategy. He suggests featuring your menu items, showcasing behind-the-scenes content, and highlighting customer experiences. Instagram is a great platform to showcase the talent of your chefs and the atmosphere of your restaurant. He also recommends using Instagram's various features, such as stories, reels, to engage with followers and keep your content fresh. Engaging with Followers Engaging with followers is key to building a strong Instagram presence. Responding to comments and messages shows that you value your customers' input and are committed to building relationships with them. Abraham also suggests hosting giveaways, collaborating with influencers, and hosting community events to keep your followers engaged and excited about your brand. Measuring Success Measuring the success of your Instagram marketing efforts is crucial to understanding what's working and what's not. Abraham suggests tracking follower growth, engagement rates, and website traffic to see how your Instagram efforts are impacting your business. It's important to adjust your strategy based on what metrics are performing well. Overcoming Challenges Abraham acknowledges that there are challenges when it comes to Instagram marketing for restaurants. Negative comments can be discouraging, but he suggests responding politely and using the feedback to improve your business. Join other independent restaurant owners and professionals on our VIP Text Club and get access to exclusive content, industry news, deals, insights, announcements, pro-tips, and more! join our mailing list and get our newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/dojKlZ5 Enter your email and get the very latest from Restauranttopia - marketing tips and insights, announcements, pro tips, and more! And don’t worry, we hate spam too! Check out the show notes at https://restauranttopia.com/category/podcast-episodes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Restauranttopia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restauranttopia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restauranttopia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9aRVuDUYsV370Rfh-QxDag Brian Seitz https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-seitz-j-d-19863616/ David Ross https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ross-b6b39175/ Anthony Hamilton https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-hamilton-5805013a/ /episode/index/show/restauranttopia/id/26412030