From Hire to Inspire: Boosting Employee Retention in Hospitality

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.

Branding, Social Media, and Menu Engineering Tips Every Restaurant Owner Should Know

Welcome back to Revolt Breakaway! In today's episode, host Joe Costanzo sits down with marketing and hospitality expert Christi Christian for an energetic, practical conversation about all things branding, customer experience, and restaurant marketing. With over 17 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Christi Christian shares her passion for creating memorable guest experiences, not just through great food, but through consistent branding, strategic social media, and attention to every detail of the customer journey. Tune in as Joe Costanzo and Christi Christian dive deep on why professional food photography pays off, how your logo and menu tell a story, and why connecting with the local community is key to standing out in today’s crowded restaurant scene. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, marketer, or hospitality enthusiast, you’ll leave this episode with actionable tips and fresh inspiration for making your brand unforgettable.