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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl chats with Christy LoPresto, a dynamic restaurateur and wellness entrepreneur redefining leadership in the hospitality industry. Christy takes us on a journey through her 20+ years in the restaurant business, sharing her evolution from server to owner of several acclaimed New York City eateries, including Kin, a fast-casual Thai concept, and Babbalucci, a Harlem favorite.

Dive into her experiences of navigating challenges like the pandemic, creating a thriving team culture, and balancing multiple ventures, including her wellness brand, Soakwell. Discover how Christy’s focus on mental health and self-care fuels her ability to lead with empathy, inspire her teams, and deliver exceptional dining experiences.

This episode is packed with actionable insights on scaling a business, embracing change, and building a strong community—perfect for seasoned restaurateurs and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

Connect with Christy LoPresto:

• Instagram: @christy_lopresto728
• Restaurants and Brands:
  • Kin NYC: @eatkinn.nyc | Website
  • Soakwell: @soakwell | Website

Get inspired by Christy’s passion for culinary innovation, wellness, and the art of leadership. Tune in to discover the recipe for success in today’s restaurant landscape!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Randy Burks, the founder of Randy’s Steakhouse in Frisco, Texas. With over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Randy shares the journey of building his iconic steakhouse, navigating challenges like sky-high food costs, labor shortages, and even pandemic shutdowns. From starting as a dishwasher with a notebook of solutions to becoming a revered restaurateur in a historic 1869 house, Randy’s story is packed with insights, resilience, and some unforgettable tales (like the time he had to remove a pool due to skinny-dipping staff!).

Discover how Randy turned mistakes into loyal customer relationships, the secrets to leading a dedicated team for over 20 years, and his unique perspective on the future of the restaurant industry. Whether you're an aspiring restaurateur, seasoned pro, or just love a great story, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice you don’t want to miss.

Connect with our guest:
Website: www.randysteakhouse.com

Follow Randy’s Steakhouse on Social Media:
Instagram: @RandysSteakhouse
Facebook: Randy's Steakhouse

Listen now to dive into the world of steak, hospitality, and leadership!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Mathieu Giraud, the visionary owner of Garçons de Café and L’Appart in downtown Los Angeles. Mathieu shares his incredible journey from training in hospitality in France to managing world-class establishments in LA and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship.

Discover Mathieu’s candid insights on:

• The realities of transitioning from corporate restaurant management to ownership.
• Building a lean, guest-focused team in the evolving restaurant landscape.
• Strategies for balancing creativity, guest experience, and profitability.
• How to navigate leadership challenges and maintain resilience in a highly competitive industry.

Mathieu also dives into the unique challenges of owning a restaurant post-pandemic and offers invaluable advice for aspiring restaurateurs, including the sacrifices, rewards, and mindset required for long-term success.

If you’re ready to learn what it takes to thrive in the restaurant business, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

Connect with our guest:
Social Media:
Garçons de Café
L’Appart

Website:
Garçons de Café
Air Food

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and gain insights to elevate your restaurant business!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

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What makes a profitable and unforgettable bar program? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, I sit down with Ben Potts, co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality and co-owner of The Sylvester in Miami. Ben’s journey is a masterclass in persistence and innovation, from starting as a bar back to becoming one of the most sought-after beverage program consultants in the industry.

We dive into:

• How Unfiltered Hospitality helps restaurants build profitable, guest-focused bar programs.
• The key metrics every restaurant owner should track for bar success.
• How to recruit and train a bar team that shares your vision and values.
• Why creative cocktails and efficient systems go hand-in-hand in today’s market.
• The trends shaping the future of bars, from performative elements to multisensory experiences.

Whether you're a restaurant owner, a budding bartender, or a seasoned operator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your hospitality game.

Connect with our guest:
Social Media: @benbenpottspotts
Website: www.unfilteredhospo.com

Don’t miss this deep dive into the art and science of creating a standout bar experience!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

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Rakesh Chandiramani, Co-Founder & Owner of Vin sur Vingt Wine Bars, Jack’s Coffee, and Il Fiorista in NYC, shares how he transformed a $52,000 investment into 17 successful locations. From scaling with purpose to crafting unforgettable guest experiences, Rakesh dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of the restaurant industry. Learn why authentic leadership, team loyalty, and a human-centered approach are at the heart of his success. This episode is a masterclass in building a lasting legacy in hospitality.

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we’re thrilled to host Christin Marvin, influential leadership coach, author of The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap, and founder of Solutions by Christin. Christin opens up about her transformative journey in the hospitality industry—from her early days as a line cook to scaling restaurant groups, facing burnout, and becoming a sought-after coach for independent restaurant owners.

Christin shares:

• The emotional toll of burnout and how to overcome it
• The crucial difference between management and leadership
• Practical tools to create a positive, mentally fit work culture
• How to balance personal growth while leading a team
• Insights into navigating the future of restaurants in a changing industry

Packed with real-life stories, valuable leadership lessons, and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for restaurant leaders looking to empower their teams and themselves.

Her podcast: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/podcast
Her book: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/book
Social media links: Instagram, LinkedIn
https://www.instagram.com/solutionsbychristin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christin-marvin/
Website: https://www.solutionsbychristin.me/

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we welcome restaurant expert and coach David Scott Peters, who shares his journey from working in his family’s restaurant to becoming a leading coach for independent operators across the U.S. David reveals the #1 mistake he sees in the industry—a lack of leadership—and explains how restaurant owners can transform their operations through proven systems and strategies.

Tune in as David discusses the importance of having the right systems in place, the power of a growth mindset, and his Restaurant Prosperity Formula, a framework designed to help restaurant owners achieve financial success and freedom. David also dives into topics like effective team management, crafting a powerful company culture, and how to navigate the ups and downs of restaurant ownership.

If you’re ready to take control of your restaurant and lead it to prosperity, this episode is packed with insights to guide you there.

Connect with our guest:

His podcast: https://www.davidscottpeters.com/podcast
His book: https://a.co/d/f315EXE
Social media links: Instagram, LinkedIn
https://www.instagram.com/davidscottpeters/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidscottpeters/
Website: https://www.davidscottpeters.com/

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

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In this captivating episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we’re joined by Victor Chan, founder of Suteishi Japanese Restaurant in New York City. With a fascinating journey that began as an aircraft mechanic and led through cigar shops and cafés before opening his celebrated sushi restaurant, Victor’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and leadership.

Victor shares his approach to transforming the dining experience—every scent, taste, and sound thoughtfully curated to take guests on a memorable journey. We dive into his experience navigating major challenges like Hurricane Sandy and the pandemic, the pivotal lessons from joining the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and his core leadership philosophy that prioritizes culture and empowers his team.

Get ready to learn from Victor’s unique take on restaurant marketing, his process for staying relevant in a competitive market, and his insights on building a brand with lasting impact. Don’t miss this conversation packed with wisdom for restaurateurs and leaders alike.

Tune in and discover:

• The art of crafting a holistic dining experience
• Overcoming adversity in the restaurant industry
• Building a loyal, empowered team culture
• Staying relevant and innovative in NYC’s food scene

Listen now and be inspired by Victor Chan’s story of resilience, adaptability, and dedication to excellence!

4o

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

Follow us on social media to stay updated:

Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other restaurant leaders find us!