Month: February 2025

What does it take to turn a dishwashing job into a legacy that reshapes an entire industry? Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman’s, has spent over four decades building not just a successful business but a model of leadership rooted in purpose, curiosity, and values. In his latest work, Life Lessons I Learned from Being a Line Cook, Ari reflects on the principles that have guided his journey and the powerful lessons we can all take from them. In this episode, we explore how these lessons apply to leadership, emotional resilience, and building organizations that thrive. Whether you’re on the line or leading a team, this conversation is packed with insights that will challenge and inspire you.

For more on Zingerman’s and to explore Ari’s latest work, Life Lessons I Learned from Being a Line Cook, visit https://www.zingtrain.com
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

What does it take to build restaurants that stand the test of time? For David Steele, founder of Flour + Water Hospitality Group and Great Gold Hospitality, the answer lies in strong systems, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to investing in people. From his beginnings in finance to creating some of the industry’s most iconic brands, David has mastered the art of sustainable growth. Today, we dive into the strategies and philosophies that have defined his success. For more on Flour + Water Hospitality Group, Great Gold Hospitality, and their incredible concepts, visit https://www.flourandwater.com. 

____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Belonging is the foundation of hospitality, but how often do we stop to understand it—truly understand it? Dan Berger has built his career and his life around solving the belonging crisis. From a $100M tech exit to crafting transformative retreat spaces, Dan’s journey is a masterclass in creating spaces and systems that foster connection. In this episode, we explore how his personal story shaped his professional success, why belonging matters now more than ever, and how restaurant owners can turn connection into their most powerful tool for growth.
For more on his groundbreaking work with Assembly Hospitality Group or to explore his insights on belonging, visit https://www.assemblyhospitality.com.
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

What does it take to breathe new life into a legacy restaurant brand? Peter Riggs knows firsthand. As the CEO of Pita Pit, Peter has taken on the monumental task of revitalizing a business after years of decline, transforming challenges into opportunities and ideas into action. In this episode, we explore how Peter’s leadership, innovative catering strategies, and relentless commitment to franchisees are setting the stage for a remarkable comeback. Whether you’re leading a turnaround or looking for fresh ideas to grow your business, Peter’s insights are sure to inspire. To learn more about Pita Pit and their innovative approach to catering and growth, visit https://www.pitapitusa.com.
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Hospitality is built on moments—the ones your guests remember long after they leave. But how do you craft those moments consistently? Dorrian Porter has an answer. As the creator of VestaBoard, he’s turned a retro-inspired communication tool into a modern marvel for businesses, helping restaurateurs and hoteliers engage their guests in ways that feel personal, surprising, and unforgettable. In this episode, we uncover the story behind VestaBoard’s creation, the psychology of guest connection, and how Dorrian is redefining what it means to stand out in the competitive world of hospitality. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to act. For more on VestaBoard and how it can transform your restaurant or business, visit https://www.vestaboard.com.
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Building a restaurant that works for you instead of the other way around is no small feat. But John Felico has done it—and scaled it—by mastering the art of systems. From humble beginnings selling sausages to pioneering self-pour technology with Augie’s Draft Room, John has turned industry pain points into opportunities. Today, we dive into how he’s built businesses that last, the systems that power growth, and the lessons every restaurateur needs to hear. If you’re ready to stop working harder and start working smarter, this one’s for you.
For more on his journey and Augie’s Draft Room, visit https://www.augiesdraftroom.com. You can also grab his book, Drafting a Dream, for even more insights on building a business that thrives.
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Check out DUER’s flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP.

What does it take to lead in an industry that demands resilience, innovation, and constant evolution? Stephanie Jaeger has spent over two decades answering that question. From running one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants to driving growth at Joey Restaurants and leading Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Stephanie has mastered the art of building high-performing teams and empowering leaders. In this episode, we uncover her strategies for turning challenges into opportunities, creating scalable systems, and fostering a culture of excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can use to level up your business and your leadership. For more information on Les Dames d’Escoffier International and their mission to empower hospitality professionals, visit https://www.ldei.org.
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

How do you turn $2,000 into a restaurant empire that lasts 40 years? Kevin McCarney cracked the code. As the founder of Poquito Más, Kevin has defied the odds in one of the most competitive markets on the planet, creating a brand synonymous with quality, consistency, and legendary customer loyalty. In today’s episode, we dive into the systems that scale, the secrets to keeping your team inspired, and how Kevin’s unique leadership philosophy has driven decades of success. Whether you’re looking to grow your brand or just survive the daily grind, this episode is packed with strategies you can steal today. For more on Poquito Más and Kevin’s innovative leadership approach, visit https://www.poquitomas.com. Don’t forget to grab his book, Big Brain, Little Brain, for even more actionable insights to transform your business and your life.
____________________________________________________________

Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.

We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:

Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts

Restaurant expert videos & webinars

Check out DUER’s flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP.