In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Curt Skallerup, a leader in the family entertainment industry and the visionary behind Larks Entertainment. Curt’s transition from the corporate world to opening and managing over 100 entertainment centers across the U.S. is packed with lessons for aspiring business owners and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

Join us as Curt discusses:

• His journey from corporate boardrooms to expanding multiple franchise concepts.
• The key to selecting the right franchise partners for long-term success.
• Why focusing on customer experience and volume can drive substantial business growth.
• Insights on leadership and how he motivates his team while scaling operations.
• The story behind Larks Entertainment, a modular franchise concept tailored to bring affordable family fun to communities nationwide.

Curt's experience in franchising, team leadership, and maintaining growth amidst challenges makes this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to expand their business. Learn from Curt’s approach to growth, leadership, and the future of family entertainment in this insightful conversation!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Journey to Culinary Excellence: Jaime Pesaque's Road to the World's 50 Best

This episode of the Restaurant Leaders Unplugged Podcast features Jaime Pesaque, renowned Peruvian chef and restaurateur. Host Sebastian Stahl delves into Jaime's 25-year journey in the culinary world, beginning with his education at Le Cordon Bleu, his training in Europe, and the eventual founding of his flagship restaurant, Mayta. Jaime discusses the challenges he faced in the early years, the importance of patience and consistency, and the crucial balance between creativity and entrepreneurship. He also shares the significant milestone of Mayta being recognized among the World's 50 Best Restaurants. Emphasizing the preservation and promotion of Peruvian culture through his cuisine, Jaime highlights the role of PR and marketing in his success and the value of teamwork and leadership. He offers insights on family life, managing stress, and the importance of enjoying the journey. The episode concludes with his aspirations for the future, focusing on forming new chefs and continuing to elevate Peruvian cuisine on the global stage.

00:00 The Early Struggles and Determination

00:24 Introduction to the Podcast

01:05 Jaime's Culinary Journey

03:05 Opening Mayta and Other Ventures

06:38 The Unique Concept of Mayta

10:18 The Role of PR and Marketing

11:34 Partnerships and Collaborations

24:36 Balancing Family and Career

28:38 Handling Stress and Learning from Mistakes

33:12 Future Goals and Legacy

35:44 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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From Generation to Generation: Lauri's Journey in the Family Restaurant Business

In this episode of the Restaurant Leaders Unplugged podcast, Lauri shares her journey and deep-rooted passion for the hospitality industry. Growing up in a family-run restaurant, her transition from marketing to hospitality was a natural fit. She discusses the multi-generational evolution of their business, the impact of her family's values, and the significant challenges they faced, including the 2020 pandemic. The conversation shifts to marketing strategies, operational adjustments, maintaining consistency across multiple locations, and balancing personal and professional life. Lauri emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks, self-awareness in leadership, and shares advice for aspiring restaurant owners. Tune in for a comprehensive look at sustaining a successful family-run restaurant through dedication and adaptive strategies.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Lauri's Background in Hospitality

02:02 Joining the Family Business

05:39 Values and Culture at Padrinos

09:43 Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
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Navigating Change and Innovation in the Restaurant Industry: A Conversation with Andrei from Suviche Hospitality

In this episode of the Restaurant Leaders Unplugged podcast, host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Andrei from Suviche Hospitality to discuss the evolution and current challenges of the restaurant industry. They delve into the impact of reducing menu complexity, the importance of meticulous time management, and strategic growth amidst rising labor costs and inflation. Andrei shares his journey from starting out in a small sushi restaurant to scaling multiple locations, highlighting the significance of strong company culture, sustainable practices, and the right technology stack for operational efficiency. With insights on building value-driven customer experiences and future growth plans, this episode provides a comprehensive look at navigating the dynamic landscape of the restaurant business.

00:00 The Evolution of Restaurant Menus

00:34 Introduction to the Podcast

00:57 Guest Introduction: Andrei's Journey

01:28 Early Challenges and Growth

03:49 Strategic Decisions and Expansion

08:20 Navigating Market Changes

13:39 Operational Efficiency and Menu Focus

16:18 Marketing Strategies and Brand Building

21:05 Company Culture and Values

27:46 Customer Experience and Feedback

30:04 Technology and Sustainability

32:12 The Pitfalls of Disconnected Systems

32:40 The Role of AI in the Restaurant Industry

33:09 Building a Holistic Tech Stack

34:24 Marketing Challenges and Solutions

34:33 Sustainability Practices in Restaurants

37:31 Staying Competitive in a Crowded Market

40:17 Innovative Concepts: The Speakeasy Bar

43:20 Personal Reflections and Habits of a CFO

47:59 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs

51:01 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Matias Pesce, the CEO of V&E Hospitality Group, to explore his unique journey from the oil and gas industry to leading one of the most dynamic hospitality groups in the United States. Matias shares how his background in corporate governance and strategy enabled him to transform V&E from a family-run restaurant group into a rapidly expanding hospitality powerhouse with 29 restaurants, two hotels, and more on the way.

Join us as Matias delves into the key pillars of V&E’s growth strategy, including diversification across regions and segments, the importance of brand building, and maintaining profitability amidst rising costs. He also discusses the challenges of integrating new talent while preserving the company’s strong Latin roots and family culture.

Whether you're an industry veteran or a budding restaurateur, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of scaling a hospitality business, managing through crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and staying ahead in a competitive market. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of the leading minds in the hospitality industry.

Listen now to gain actionable strategies for your own business and learn how V&E Hospitality Group is setting the standard for success in the hospitality world.

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Mastering the Restaurant Game: Insights from Ryan Egozi | Restaurant Leaders Unplugged

Dive into the dynamic world of restaurant management with Ryan Egozi, a seasoned expert from Toast and former leader at Suviche Hospitality Group, as he shares invaluable insights on thriving in the modern restaurant industry. In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Ryan discusses the transition from hands-on restaurant operations to technology, the power of simplifying your approach, and the critical role of processes in achieving restaurant success.

🍴 What You’ll Learn:

• Quality of Life in Tech vs. Restaurant Operations: Discover how moving from restaurant floors to tech can change your work-life balance without losing the essence of hospitality.
• Simplicity in Operations: Ryan breaks down why focusing on happy guests, great food, and satisfied employees creates a foundation for success.
• Integrating Technology: Learn how tools like Toast can streamline operations while enhancing the customer experience, and where the line should be drawn to preserve the human touch.
• Adapting to Consumer Changes: Understand the challenges of rising commodity costs and how rapidly changing consumer preferences impact restaurant strategies.
• Marketing and Operations Synergy: Uncover the benefits of aligning marketing efforts with operational capabilities to ensure realistic and impactful promotions.

💡 Ryan shares stories and lessons that highlight the importance of balancing creativity with systematic processes, the role of technology in modern hospitality, and strategies for adapting to the ever-changing landscape of consumer demands.

Whether you're a budding restaurateur, a seasoned operator, or simply fascinated by the intersection of hospitality and technology, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon for more insights from industry leaders!

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
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