Welcome to our CHEF Radio, where we dive into the secrets of maintaining success in the restaurant business with industry leaders Mary Milliken, Susan Fingar, Phillip Krajeck, Katie Button, and Michael Anthony. In this episode, we explore three key strategies for sustained success: fostering innovation, building a strong team, and maintaining exceptional quality. Hear firsthand from these accomplished chefs as they share their insights and experiences on how to keep pushing the boundaries, continually improve, and never rest on their laurels in the ever-evolving culinary world. Whether you're an aspiring restaurateur or a seasoned pro, this hard hitting episode is packed with valuable advice to help you thrive in the restaurant industry.

Show notes:

• Starting a Restaurant: Essential Steps
• Challenges of Maintaining Success
• Insights from Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger
• Maximizing Every Opportunity
• Marathon Mindset and Motivation
• Insights from Chef Phillip Krajeck
• Athlete's Mindset
• Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
• Insights from Chef Katie Button
• Hospitality in the Kitchen
• Insights from Mike Anthony
• The 49% - 51% mentality

A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful.\

If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani.

Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from.

My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week’s guest.

Subscribe, like and share! Oh yeah, and throw in a review while you're at it. Appreciate you all!

In this episode of CHEF Radio, we're thrilled to feature none other than Mike Solomonov of Zahav and the CooknSolo empire. Join us as we dive into Mike's Israeli roots, his courageous battle with addiction, and the challenging beginnings of Zahav. Discover how he built a unique company, blending accessible, scalable concepts like Federal Donuts and Goldie alongside his boundary-pushing experiences at Zahav and Laser Wolf. Mike Solomonov is truly one of a kind, and we can't wait to share his incredible story with you all.

• (00:00:46) Intro
• (00:06:45) Trip to Israel
• (00:09:14) Falling In Love with Baking in Israel
• (00:20:04) Mike Arrives in Philadelphia
• (00:24:10) How Getting Fired Helped Mike
• (00:28:15) Mike's Meal Made by Eli
• (00:29:34) Eli’s Move from New York to Philadelphia
• (00:31:30) Marigold and Xochitl Restaurants
• (00:37:44) Refined Cooking vs Grandma's cooking
• (00:46:00) The Passing of Mike's brother, David and the Beginning of Addiction
• (00:53:05) Inside the Mind of addiction
• (01:06:29) From Struggling to Thriving at Zahav
• (01:15:30) The Zahav Umbrella
• (01:26:02) Steve and Mike's Partnership
• (01:29:40) How Mike Sets the Bar for the Culture at His Company
• (01:39:00) Wrap Up Questions

A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful.

If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani.

Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from.

My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week’s guest.

Subscribe, like and share! Oh yeah, and throw in a review while you're at it. Appreciate you all!

Welcome to another exciting episode, where we delve into the inspiring stories of those making a difference in the culinary world. Today, we're joined by Chef Chris Shepherd and wife/ partner Lindsey Brown from the Southern Smoke Foundation in Houston, Texas. Chef Chris, a celebrated culinary figure, recently hung up his apron to dedicate himself to the Southern Smoke Foundation, an organization committed to supporting folks in the food and beverage industry at large. We'll explore the incredible journey that led him to this decision, as well as a frightening plane ride that Eli and Chris took together. Additionally, we'll uncover why other chefs highly value Chris’s unique ability to engage with their cooks, offering insights and perspectives that inspire and elevate the next generation of culinary professionals. Join us to learn more about Southern Smoke Foundation, Chef Chris Shepherd’s career transition, and his impact on the culinary community.

• (00:00:00) Introduction and Survey Announcement
• (00:05:26) Interview with Chris Shepherd and Lindsay Brown
• (00:07:13) Chris Shepherd's Culinary Inspirations
• (00:11:04) The Concept, Evolution, and Challenges of Underbelly
• (00:31:25)Transitioning from Underbelly Hospitality
• (00:39:45)Leadership and Mentorship in the Culinary World
• (00:48:23) Full Tilt and Future Endeavors
• (00:50:17) Becoming the Official Hotdog Supplier The Houston Texans
• (00:51:52) Retail Expansion Plans
• (00:54:22) Southern Smoke Festival Origins
• (00:57:58)Hurricane Harvey and Emergency Relief
• (01:00:39) Pandemic Response and Growth
• (01:11:58) Mental Health and Crisis Relief
• (01:34:41) Future Goals and Legal Aid
• (01:37:03) Favorite Food Spots in Houston
• (01:40:01) Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

  A huge shout out to our sponsor, Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful.

  If you are looking for the best in class pizza oven for your next concept, make sure you check out the incredible ovens built by Moretti Forni and reach out to Greg Listino at their exclusive Northeast dealer, Rosito Bisani.

  Meez, is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a cook and chef because it allows you to have a free repository for all of your recipes, techniques and methods so that you never lose them. Meez does way more than just recipe development though; it's an incredibly powerful tool that any chef or restaurant would benefit from.

  My favorite new beer on the market, Kenwood Original, might be the most drinkable and most flavorful craft lager I've ever tried. Nothing goes better with a five star meal than a five star beer so head to their website and check out the Kenny Finder for location nearest you. So before we get started, go ahead and grab yourself a Kenny and enjoy this week’s guest.

Subscribe, like and share! Oh yeah, and throw in a review while you're at it. Appreciate you all!