Podcast Ovation

On this week's episode of Give An Ovation we are flipping the mic around and welcoming on Ovation's very own, CEO and Founder, Zack Oates. Having started as a soda jerk at Friendly's and then transitioning into tech startups, Zack brings his expertise within the restaurant industry, hospitality, and tech to the table as we flip the script. With ove…

Flint Finlinson, Co-Founder and CEO of Propaganda Inc., is a brand and marketing expert specializing in strategy development. Propaganda, Inc. is an agency dedicated to "Brand Transformations" and helping to develop your higher brand purpose. Having transitioned from retail to restaurants, Flint understand what it means to position your brand not j…

Euripides Pelekanos is the CEO of Bareburger, a kitchen and bar that offers big flavor in a big bun. With over 13 years experience with Bareburger as the CEO and Co-Founder, Euripides knows what it takes to learn from the past and apply hindsight to the future. As someone who has grown his brand into an international business, you're going to want …

Jensen Cummings, a legacy figure within the restaurant industry, is uncovering and remedying fallacies within the industry. Having transitioned from a top chef to behind the scenes managerial operations, Jensen has an all encompassing understanding of restaurant industry operations. On this episode, you'll learn from Jensen about: Restructuring the…

Justin Egan is the VP of marketing, franchise development, and digital strategy at Craveworthy Brands. His expertise includes consumer-focused branding, building digital guest experiences, franchise development and restaurant/marketing tech. On this episode you'll learn from Justin about: Delivering cravable foods and experiences End-to-end marketi…

Bob Andersen has spent over 20 years in the restaurant industry, with experience as a Managing Director at Boston Pizza, the President of MOOYAH, the Executive Vice President of United Franchise Group, and much more. Bob is currently the President of The Great Greek Grill - a delicious, growing brand with over 40 locations. What you'll learn on thi…

Matthew Marx is an expert in technology leadership and he uses this knowledge to build and operate high growth products and businesses. In the restaurant industry, Matthew applies his expertise on the benefits of tech to improve operations and elevate your brand. On this episode, you'll learn from Matthew about: How to introduce omnichannel operati…

Find out how the cooking and prep that goes on back-of-house impacts the guest. Gavin Kaysen, Founder and chef of Soigné Hospitality, knows how the unseen operations play a heavy role in developing creativity, community, and a positive guest experience. Tune in to this weeks episode to learn how the culinary touch can bring people together and stra…

This weeks episode of Give An Ovation welcomes Fred LeFranc, the CEO of Results Thru Strategy, a consulting company that specializes in restaurant and hospitality brands. With his strategic eye and forward thinking tactics, Fred knows how to leverage your company's strengths and strengthen weaknesses. On this episode, you will learn from Fred about…

Yigal Adato, Founder of Unlock The Leader, brings his expertise in leadership training and personal development to this weeks episode of Give An Ovation. This is a crucial conversation on how to improve internal operations through individual progression. Tune in to hear Yigal's perspective on how personal growth contributes to the health of your bu…

Arguably the biggest factor to bring about a positive guest experience is the state of your employees. Bobby Amoah, CEO of River Health ensures a system where you can do just that by providing quality primary care and mental health services for your employees. While taking a step outside of the restaurant industry, this episode has everything to do…

Have you ever wondered how to better leverage your technology? Or what integrating your technology can mean for your guests? Pete Gibson, former CIO of Friendly's and Johnny Rockets, has a solid record of successfully leveraging tech, improving operations, and developing high-performing teams globally. As a Chief Information Officer, Pete has exten…

Steve Raggiani is a Co-Founder of 8it, the simplest way to find food. 8it provides curated food recommendations and popups in New York City. Steve's main goal? Simplify the the food search and filter out bad reviews. Steve brings his innovative eye for greatness to this weeks episode of Give An Ovation. On this episode, Steve and host, Zack discuss…

On this episode of Give An Ovation, we are one click away from restauranteurs and focusing on industry specific consulting. Bassem Nowyhed is a Multi-Unit Owner and Founder of Invig Consulting. Invig Consulting has reimagined the way brands, convenience stores, and restaurants connect and do business. Bassem is a leading innovator in business devel…

Michael Brown has over 30 years experience in the restaurant industry and is a master in guest experience. Having owned Chick-Fil-A locations for about 14 years then working alongside Flying Biscuit and Bojangles, Michael knows his fried chicken. With his most recent role as Sr. director of guest experience at Zaxby's, Michael brings his expertise …

Micha Magid is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Mighty Quinn's BBQ, a traditional barbecue dining experience that opened in 2012 our of Manhattan's East Village. Mighty Quinn’s is one of the first authentic barbecue experiences in a fast casual setting. Micha's emphasis is providing amazing food, great atmosphere, and quick service at convenient locati…

Matt Plapp is the Founder and CEO of America’s Best Restaurant and Restaurant Marketing That Works. Matt began his digital marketing journey back in 2008 helping restaurant owners increase their profits by attracting the attention of their customers every week. Matt brings his passion for helping people build successful businesses to this week's ep…

