Revolt Breakaway

Standing Out in a Booming Cannabis Beverage Market

Welcome back to another episode of Revolt Breakaway! In today’s conversation, hosts Joe Costanzo and Lance Asher dive deep into the world of cannabis-infused beverages and edibles, entrepreneurial hustle, and the unique challenges of building a brand in one of the most regulated industries out there. Lance Asher, founder of Green Elevator Cannabis, shares his journey from the beverage industry into the fast-evolving hemp beverage market. He opens up about launching innovative new products, building a nostalgic and elevated brand, and grinding through the realities of multi-channel distribution. You’ll hear candid insights on marketing with limited budgets, staying compliant amidst shifting regulations, and the importance of authentic, boots-on-the-ground storytelling to create real brand loyalty. Whether you’re curious about cannabis beverages or looking for inspiration to launch your own venture, today’s episode promises actionable takeaways and a real look behind the scenes of building something new in a changing industry. So grab your headphones, and let’s jump into this week’s Revolt Breakaway!

Lessons and Tips for Gluten Free Success in Restaurants and Bakeries

Welcome to another episode of Revolt Breakaway! In today’s show, Joe sits down with Lauren Marts, owner of a dedicated gluten free bakery in Pittsburgh, for an inspiring and practical conversation about the ever-growing demand for gluten free products in the restaurant industry. From facing skepticism at local farmers markets to building a thriving business that now serves the gluten free community throughout the city, Speaker A shares lessons learned, business strategies, and actionable tips for restaurants hoping to add gluten free options without sacrificing flavor. We’ll dig into why restaurants should seriously consider gluten free menus, the best ways to incorporate easy and delicious swaps, how cross-promotion and small business collaborations can help everyone grow, and why educating your staff is just as important as the products you serve. Plus, Speaker B shares his own experiences adopting gluten free menu items in his southern restaurant, and how that transformed his customer base. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, a baker, or just passionate about good food for all, this episode will give you the real-world strategies and heartfelt tales behind making gluten free a success—without losing the joy of eating out. Let’s jump in!

From Hire to Inspire: Boosting Employee Retention in Hospitality

Welcome to another episode of Revolt Breakaway! Today, host Joe sits down with Peer Larson, a seasoned restaurant professional whose career has spanned cities from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, and Asheville. In this episode, they dive deep into the biggest challenges restaurants face today when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees. From COVID-19 reshaping the industry, the waning impact of culinary "glamorization," and why money alone won’t solve staffing woes, Peer shares firsthand insights about the realities of hospitality hiring and management. They explore the importance of authentic work culture, flexible scheduling, meaningful staff engagement, and creative recruiting—plus, why a happy, invested team leads to better business results (and more time off for owners and managers). Whether you manage a single location or run several concepts, this conversation is packed with practical advice for building a thriving restaurant team in today’s ever-changing landscape. Let’s get started!

Growing Through the Ranks: Building Skills in the Beverage Industry

Welcome to another episode of Revolt Breakaway, where we dig into the real journeys behind leaders in the beverage industry. In today’s episode, hosts Joe Costanza and Aubrey Martin take us behind the scenes at Wild Leap, a craft brewery making waves across Georgia. Aubrey Martin, who started in quality control on the production floor and worked her way up to regional manager, shares her inspiring story of growth—from navigating the back-of-house hustle to embracing front-of-house leadership. You’ll hear first-hand accounts of how adaptability, the willingness to say “yes,” and a strong sense of team culture helped her transition through different roles and handle massive challenges such as the COVID-19 shutdowns. There’s plenty of insight for anyone looking to grow their career, build strong workplace culture, or learn how a business can pivot and thrive—like how Wild Leap turned inventive craft cocktails into a lasting success. Plus, don’t miss Aubrey Martin’s inside scoop on her favorite new taproom creations. Tune in for a candid, actionable conversation packed with real-world lessons on leadership, perseverance, and creativity in the face of adversity.

The Evolving Hemp and Cannabis Landscape in New York Explained

On this episode of Revolt Breakaway, host Joe Costanza sits down with John Baker, general manager and partner at Kanbud Yankee Stadium—the first and only dispensary located right next to Yankee Stadium in New York. John Baker shares his journey from working in California’s cannabis industry to tackling the unique challenges of opening and running a highly regulated dispensary in one of the country’s most scrutinized markets. Together, they unpack the complicated world of regulations, the hurdles of day-to-day compliance, and the impact of recent changes like seed-to-sale tracking. They also explore the realities of competing with New York’s persistent illicit market, how cannabis businesses are navigating ever-shifting state and federal policies, and the future of hemp-derived products in the current legal landscape. Whether you’re interested in the evolving cannabis industry or fascinated by the behind-the-scenes realities of launching a compliant retail operation, this episode offers a candid, detailed look at what it takes to operate on the legal side of one of the fastest-changing industries in America.