Join Anita Lane, Regional Director of Operations at Hotel Equities, as she explores her journey through the hotel industry, from her early days in accounting to leading operations across multiple states. In this podcast, Anita delves into the significance of building accountable leaders within the hospitality sector, her approach to mentoring general managers, and the evolving landscape of hotel management post-COVID. She shares her philosophy of servant leadership and the importance of aligning personal values with professional responsibilities to foster growth and resilience in the ever-changing hospitality industry.

Join Angela Genaro Ruilova, Vice President of Talent and Development at Compass Group N.A., as she shares the strategic insights behind their ambitious talent expansion plan. Angela discusses the new 'Fuel Our Future' strategy aimed at increasing their workforce from 300,000 to 450,000 employees over the next five years, emphasizing the importance of maintaining company culture amid rapid growth. She outlines the challenges of ensuring cultural integrity while scaling and highlights the significance of leadership in fostering a growth mindset and navigating complexity within the organization. This episode offers a deep dive into how Compass Group manages to stay people-focused in the face of dynamic industry changes and extensive organizational scaling.

As the hospitality sector enters its critical planning phase, Michael Mancke, a General Manager from Plantation Resort, Crystal River, delves into the complexities of managing in a unique Floridian environment. Traditional strategies in hospitality, often fall short in addressing the nuanced demands of a nature-focused resort. In this enlightening session, Michael discusses innovative approaches to staffing, training, and retention in a market where 80% of employees are new to the industry. This talk will introduce a fresh perspective, encompassing strategy, vision, employee engagement, and community connection. Attendees will gain invaluable insights for crafting a more strategic, adaptive, and well-defined approach to hospitality management, particularly in less urbanized, nature-centric locations. Join us to navigate the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry with a seasoned professional’s guidance.

Kenny Hom delves into his extensive experience in the restaurant industry, highlighting the critical role of diverse team dynamics and the significance of a strong employee foundation in enhancing guest experiences. This episode uncovers the strategic approach to menu simplification and its dual benefit of easing staff training while meeting guest preferences. Kenny discusses the shift towards a more profound, intentional employee engagement strategy, post-COVID, aimed at nurturing a culture that values individual contributions and fosters a sense of belonging. Learn about leveraging technology and data analytics to refine service delivery and boost guest frequency, illustrating the evolving landscape of hospitality towards a more inclusive and guest-centric model.

Dive into a compelling conversation with Angela Rovano, Director of Operations at Healthcare Services Group, Inc., as she outlines the essential role of food services in healthcare settings. Rovano shares her transition from restaurant management to overseeing food service operations across numerous healthcare facilities, emphasizing the operational challenges and solutions unique to this sector. With a focus on ensuring resident satisfaction and maintaining high standards of nutrition and service, she highlights the importance of building a dedicated team, from cooks to dietary aides, and the comprehensive training and growth opportunities her company offers. This episode offers an insightful look into how meticulous attention to food service operations can significantly impact the well-being of residents in nursing homes and assisted living communities, underlining Rovano's commitment to excellence and compassion in healthcare.

Kalie Brackin, the dynamic Regional Vice President of Operations for Panera Bread, is steering the brand's ambitious expansion in Utah. With the opening of the first full-service location in Utah and several more in development, Brackin draws on a rich history of nurturing talent, a skill honed during her tenure with a Jimmy John's franchise. This podcast delves into her approach to identifying and fostering the 'it factor' in potential leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine engagement and investment in every team member. Brackin's story is a testament to the power of developing people from the ground up, ensuring that Panera Bread not only grows in numbers but thrives through the strength of its team. Listen in as we explore the shifts in the restaurant industry post-COVID, the evolving role of general managers, and Panera Bread's commitment to listening to its customers, ensuring their feedback directly influences the future menu and service enhancements.