Nicole Tanner is the current Owner and Founder of Swig, a booming beverage brand launched in 2010 in St. George, Utah. Nicole brainstormed the idea for a drive-by drink shop which has now grown to 45 locations from Utah and Arizona to Texas and Oklahoma! While Swig offers personalized sodas and sweet treats, Nicole ensures a culture of connection a…

Damian Otero is the CEO of Real Tacos, authentic Mexican street food based out of Atlanta. The chefs at Real Tacos strive to recreate the characteristics of tacos from various regions of Mexico using the freshest cuts of meat and cooking with ingredients sourced only from there. As CEO, Damian focuses largely on improving operations with an emphasi…

Jesse B Good is the Chief Multiplier of Aprendey, a company grounded on people skills and the guest experience. Jesse has over 20 years of experience leading front-line customer service teams and developing successful CX programs. In addition, Jesse has facilitated more than 1,000,000 customer service experiences (and counting). Tune in as Jesse B …

Alex Blum is the Founder and CEO of Relay Delivery. Relay Delivery enables brands to expand their reach while increasing their margins. Alex Blum noticed a major gap in operations for restaurants who relied on their own in-house couriers to make deliveries. Relay offers restaurant owners an easy way to optimize their delivery operations all while r…

Rob Grimes is the Founder and CEO of the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA), a nonprofit trade association, that promotes the use of technology within the global food and beverage industries. Rob is paving the path for restaurant tech and is passionate about how emerging technologies can enhance company profitability and…

Leigh Gower is the Chief Technology Officer at Dutch Bros Coffee. Not only recognized for their variety of drinks, Dutch Bros is known for their exceptional hospitality and ability to connect with drive thru guests. As CTO, Leigh Gowers talks about her experience continuing to connect franchises and individuals all while adding tech to the mix! In …

Dustin Mares is the Co-Founder of Meal Outpost, a pioneer in developing the virtual table touch. Meal Outpost enables restaurants and staff to create an additional revenue stream by licensing existing brands from an established brick-and-mortars. Tune in to hear Dustin Mares insights to the ever-changing virtual landscape of restaurants! On this ep…

Leslie Silverglide is the CEO and Co-Founder of Mixt Greens. Mixt Greens makes healthy fast food accessible and sets the bar on sustainable restaurant operations. With education from John Hopkins, Oxford, AND Stanford Leslie is not just a thinker, she is a doer. Leslie prioritizes improving operations through environmental impact, healthy food opti…

Harold Walters is the CEO and Co-founder of Shootz, a growing Hawaiian fast-casual brand in southern California. Prior to co-founding Shootz, Harold founded and operated multiple 6 and 7 figure ecommerce brands, a direct response marketing agency, and short term rental business. His previous experience as a software developer combined with his busi…

Abe Ruiz is a restaurant veteran with over 30 years in the industry! He's got a lot going on these days, as the owner of the Spanish Madrid Taverna, the VP of Strategic Growth and Innovation for Green Turtle, and several other ventures. On this episode, Abe and Zack discuss: How to to hire and retain employees How the need for a distinct dining exp…

Joanne Heyob is the Senior Vice President of Operations at WD Partners. WD Partners is global & integrated services that include strategy & insights, brand & design, operations planning & design, architecture & engineering and construction services, and much more. Joanne's mission is to shape the future of customer experience through problem solvin…

Casey Hilder is the Director of Marketing at Starbird Chicken, one of strongest and fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country. We were excited to have him on this edition of Give an Ovation! On this episode, Casey and Zack discuss: The importance of adapting Gaining inspiration from others TikTok for restaurants Loyalty: amount vs frequency?…

Scott Landers is the Co-Founder of Figure 8 Logistics, a digital service that is helping to pioneer the world's leading food delivery experts of tomorrow. From workshops and industry insights to on-demand support, Figure 8 Logistics truly lends a helping hand to those look to commandeer food delivery systems. Tune in to hear Scott's expertise and f…

Lauren Fernandez understands what it means to hustle. Whether it's paving the way as a first generation Cuban American, starting her own business, or helping restaurant brands grow from 1 to 2 units, to 10, and then to 20 and beyond. Lauren is the Founder and CEO of Full Course. Full Course partners with restaurants to optimize existing operations,…

Tanvir Bhangoo is truly a jack of all trades. As a digital executive and advisor working with global brands, member of the Forbes Technology Council, former VP of Tech at Freshii, AND Director at Restaurant Brands International, Tanvir understands the tech and tools needed to meet consumers in their space. The list could go on and on but now, Tanvi…

James Passafaro is the Co-Founder of Opsi, a daily management tool built to progress the way modern operators manage their restaurant. James channeled his experience as a chef and the issues he saw with tech and employees into restaurant tech. His hands on experience and initiative, James understands what it means to truly help the heart - back of …

There may not be anyone with a more impressive hospitality marketing pedigree than Erin Levzow! We can't list it all here, but she has experience marketing for Caesars, MGM, Palms Casino, Wingstop, and is now the VP of Marketing Technology at Del Taco. She is also the recipient of many awards, such as 40 under 40 Brand Innovators, Top Women in Reta…

