FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution

Restaurant tech isn’t just about bells and whistles—it’s about ROI. And no one understands that better than Jeremy Julian. With nearly 30 years in restaurant technology and operations, Jeremy has helped thousands of restaurants plug into tools that actually make life easier and businesses more profitable. In this episode, we explore how to audit your tech stack, which systems give you the biggest return, and the smartest ways to implement change without overwhelming your team. If you’ve ever wondered where to start—or restart—this conversation will save you time, money, and headaches. To dive deeper into restaurant tech and the future of hospitality systems, check out his podcast, Restaurant Technology Guys, or visit https://restauranttechnologyguys.com [https://restauranttechnologyguys.com/]. ____________________________________________________________ Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time. We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content: Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts [http://restaurants.yelp.com/fullcomp] Restaurant expert videos & webinars [https://restaurants.yelp.com/restaurant-resources/industry-town-halls/]

For over 30 years, Michael Mina has dominated the restaurant scene and today we sit down with the chef to find out how. In today’s conversation we dive deep into the tactics tools and strategies Michael has developed over decades to acquire talent, develop leaders, scale operations, and ensure profitability. This is a masterclass in restaurant ownership and operations. For more information on the chef and his restaurant group, visit https://www.michaelmina.net/ [https://www.michaelmina.net/] ____________________________________________________________ Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time. We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content: Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts [http://restaurants.yelp.com/fullcomp] Restaurant expert videos & webinars [https://restaurants.yelp.com/restaurant-resources/industry-town-halls/]

Most operators are stuck running restaurants. Roger Beaudoin teaches them how to run businesses. A 23-year restaurateur turned global coach and the founder of Restaurant Rockstars, Roger has helped thousands of owners escape burnout by installing the systems, culture, and leadership that scale. In this episode, we break down his approach to profitability, his secret to 96% staff retention, and why the difference between success and struggle often comes down to one thing: mindset. To learn more about Restaurant Rockstars and grab a copy of his book Rock Your Restaurant, visit https://www.restaurantrockstars.com [https://www.restaurantrockstars.com/]. ____________________________________________________________ Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time. We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content: Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts [http://restaurants.yelp.com/fullcomp] Restaurant expert videos & webinars [https://restaurants.yelp.com/restaurant-resources/industry-town-halls/]

What if your restaurant wasn’t just a place to eat—but a part of your guest’s identity? Kathy and Ben Sidell have mastered the art of emotional branding, turning Saltie Girl and Sweet Boy into lifestyle experiences people feel proud to align with. In this episode, we explore how they’ve built high-volume, high-loyalty concepts without sacrificing soul. From pandemic pivots to product lines, from tinned fish to tins of cookies, Kathy and Ben share what it takes to create businesses that connect, inspire, and thrive—even in the hardest moments. To learn more about Saltie Girl and Sweet Boy, visit https://www.saltiegirl.com [https://www.saltiegirl.com/]and https://www.sweetboy.com [https://www.sweetboy.com/]. Their journey proves that the best restaurant brands don’t just feed people—they make them feel something. ____________________________________________________________ Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time. We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content: Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts [http://restaurants.yelp.com/fullcomp] Restaurant expert videos & webinars [https://restaurants.yelp.com/restaurant-resources/industry-town-halls/]

I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses. In this episode, I break down exactly what it takes to build a recognizable brand and boost profitability through smarter marketing. And I’m not talking about throwing money at ads or posting randomly on social — I’m talking about strategy. Structure. Systems. I dive into how constraints in your marketing — yes, constraints — actually create clarity. I talk about the power of having a clear brand narrative and how leveraging AI can make content creation faster, easier, and way more effective. One of the game-changers I share is working off a monthly theme — keeping your messaging tight and your content consistent. When you focus your story and show up with intention, your audience listens… and they show up. Takeaways: * Most restaurant marketing fails due to lack of structure. * Tight constraints are essential for effective marketing. * Repetition is key to gaining audience attention. * Your audience is constantly changing; adapt your marketing accordingly. * Creativity thrives within clear boundaries. * Use AI to enhance, not replace, your marketing efforts. * Build a compelling narrative around your brand. * Focus on a monthly theme to guide your marketing. * Discipline in marketing leads to momentum. * Engage your audience with consistent messaging across platforms. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability 02:11 The Importance of Structured Marketing 06:00 Creating a Compelling Brand Narrative If you’ve got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com [https://joshkopel.com/].