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PODCAST

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants

Brian Seitz, David Ross, and Anthony Hamilton

We love locally owned independent restaurants. These businesses build strong communities by linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships. The more the independent restaurants are thriving, the healthier the community will be! We want to help restaurant owners and operators hone their competitive edge through effective marketing and business practices. Restauranttopia focuses on all things related to restaurant management and operations from hosts David Ross, Brian Seitz, and chef

business food

All Episodes

18:27

Financial Resiliency: Preparing for the Next Disruption

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/12/06

Episode: 184 Financial Resiliency: Preparing for the Next Disruption In this episode of Restaurantopia, Brian and Dave break down what restaurant owners should be doing right now to strengthen their financial position before the next economic downturn hits. From interpreting economic indicators to tightening your operational systems, this episode is packed with timely, practical insights that independent operators can take action on today. Whether the slowdown arrives in six months or a year, the

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27:49

AI in Your Restaurant: How Operators Can Save Hours,...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/11/15

AI in Your Restaurant: How Operators Can Save Hours, Increase Profit, and Build Smarter Systems Today https://restauranttopia.com/ Episode Summary In this high-energy, highly practical episode, Brian Seitz and Dave Ross break down the real-world, right-now ways AI can support restaurant operators. Whether you're hesitant, curious, or already all-in, this conversation will help you understand how to use AI to cut time-wasting tasks, improve menu performance, strengthen training, and build your own

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21:34

6 Financial Mistakes That Are Killing Your Restaurant...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/10/25

6 Financial Mistakes That Are Killing Your Restaurant (and How to Fix Them) In this episode of Restaurantopia, the guys break down six common financial mistakes that can quietly (or not so quietly) destroy your restaurant’s profitability. Brian Seitz leads the conversation with Anthony Hamilton and Dave Ross, bringing his experience from restaurant acquisitions and financial consulting to uncover what so many operators are doing wrong — and how to turn it around. From mixing personal and business

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34:22

Culture Beyond the 4 Walls

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/10/07

In this episode of Restauranttopia, the crew dives deep into culture — not just within your restaurant walls, but in every corner of your business ecosystem. Inspired by Cameron Mitchell’s book Yes is the Answer. What’s the Question?, Dave, Brian, and Anthony unpack how a restaurant’s mission and culture extend to employees, guests, purveyors, investors, and the community. From the dangers of ignoring toxic high performers to the power of making vendors raving fans, this conversation highlights

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27:55

From Break Room to Boardroom: Turning Staff Ideas...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/09/13

Restaurant owners and managers: want more profitable menus and a stronger culture? In this episode, the crew digs into a simple, powerful idea—moving frontline ideas from the break room to the boardroom. Anthony shares how a young dishwasher created a signature chicken-tender sauce (thanks to a happy smoked paprika mistake) that became a hit with guests. We also spotlight fryer safety, dirty oil’s hidden costs, and how better oil management lifts food quality, reduces risk, and saves money. Brought

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31:50

Big Beautiful Bill (BBB): How Restaurant CFOs and...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/08/30

In this timely episode of Restauranttopia, we sit down with Jamie, the CFO of a prominent restaurant group, to unpack the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) and explore how it directly impacts restaurant owners, CFOs, and operations leaders. As one of the most talked-about pieces of legislation in 2025, the BBB is bringing major changes to restaurant financial planning, labor compliance, and vendor relationships. Jamie provides a clear and insightful breakdown of the new bill’s implications—from tax

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30:00

Investing in the future of your Restaurant

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/08/16

Investing isn’t just about money—it's about prioritizing your people, tools, and time to create a restaurant that thrives long-term. In this episode, we discuss how great restaurant leaders think about investment differently, with a focus on vision, leadership, and long-term growth. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we dive deep into the topic of investment in the restaurant industry—not just financial investment, but also in people, tools, time, and vision. We explore: Why traditional ROI

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16:52

Secret Cost Killers in your Restaurant (Ep. 177)

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/08/02

In this episode, we expose the sneaky expenses silently draining your restaurant’s profits… from linen contracts and POS subscriptions to fryer oil issues and bloated utility bills. Learn real-world tactics to find and eliminate cost leaks that could be costing you thousands each year. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started, this 30-minute episode is packed with quick wins you can take action on today. What You’ll Learn: The importance of regular expense audits—and how to do

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33:48

Surviving the Squeeze – Strategies for Restaurants in...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/07/19

Feeling the pressure of rising costs and tighter margins? In this episode of Restauranttopia, we break down actionable strategies to help independent restaurant operators survive—and thrive—during economic squeeze periods. From cost control to leadership communication, this episode delivers the blueprint to stay sharp when business gets tough. 💡 Key Takeaways: Identify the “squeeze”: Understand the convergence of food cost increases, labor pressure, and declining customer frequency. Cut the fat,

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36:22

Tipflation: How Digital Guilt and Hidden Fees Are...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/07/06