Carl Starkey is the Co-Founder of AWSM Sauce, the world's first sustainability focused sauce and condiment company. If that doesn't scream innovation, I don't know what does! Carl is an expert in all things CPG (consumer packaged goods). Carl provides an interesting perspective to the podcast as his expertise is in sending the consumer home with an…

Kathleen Wood! She has 30 years of restaurant leadership experience, she was the Co-founder and President of the Leadership Institute at Elliot Group, President and COO of Rasing Cane's Chicken Fingers, Founder of Suzy's Swirl, and for 14 years has served as Founder and CEO of Kathleen Wood Partners. And she is the author of Founderology - wow! On …

With a stack of credentials, Marie Smith has established herself as a leader inside and out of the restaurant industry. As the CIO and Co-Founder of Data360, Smith has dedicated herself to helping the non-tech savvy individuals conquer tech and data. Marie and host Zack Oates discuss: Optimizing the use of tech Helping individuals to normalize data…

Xavier Jackson is a former D1 basketball player turned entrepreneur, and the President of Coinlete. Coinlete's mission is to create a community of brands and athletes that recognize the power that each one holds in the relationship + continue giving athletes the resources they need to be successful. Xavier and host Zack Oates discuss: How restauran…

Arne Saupe is the VP of technology at Farmer's Fridge. Farmer's Fridge started out offering smart fridges but have grown into at home delivery. Farmer's Fridge's goal? To provide fresh healthy meals whether you’re on the go or at home. Given his experience in tech, Arne understands all aspects of system design and development. Tune in to hear how h…

Paul McEnany is a content strategist, product wizard, Host of the Tastemakers podcast, and Co-CEO of Plein Air Agency - a creative company for restaurant brands. Paul brought a breath of fresh/plein air to Give an Ovation! On this episode, Paul and Zack discuss: The biggest mistake restaurants make in advertising The importance of understanding wha…

Lloyd Oshiro is the VP of Marketing Innovation at The Food Connector. The Food Connector helps companies to develop and execute marketing plans. With heightened innovation and the ability to see the bigger picture, Lloyd brings his expertise to this weeks podcast episode! On this edition, Lloyd and Zack discuss: Restaurant industry pipeline Food se…

Aaron Roberts is the President and Executive Producer at Rising Tides Creative, an all in one creative resource which is used by some of the most forward-thinking restaurants in the industry such as Cali BBQ. Rising Tides Creative is known for bringing restaurants and other brands to life online, and brought those same creative juices to this episo…

Tim McLaughlin is a restaurateur and restaurant tech extraordinaire. Having owned two restaurants, Tim understand the grit, innovation, and drive that it takes to run a business in the restaurant industry. Now, as the CEO of GoTab, Tim applies this experience to making payment processes easier and other operations run more smoothly. On this episode…

What's the record for person involved in the most organizations at one time? It might just be our guest today, Ellis Winstanley with 11 active positions currently listed on his LinkedIn, some of which include Board Member of the Texas Restaurant Association, President of El Arroyo in Austin, and President of Axial Shift, an operations platform for …

Joe Monastero is the COO of Texas Restaurant Association. TRA aims to serve as an indispensable resource for the hospitality and foodservice industry. TRA membership enables your company to build customer loyalty, rewarding careers and financial success. Joe understands what it means to grow a business. Through TRA he is dedicated to helping any an…

Jason Berkowitz is the Founder of ARROW UP, a highly-designed training tool for reducing liability, insurance premiums, and building a stronger culture in restaurants. He has extensive restaurant experience, having been involved in over 40 restaurant openings and was most recently the COO of Tocaya Organica. On this episode, Jason and Zack discuss:…

Juan Orrego, Co-Founder and CEO of Cuboh, knows what it takes to provide an optimal third party experience. Cuboh consolidates all your online ordering tablets in one device. Juan's middle man perspective has raised him an expert in efficiency, visibility, and post ordering experience. On this episode, Juan and host Zack Oates discuss: Ghost Kitche…

Clay Dover is a true restaurant marketing vet with over 30 years in the industry (even though he barely looks 30 years old)! Clay is the CEO and President of Velvet Taco, a concept known for its gourmet tacos and strong brand. He has former experience as a Marketing Manager for Chili's, the VP of Marketing for Apex Restaurant Group, the CMO of Rais…

Bryan Solar, GM of Restaurants at Square, is a pro at using tech to help restaurant owners, staff, and customers to bridge gaps. Square builds common business tools in unconventional ways so more people can start, run, and grow their businesses. Tune in to learn how you can optimize tech within your business! On this episode, Bryan and host Zack Oa…

*Editor's note: Jodie was the Chief Marketing Officer of Fazoli's at the time of this podcast recording. She has since become the CMO of Donatos Pizza. Jodie Conrad is a restaurant marketing veteran with over 30 years in the industry and experience in marketing at Wendy's, Coca-Cola, Fazoli's, and more. She's now the Chief Marketing Officer at Dona…