x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast is your backstage pass to the minds of hospitality leaders, innovators, and operators who are redefining what it means to serve. Hosted by Zack Oates, founder of Ovation, each episode dives into real-world tactics and inspiring stories from restaurant pros who know how to create five-star guest experiences—both in-store and off-premise.From fast casual to fine dining, catering to curbside, learn how to drive loyalty, empower your staff, and

business marketing

All Episodes

17:54

Behind the Growth of Bushfire Kitchen with Oliver Barwin

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/05/07

Send us a text Oliver Barwin, CEO of Bushfire Kitchen, joins Zack Oates live to share how he transitioned from Wall Street to hospitality, building a fast-casual brand focused on healthy food, hospitality, and smart growth. Oliver explains how technology upgrades, streamlined operations, and a better-for-you menu helped Bushfire Kitchen scale during challenging times. He dives into how loyalty to the guest experience shaped their tech decisions and why being proactive in guest recovery is a m...

en-us

19:02

Baking Joy Into Every Bagel with Jeff Perera

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/05/05

Send us a text Jeff Perera, founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run, joins Zack to share how a passion project turned into one of the fastest-growing bagel brands in the country. From baking fresh bagels all day long to building real connections with guests, Jeff explains how focusing on hospitality, simplicity, and genuine joy helped grow his business to 12 locations—and counting. Whether it’s innovating with pimento cream cheese or remembering loyal customers by name, Jeff shows why local energy and fr...

en-us

16:50

Craveable Brands Done Right with Lawrence Longo

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/05/02

Send us a text Lawrence Longo, serial food entrepreneur and founder of Off the Menu, joins Zack to share how building craveable products, creating genuine hospitality, and staying relentlessly simple have driven his success across multiple brands. As CEO of Prince Street Pizza, Irv’s Burgers, and The Bar Next Door, Lawrence talks about what it really takes to create businesses guests love—and how passion and great teams make it all possible. From launching viral pop-ups to building award-winn...

en-us

15:48

Real Connections, Real Results with Yasaman Stewart

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/04/30

Send us a text Yasaman Stewart, Senior Director of Marketing at Brix Holdings, joins Zack to share how consistency, energy, and real connection drive powerful guest experiences. Drawing from her deep operations and marketing background, Yasaman explains how brands can inspire their teams, build authentic connections, and turn recognition into loyalty. Zack and Yasaman discuss: Why consistency in execution builds brand trust How operational passion elevates marketing efforts Creating...

en-us

20:10

Turning Insight Into Action with Kendall Ware

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/04/28

Send us a text Kendall Ware, keynote speaker and franchise growth coach, joins Zack to share strategies for building memorable guest experiences rooted in authenticity, consistency, and connection. With a deep background in franchise leadership and hospitality, Kendall offers insights on what really drives guest loyalty—and how small moments make a big difference. Zack and Kendall discuss: Sharing authentic leadership lessons through LinkedInStrengthening franchisee and franchisor relationshi...

en-us

15:48

Operational Clarity Wins with Sebastian Stahl

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/04/23

Send us a text Sebastian Stahl, former hospitality operator and now founder of Breadth, joins the show to talk about how restaurants can build marketing systems that actually work. As the host of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Sebastian shares how guest experience starts long before a diner walks through the door—and how to align your team, tech, and messaging to make every touchpoint count. Zack and Sebastian discuss: Why systems are the foundation of strong marketingHow to plan campaigns ins...

en-us

18:37

What Truly Creates Restaurant Magic with Troy Guard

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/04/16

Send us a text Chef Troy Guard, founder of TAG Restaurant Group, joins the show to share how creating a vibe, embracing the unexpected, and mentoring talent have helped him grow multiple restaurant concepts across states. From dishwasher to executive chef, Troy reflects on his journey and how guest experience is driven by feeling—not formulas. Zack and Troy discuss: Why “vibe” is the first thing he notices in a restaurantHow to scale a brand while staying true to its soulThe power of mentorsh...

en-us

19:32

Rewiring Customer Perception with Melissa Hughes

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/04/07

Send us a text Dr. Melissa Hughes joins Zack to explore the neuroscience behind the guest experience. As a keynote speaker and author, Melissa breaks down why small missteps in a restaurant can have an outsized impact, and how operators can respond to reviews with empathy and intention. Zack and Melissa discuss: How the brain's negativity bias affects guest perceptionWhy noise can ruin a meal regardless of food qualityThe power of thoughtful responses to negative reviewsWhy most feedback cont...

en-us

18:46

Culture That Connects with Chris Schultz

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/03/31

Send us a text Chris Schultz, CEO of Voodoo Doughnut, joins Zack to share how the brand’s rebellious spirit and cult following stem from bold choices and intentional culture. With decades of experience in hospitality, Chris explores how staying weird can still mean staying operationally sharp. Creating a culture that celebrates personality and creativityEmpowering team members to deliver standout guest experiencesTurning failures into conversation starters and brand loyaltyWhy engagement and ...

en-us

17:43

Authenticity by Design with Shaz Khan of Tono...

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/03/24

Send us a text Shaz Khan, co-founder of Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks, joins Zack to share how he's built a beloved multi-unit brand without losing the feel of a local favorite. With an engineering mindset and a passion for hospitality, Shaz breaks down the systems, tech, and transparency that drive guest loyalty and operational excellence. Zack and Shaz discuss: Building guest trust through transparency and truthfulnessBalancing scale with authenticity and community feelHow tech tools like Ov...

en-us

19:24

Running a Profitable Restaurant Without Being Trapped...

