The Turning Tables Podcast

By: Foodable Network
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  • Summary

  • Looking for a fresh perspective on the restaurant industry? Turning Tables is the must-listen podcast for anyone in the restaurant industry looking to grow their business. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations with next-gen multi-unit restaurant leaders, as we explore new ways to accelerate your business to new levels of success. Tune in for engaging, interactive episodes that are practical and relevant to today's restaurant landscape.
    Copyright Foodable Network
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Art Cooking Economics Leadership
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Episodes
  • Building Your Network to Build Your Business | Season 1, Ep. 16: Daniella Senior

    Building Your Network to Build Your Business | Season 1, Ep. 16: Daniella Senior
    Sep 12 2023
    In the latest episode of "Turning Tables," the hospitality realm got a masterclass in authentic Cuban culture, business acumen, and the fine art of juggling personal and professional roles. Hosted by Kathleen Wood at the Prosper Forum in Amelia Island, Florida, the episode zoomed into the spirited world of Daniella Senior, the brain behind Colada Shop.


    From her initial plunge into the culinary world, sparked ironically by her parents' culinary ineptitude, to running multiple ventures, Daniella's journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the undeniable allure of Cuban flavors. Those in the restaurant industry know it's not just about the food, but the ambience, the experience. Daniella's unique take? Make it an all-day affair! Her Colada Shop is designed to transition seamlessly from your morning coffee fix, through a hearty Cubano sandwich at lunch, to the evening's mojito.


    Yet, this episode wasn't just about food. It was a deep dive into the DNA of Cuban hospitality. The term "Cubanism" shone brightly as Daniella described it – treating every guest as if they were family. It's not just about serving meals, but memories. This philosophy, she says, helps set her establishments apart in the diverse DMV area.


    According to our dynamic CEO, networking is indispensable in the hospitality sector. Daniella's heartfelt connection with people has fostered a supportive network. And, as she tackles the jigsaw of business and motherhood, she introduced a refreshing perspective – the idea of work-life "incorporation" as opposed to "balance." Her counsel to other ambitious souls? Fuse your personal and professional realms, let one feed off the energy of the other.


    Furthermore, Daniella highlighted a cornerstone of her leadership—empowerment. A crucial tidbit for those in the restaurant industry: nurture your team, let them flourish, make decisions, and yes, even stumble. Because in those stumbles often lie the seeds of unparalleled innovation.


    This episode isn't just an earful; it's a soulful peek into what makes a restaurant truly resonate with its patrons. As Kathleen signed off, with an infectious enthusiasm to visit the Colada Shop, many listeners would've earmarked it too. And for our hospitality mavens and restaurateurs, Daniella's journey is a reminder that success is a savory blend of authenticity, perseverance, and the magic of human connection.
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    22 mins
  • Succeeding with Founders | Season 1, Ep. 15: Josh Halpern

    Succeeding with Founders | Season 1, Ep. 15: Josh Halpern
    Aug 31 2023
    Don't miss the latest episode of The Turning Tables podcast, where innovative leaders share new rules for success in the competitive restaurant market. Host Kathleen Wood sits down with Big Chicken CEO, Josh Halpern, to discuss leadership, growth, and building great brands. Big Chicken, founded in 2018, is backed by JRS Hospitality, Authentic Brands Group, and basketball star Shaquille O'Neal. It blends O'Neal's childhood favorites with trendy flavors, from crispy chicken sandwiches to Cheez-It® crusted mac n' cheese, each telling a story about O'Neal's life and personality.

    In this episode, recorded at the Prosper Forum conference in Amelia Island, Florida, Josh shares the successes of recent openings, particularly in Rosemont, Illinois, and Baton Rouge - their first casino location. He emphasizes Big Chicken as a partner-first company, focusing on incredible food and service, good unit-level economics for franchisees, clear communication with suppliers, and continuously pushing culture, marketing, and capabilities boundaries. He underscores the importance of making the right decisions for franchisees, ensuring their success and continuous improvement. This approach, he believes, will drive Big Chicken's growth and positive energy. He also talks about collaborating with Stan's Donuts and using drone lights innovatively at the Baton Rouge opening.