Hosts: Dave Ross, Brian Seitz, Anthony Hamilton Tipping expectations are out of control—and your guests are noticing. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we break down the rise of tipflation, how digital guilt is changing hospitality, and what operators can do to protect their guest experience while still supporting their teams. Key Takeaways: What is Tipflation? The creeping rise of tipping expectations—from a simple jar to digital prompts that pressure consumers to tip for counter service,

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49:07

Clean Oil, Safer Kitchens: The Halcyon Eco Innovation

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/06/21

Guest: Peter Kirwan – Founder & CEO of Halcyon Eco Hosts: Dave Ross, Brian Seitz 🔑 Key Takeaways: The Origin Story: Peter shares what led him to invent Halcyon Eco in Ireland and how he brought this revolutionary product to market. The Problem with Dirty Oil: Degraded oil increases costs, decreases food quality, and raises safety risks. Halcyon Eco’s Solution: A cutting-edge fryer oil cleaning system that reduces waste, improves safety, and extends oil life. Labor & Safety Wins: Less manual oil

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35:21

Comfort is a Slow Death (Ep. 173)

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/06/07

Comfort is deceptive. It feels good, but it quietly stalls growth and progress. Fear keeps you frozen. Most people stay in bad jobs, unhealthy relationships, or stagnant routines because of fear—not logic. Growth is uncomfortable. Every breakthrough happens outside your comfort zone, whether in business, relationships, or self-discipline. You can’t evolve and stay the same. Taking risks and embracing new challenges are essential for development. Self-awareness is step one. Recognize when comfort has

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22:24

The Art and Science of Menu Design and Printing (Ep....

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/05/24

Your restaurant's most powerful marketing tool? The menu. In this episode, the team dives deep into one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your restaurant: the menu. From visual psychology and printing strategies to layout, material choices, and pricing tactics, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you treat your menu like what it truly is—your #1 marketing and sales tool. You'll walk away with insights on font choices, color psychology, menu engineering, printing

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22:29

Smart Marketing Tactics That Work (Ep. 171)

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/05/10

In this powerhouse episode, the team unpacks real-world, actionable marketing tactics that restaurant owners can implement immediately to drive traffic, create loyal customers, and boost profits—without relying on gimmicks or deep discounts. From the power of thoughtful guest experiences to bounce-back promotions and handwritten letters to lapsed customers, this is a masterclass in doing marketing the right way. Packed with humor, strategy, and personal stories, this episode delivers the perfect

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22:59

Beyond the Buzz – Embracing the Non-Alcoholic...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/04/26

In this episode of Restauranttopia, Dave and Brian explore the growing non-alcoholic beverage movement and why it's a must for modern restaurants. They break down the cultural shifts, customer expectations, and real profitability behind offering thoughtful non-alcoholic options. Learn practical ways to adapt your menu, train your staff, and create a welcoming experience for all guests—drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Key Takeaways The Cultural Shift Toward Less Drinking Gen Z drinks 20% less than

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24:06

5 Things I Learned in Vegas to Increase Restaurant...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/04/12

Summary In this episode, Brian shares five key lessons from Las Vegas that every restaurant operator should hear. From faster drink service to private room optimization and upsell strategy, these practical insights are designed to boost revenue while enhancing the guest experience. Learn how to modernize your operations, empower your staff, and grow profitability—starting tonight. Key Takeaways Modernize the Reservation Process Use your reservation system to curate guest experiences, not just

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15:47

Pain and Suffering – How It Can Lead to Better...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/03/29

In this thought-provoking episode, the team explores how pain and suffering can cultivate stronger leadership skills. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, Buddhist parables, and personal experiences, they discuss the concept of the "two arrows"—how pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional—and how leaders can apply this mindset to stay composed and guide their teams effectively. They dive into how emotional control and mindfulness can transform not just your professional leadership, but

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18:01

The Hidden Danger of Merchant Service Loans (Ep. 167)

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/03/15

Many restaurant operators are unknowingly signing their businesses away with predatory merchant cash advances (MCAs). These high-cost financing options promise fast money but come with crippling repayment terms that can put restaurants out of business. In this episode, we break down: What MCAs really are and why they’re dangerous How POS companies and third-party apps market these loans The long-term financial risks of taking an MCA What better financing options exist for restaurant operators If

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27:44

MALT – The 4 Key Elements That Shape Your...

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/03/01

A restaurant’s atmosphere can make or break the guest experience, but many operators overlook key environmental factors. In this episode, we break down MALT – Music, Ambiance, Lighting, and Temperature—the four elements that directly influence customer comfort, spending habits, and return visits. Learn how to fine-tune your restaurant’s environment to create an experience that keeps guests coming back. Key Takeaways: Music Sets the Tone and Spending Habits Background music matters—the right

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20:03

5 Mistakes Restaurants Are Making (Ep. 165)

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent... ·

2025/02/15

Are you making these five costly restaurant mistakes? Many independent restaurant operators are leaving money on the table by overlooking simple but essential strategies. In this episode, we break down five common mistakes and how to fix them right away. Listen now to learn: Why tracking prime costs daily can improve profitability How collecting and using customer data effectively boosts sales The biggest mistake restaurants make with their online presence Simple ways to improve hospitality and

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