The Restaurant Innovator

Apr 17 2024 2
The Restaurant Innovator Podcast artwork

The Restaurant Innovator is a podcast from the editors of FSR magazine—the leading publication for full-service restaurants—that dives into the world of running restaurants and explores the latest trends, strategies, and technologies being used by today's NextGen operators. Each episode features insightful conversations with trailblazing restaurateurs who are leading the charge in creating new and memorable experiences. From cutting-edge menu design and front-of-house operations to back-of-house efficiencies and sustainability initiatives, The Restaurant Innovator offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started in the business, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay on top of the latest trends and best practices.

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Creating the Sports Bar of the Future, Ft. Celebrity Chefs Janine Booth, Jeff McInnis, and Caribe Royale’s Amaury Piedra

Apr 17 2024 46 mins  
This special episode features three guests—celebrity chefs Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis, plus Caribe Royale Orlando’s Amaury Piedra—who chat with FSR editors about creating the new sports bar-meets-night-club Stadium Club, curating high-tech offerings, designing a menu to reach a target audience, the evolving role of hotel restaurants, and more.

Lessons on Arrogance from ‘Top Chef’ Star CJ Jacobson

Apr 04 2024 34 mins  
Chef CJ Jacobson joins FSR Editor Callie Evergreen for a special episode about his hilarious and somewhat naive journey of becoming a chef, winning “Top Chef Duels,” opening up his own restaurants, Ēma and Aba, and lessons learned along the way.

Honoring Mexico's Culinary Hub, ft. Chef Eddy Escriba of Oaxaca Club

Mar 06 2024 42 mins  
Chef Eddy Escriba of Oaxaca Club joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about connecting food and culture. He shares how the restaurant is expanding the consumer palate through education, ensuring the long-term viability of mezcal production, and more.

Bringing Korean Cuisine to the Masses, ft. Dae Gee’s Joe Kim

Feb 21 2024 45 mins  
Joe Kim, founder of Dae Gee Korean BBQ, joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley for a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic maneuvers fueling the emerging franchise’s ascent. He shares insights on the rising popularity of Korean culture, scaling the business, navigating international expansion, and more.

Mastering Menu Development, ft. Craveworthy’s Becca McIntyre

Feb 07 2024 40 mins  
Becca McIntyre of Craveworthy Brands joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to dish on culinary innovation at the fast-growing restaurant group. She dives into the intricacies of spearheading menu development for an expanding array of concepts and shares strategies for optimizing offerings across channels, staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences, and balancing the

The Dish on 2024’s Foodservice Trends, Feat. Stephanie Lind

Jan 03 2024 51 mins  
Elohi Strategic Advisors’ Stephanie Lind joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to give listeners a peek into consumers’ decision-making. She breaks down ESA’s proprietary Diet Drivers research and shares her predictions for the year’s top food and beverage trends.

Bringing a French Fine-Dining Approach to Fast-Casual Franchising, Ft. Chef Gregoire Jacquet

Dec 20 2023 45 mins  
Chef Gregoire Jacquet joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley on The Restaurant Innovator to share how his eponymous “fine-fast-casual” restaurant is tackling franchising.

From Brewery to Brasserie, Ft. Southerleigh's Jerome Serot

Dec 06 2023 43 mins  
Jerome Serot, co-founder of Southerleigh Hospitality Group, joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley on The Restaurant Innovator to share how SHG’s restaurants have anchored San Antonio’s recent explosion of elevated, experimental dining and helped redefine the city from a Tex-Mex mecca to a dynamic, diverse food city.

Emshika Alberini on Building A Family Legacy Through Food

Nov 22 2023 30 mins  
Former “Chopped” contestant Emshika Alberini grew up in Bangkok before moving and making her mark on New Hampshire’s dining scene by opening Chang Thai Cafe with a credit card and a dream. Emshika shares how she went from serving 10 guests on opening night to running one of the state’s most celebrated restaurants.

How Restaurants Can Emotionally Connect with Guests, Ft. GiftAMeal CEO Andrew Glantz

Nov 08 2023 35 mins  
Andrew Glantz sounds off on the power of hospitality through tech, infusing core values into the customer experience, winning over younger consumers in the restaurant realm, and more.