    Kathleen and Josh delve into various topics, including keeping franchisees engaged, avoiding apathy, and the challenges of scaling a business. Josh emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, good communication, and creating a clear, transparent ecosystem for all stakeholders. He also discusses the importance of not just focusing on numbers but also staying true to the company's values and ensuring franchisees are in the best possible position. They also discuss Kathleen Wood's book, "Founderology," and the challenges faced by founders and CEOs when scaling a business while maintaining the founder's vision. Josh shares his experiences taking over Big Chicken when it had two units and the adjustments needed to scale the business while maintaining the founder's mentality.

    The conversation highlights key challenges and considerations for scaling a founder-led business, such as maintaining quality and consistency, balancing vision and adaptability, clearly defining roles, understanding before making changes, and balancing bureaucracy and flexibility. It underscores the importance of communication, empathy, and a collaborative approach when scaling a founder-led business. It's crucial to respect the founder’s vision while also making necessary adjustments for growth. This involves clearly defining roles, understanding existing processes, and gradually implementing changes that enhance efficiency and effectiveness while staying true to the original vision of the business.

    They discuss the importance of embracing the founder's genius, being flexible, and making necessary adjustments for scaling. The speakers highlight the need to understand the founder's vision and the essential elements that make the company unique while also implementing efficiencies and processes that enable growth. They acknowledge the importance of staying true to the "Founderology" principles in the face of rapid growth and express gratitude for the guidance provided by the book.

    Overall, this episode of Turning Tables podcast offers valuable insights for restaurant operators and hospitality professionals looking to scale their businesses while maintaining quality and staying true to their original vision. Tune in for practical insights and best practices from industry leaders who are successfully navigating these challenges.
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    19 mins
  • Building Blocks for Creating a Powerful Culture | Season 1, Ep. 14: Amir Mostafavi

    Building Blocks for Creating a Powerful Culture | Season 1, Ep. 14: Amir Mostafavi
    Aug 17 2023
    In an era where authenticity and community engagement can make or break a business, restaurant and foodservice professionals have much to glean from the success story of South Block. In the latest episode of the Turning Tables Podcast, host Kathleen Wood, founder of Kathleen Wood Partners, invites Amir Mostafavi, Founder and CEO of South Block, to unpack the dynamics that have built his brand into a powerful player in the Washington, D.C. food scene.

    South Block's Story: A Journey of Growth and Community

    South Block, specializing in smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and açai bowls, has risen from a single juice bar on the GW University campus in 2004 to 15 thriving locations today, including a partnership with Amazon's East Coast headquarters.

    But what truly resonates in Amir's journey are the inspirations drawn from his family's video rental business and his father's story of resilience and adaptability. These early experiences instilled in Amir a determination that led to the development of the culture within South Block, marked by growth, discovery, and intentional design.
    South Block's "Great 8" Rules

    The "great 8" rules, including the quintessential "don't be a jerk," reveal a business philosophy that goes beyond profit margins. They reflect a commitment to quality, community involvement, and the desire to create positive experiences.
    These principles have driven South Block's remarkable growth, even in unexpected locations, with the opening at Amazon's location standing as a testament to community connection and reputation building.

    A People-First Culture

    Amir's approach to business emphasizes prioritizing the community and the team. This people-centric perspective has paid dividends in employee recruitment and retention, even forming the core of his "Put Your Team in Your Dream" philosophy.
    Unlimited PTO, profit sharing, and the creation of paths and opportunities for team members speak to a broader vision. For Amir, South Block isn't just about juice; it's about people and culture.

    Why You Should Tune In

    Whether you're an established restaurant owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode promises a treasure trove of insights:
    • Innovation and Determination: Learn how a $30,000 line of credit turned into a thriving 15-location business, thanks to Amir's entrepreneurial spark.
    • Culture by Design: Delve into the significance of building a culture that resonates with both team and community. Amir's fusion of intentionality, authenticity, and community engagement offers a masterclass in creating a meaningful business culture.
    • Practical Perspectives on Success: From sharing business benefits with the team to recognizing the need to pause and intentionally design culture during rapid scaling, Amir's lessons hold real-world applications for businesses at any stage.
    Amir's conversation with Kathleen Wood transcends mere business talk. It's a profound exploration of the role of culture, a rich tapestry of personal experience, and a testament to the power of staying true to core values.


    So if you're keen on making connections, building a unique brand, or simply inspiring your team, this episode of the Turning Tables Podcast is not to be missed. Tune in to be a part of a discussion that's more than a business story; it's a lesson in connecting and giving back to the community, one block at a time.
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    57 mins

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