Join us as Farrah Scott, the CEO of Trapper's Sushi, shares her inspiring journey from starting as a server to ascending to the CEO role within 11.5 years. Her story highlights the transformative power of hard work, dedication, and seizing opportunities within the hospitality industry. Farrah discusses the significance of internal talent development, emphasizing Trapper's Sushi's commitment to nurturing leaders through their innovative Wingfield program. This initiative has successfully promoted over 30 employees from hourly positions to management roles, demonstrating the company's investment in employee growth and engagement. Through her leadership, Farrah champions the idea that hospitality careers offer profound opportunities for personal and professional development, challenging the perception of industry limitations and showcasing the potential for remarkable career trajectories.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Madera, Regional Director of Hotel Operations at PEG Hospitality, delves into the evolution of the hospitality industry, underscoring the significance of adaptability, analytical prowess, and effective people management for General Managers. He explores the challenges and strategies around employee recruitment and retention, especially in the context of a post-COVID world, where the industry has seen a shift in workforce dynamics and guest expectations. Joe highlights the resilience of hospitality workers and the critical balance between taking care of employees and ensuring guest satisfaction. He also offers insights into the financial implications of turnover and the importance of creating a supportive work environment. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the operational and managerial shifts in hospitality, offering valuable lessons and advice for professionals navigating this ever-changing landscape.

Dive into a compelling episode with Dave Gabelli, Director of Operations at J&A Foods, as he shares his experiences and strategies for managing a diverse portfolio of restaurant concepts. From tackling the intricacies of supply chain disruptions to the art of crafting a more efficient and guest-friendly menu, Dave's insights illuminate the challenges and triumphs of the restaurant industry. He also delves into the critical aspects of staffing, highlighting how to attract and retain the right talent in a competitive landscape. Leadership development is another key theme, as Dave discusses the importance of building a strong team capable of sustaining growth and adapting to change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of successful restaurant operations, offering valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the power of people in driving business success. Join us to uncover strategies that could redefine your approach to the hospitality sector.

Join us as Gary Gobin, COO of hiHotels, delves into the philosophy and operations behind a unique hospitality model that champions the independence of small hotel owners. hiHotels, standing distinct from traditional franchising giants, offers an innovative approach by focusing on conversions, sensible standards, and strong support without imposing heavy mandates. This episode uncovers how hiHotels facilitates hotel owners in upgrading their properties through strategic investments and partnerships while retaining their unique identity and control. Learn about the impact of their member-centric programs, including a revolutionary self-service portal and an Advisory Council, designed to foster growth, enhance service quality, and bolster the success of their franchisees in a competitive marketplace.

Dive into a compelling conversation where Gerard Brown, President of Hotel Management and Consulting, unveils the transformative power of data in steering extended stay hotels towards operational excellence. With a unique journey from pastoral work to actuarial science, and finally into the heart of hospitality, Brown shares how his eclectic background equips him to harness data for insightful decision-making. Discover the importance of understanding customer behavior, optimizing hotel health through analytics, and fostering a culture where team collaboration propels success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their hospitality business by marrying data with a deep understanding of human connection.

Leonard Hoops, President & CEO of Visit Indy, shares his extensive experience and the evolving role of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in promoting tourism and economic development. This episode delves into the challenges of workforce development, the importance of adapting to change, and the strategies employed by Visit Indy to enhance Indianapolis's appeal as a tourism and convention destination. Hoops highlights the city's unique offerings, from its sports legacy and urban planning successes to the renowned "Hoosier hospitality," demonstrating how these elements contribute to sustaining long-term success in the tourism industry. Through the lens of Visit Indy's innovative approaches, including the pivotal three Ps (Productive, Positive, Progressive) culture model, listeners gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of destination management and tourism promotion.

In an insightful discussion with Jonathan Bogatay, President of Maine Course Hospitality, we delve into the core challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry. Jonathan shares valuable lessons on navigating economic uncertainties, the crucial role of culture in driving organizational success, and strategies for addressing the labor market's evolution post-COVID. He highlights the significance of positively impacting lives through service and support, emphasizing how Main Course Hospitality leverages its core values of fun, family, respect, and integrity to foster a nurturing environment for both guests and employees. This episode offers a deep dive into the importance of adaptability, the guest experience, and maintaining integrity in decision-making processes. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead and innovate in the fast-paced world of hospitality, through the lens of an industry veteran's expansive career.

In this enlightening episode, Dana Canalichio, the Director of Operations at FCM Hospitality, shares her journey in the hospitality industry, where she's played a pivotal role for over 15 years. Operating across 15 unique bars and restaurants under the umbrella of FCM Hospitality in Philadelphia, Dana discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing a diverse portfolio in a post-pandemic world. From staff retention strategies and cultivating a positive work culture to adapting to the evolving expectations of both employees and guests, Dana offers a candid look into the realities of today's hospitality sector. Her experience sheds light on the importance of flexibility, understanding generational differences in the workforce, and the unchanging need for genuine customer service. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of running successful hospitality ventures in an ever-changing landscape.