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/03/17

Send us a text Zack sits down with David Scott Peters, restaurant coach, speaker, and author of Restaurant Prosperity Formula, to break down how independent restaurant owners can create financial and operational freedom. He shares why delegation without documentation leads to failure, how to build a system that works without you, and why great guest experiences start with operational excellence. Zack and David discuss: Why most restaurant owners fail to delegate effectivelyThe simple way to d...

en-us

18:15

From Brand Voice to Guest Experience with Stacey Kane

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/03/13

Send us a text Zack welcomes Stacey Kane, a fractional CMO for emerging and beyond brands, to discuss the importance of brand voice, guest experience, and tactical marketing strategies in the restaurant industry. With experience leading marketing efforts for multiple brands, Stacey shares how businesses can define their identity, engage guests, and use nostalgia to create memorable experiences. Zack and Stacey discuss: Why brand personality is the foundation of marketing successThe origin sto...

en-us

21:10

Frictionless Ordering & Smarter Tech with Johnathan Chen

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/03/10

Send us a text On this episode of Give an Ovation, Johnathan Chen, CEO and Co-Founder of 5&5, joins Zack Oates to discuss how restaurants can optimize their technology stack to improve operations and guest experience. With years of experience in restaurant tech and digital services, Johnathan shares insights on streamlining systems, avoiding tech overload, and ensuring that technology serves the guest—not complicates their journey. Zack and Johnathan discuss: The biggest tech challenges r...

en-us

17:22

Five-Star Strategies for Restaurant Success with...

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/03/06

Send us a text On this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack Oates welcomes Michael Halen, Senior Restaurant and Foodservice Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence and host of Chopping It Up. Michael shares his insights on industry trends, value perception, and the impact of inflation on restaurant profitability. He discusses how brands like Texas Roadhouse and Wingstop are winning by delivering strong guest experiences. From operational excellence to marketing strategies, Michael breaks down what rest...

en-us

18:29

How Genuine Hospitality and Guest Engagement Drive...

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/03/03

Send us a text Zack welcomes Julie Zucker, CMO and Partner at Branded Strategic Hospitality and producer of the Hospitality Hangout podcast. With years of experience in restaurant marketing and guest experience, Julie shares invaluable insights into building genuine guest connections, leveraging technology, and fostering a hospitality-driven culture. Zack and Julie discuss: The power of personalized guest interactionsHow technology enhances hospitality without replacing itThe role of staff en...

en-us

17:47

Lessons from a Hospitality Marketing Veteran with...

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/02/24

Send us a text Mitch Baker, VP of Marketing at Robeks, shares his expertise on evolving marketing strategies in the hospitality industry. With a background spanning Hollywood entertainment, Disney, and more, he dives into the role of guest data, technology, and omnichannel marketing in shaping brand success. Mitch also discusses the vital relationship between marketing and operations, the power of consistency, and what truly drives a five-star guest experience. Zack and Mitch discuss: How Rob...

en-us

18:46

The Future of Hospitality Marketing with Erin Levzow

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/02/17

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Erin Levzow, a hospitality marketing and technology expert with nearly 20 years of experience at brands like Caesars, MGM, Wingstop, Freebirds, and Del Taco. Erin shares her insights on how to blend technology with human connection to create exceptional guest experiences. Zack and Erin discuss: Why brands often forget about the guest and how to refocus on their needs The power of consistency in building customer loyalty How technol...

en-us

17:14

People-First Hospitality with Jennifer Dodd

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/02/10

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Jennifer Dodd, a 30-year restaurant industry veteran and the CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. Jennifer has led in QSR, casual dining, and franchising, making her a powerhouse in restaurant operations and leadership. Zack and Jennifer discuss: Why hospitality is—and always will be—a people-first businessThe power of customization and how it impacts guest experienceHow technology can enhance service without replacing the human elementTh...

en-us

17:12

The Secret to Consistent Success with Joseph Sample

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/02/03

Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Joe Sample, President of Crave Management Group, the multi-unit, multi-brand operator behind top-performing Taco Bell locations and Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. With over 22 years of experience, Joe shares his proven strategies for creating high-performing teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Zack and Joe discuss: The key question every GM should ask to drive operational excellenceWhy having one standard is critica...

en-us

20:49

Building Purpose-Driven Brands for a Sustainable...

Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience... ·

2025/01/30

Send us a textIn this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea and Just Ice Tea, chairman of Beyond Meat, and co-founder of PLNT Burger. Seth’s journey from government and activism to launching purpose-driven brands showcases his commitment to health, sustainability, and creating positive social impact.Zack and Seth discuss:How Seth transitioned from politics to entrepreneurship to drive lasting changeThe story behind Honest Tea, its evolution into Just Ic...

en-us

406 results

Similar Podcasts

TaxTalent.com The Golden Rule Podcast

Adam Golden

TaxTalent.com Podcast

Tony Santiago

Handelsblatt Crime - spannende Streitfälle der deutschen Wirtschaft

Ina Karabasz, Solveig Gode, Sönke Iwersen

Deffner und Zschäpitz – Der Wirtschafts-Talk von WELT

WELT

Black Box - La scatola nera della finanza

Guido Brera e Gian Luca Comandini -...