Jared Doob, the VP of Operations at Good Food Guys, which manages the innovative fast-casual restaurants MIXT and Split, shares the transformative journey these brands have embarked on, particularly through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Jared discusses the evolution of the restaurant industry, the pivotal shift towards prioritizing internal talent development, and the strategic approach to expansion. He highlights how the pandemic necessitated a reevaluation of operational strategies, leading to an increased focus on cultivating leadership from within and enhancing the in-store customer experience. With a keen eye on the future, Jared outlines the importance of adaptable infrastructure and the role of digital integration in catering to changing consumer behaviors. Listen to uncover how MIXT and Split are setting new standards for growth, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement in the fast-casual dining sector.

Park Dunn-Morrison, VP of Business Development at Fine Dining Restaurant Group, shares his journey from a ski season stay to becoming a culinary innovator in Jackson Hole. Starting as a busser, he rose through the ranks, eventually leading projects like Bovine & Swine Meats and Cream & Sugar Ice Cream. Park discusses the transition from restaurant management to creating and scaling unique food brands, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and the importance of storytelling in a competitive market. Discover the strategic moves behind regional expansion, the role of collaborations, and the challenges faced in distribution and maintaining a brand's integrity and passion.

Dive into the fascinating story of how Dillas Quesadillas transcended its origins from a college concept to a thriving QSR Plus chain, emphasizing the balance between rapid expansion and maintaining high-quality standards. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the entrepreneurial journey of Kyle Gordon, CEO and founder, detailing the innovative strategies, operational challenges, and the critical role of community in scaling a restaurant business. Discover the thought process behind menu creativity, the significance of adapting to market trends, and the future of restaurant technology from a leader who's navigated the highs and lows of the industry. Listen in for an inspiring narrative on growth, resilience, and the vision required to build a lasting brand in the competitive food service landscape.

As the year winds down, professionals across various industries delve into reflective planning and career strategizing. This video features Chris Pearson's journey at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, an exemplary case study for those seeking to craft a strategic and aspirational career path in the hospitality sector. Beginning as a team member in a modest Kansas franchise, Chris Pearson’s narrative is a masterclass in career development, showcasing the evolution from an entry-level position to a leadership role overseeing multiple stores across different states.In this insightful dialogue with Alex Mann, Pearson outlines his unique approach to career progression, underscoring the significance of embracing opportunities and adaptability in the fast-paced restaurant industry. His choice to leave college for a full-time role at Freddy's marks a pivotal decision, catalyzing the brand's impressive growth from 13 to 83 restaurants.This video is more than a career chronicle; it's a guide to strategic planning in a dynamic work environment. Viewers will gain insights into effective team building, employee retention, and fostering a culture of growth and positivity. Chris Pearson's story, interwoven with practical strategies and a visionary approach, provides a blueprint for those aspiring to transform their career trajectory in the hospitality industry or any field requiring strategic foresight and bold decision-making.

On this episode of Late Checkout, Brian Herskovets, the Director of Franchise Operations for the Angry Crab Shack shares his journey in the restaurant industry, highlighting the importance of both education and hands-on experience. He discusses how the restaurant industry has evolved, especially in terms of hiring and retaining talent post-COVID-19. Brian emphasizes the need for a culture of inclusion, opportunities for advancement, and the importance of finding the right leaders to support and nurture employees, including the younger Gen Z workforce. The interview also touches on the challenges of franchise operations and the role of culture in the success of restaurant brands.

In this enlightening episode, Mark Alvarez, Senior Vice President of People & Culture at Raines Company, shares his invaluable insights on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. With a rich history that spans decades of experience, Alvarez delves into the core strategies for cultivating a people-first culture within hospitality organizations. He discusses the importance of hiring for heart, the critical role of humility in leadership, and the innovative approaches to employee development and succession planning. Alvarez also sheds light on the challenges brought about by COVID-19, the increasing competition for talent across different sectors, and the crucial role of emotional intelligence in building a supportive and engaging work environment. This episode offers actionable advice and best practices for hospitality leaders striving to foster a culture that attracts and retains top talent by prioritizing employee well-being, growth, and satisfaction. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to create a thriving workplace culture from one of the industry's seasoned experts.