Shows
Pizza Marketplace PodcastDonatos Pizza president, CEO wants it to be the household name in pizzaIn this episode of the Pizza Marketplace Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace, talks to Kevin King, who recently took over Donatos Pizza last October as president and CEO. Under King's leadership, the brand is embracing strategies to keep it relevant for both new and existing customers amidst rising pricing wars in the pizza industry.Donatos started in 1963 when its founder, Jim Grote, started a small pizza shop in the sound end of Columbus, Ohio based on principles and values that even today make Donatos a standout in the pizza industry.The brand...2025-04-0920 min
Restaurant OperatorCORE Gives helps restaurant employees in needIn our latest episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb, talks to Jill Chapman, director of corporate partnerships with CORE Gives, an organization that helps restaurant employees in need."CORE is a national non-profit," Chapman said. "We provide financial support to food and beverage service employees in this industry. It's a crisis, whether it's an injury, health issue, a natural disaster, death in the family (or) domestic abuse. Really, honestly there is a need for this because there's so many times that service employees — if one of these things ha...2025-04-0811 min
CX InnovatorsCEO Chris King defines Monster Mini Golf's 'philosophy of fun' CX strategyIn this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Chris King, CEO of Monster Mini Golf; shares insight on how the indoor family entertainment brand fulfills its 'philosophy of fun' and why it's the center piece of the brand's customer experience strategy.Monster Mini Golf is an indoor family entertainment brand with 30-plus franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. The entertainment centers offer an 18-hole custom designed blacklight mini golf course, state-of-the-art arcade, party and event rooms with optional laser maze, laser tag, bowling and virtual reality experiences.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube...2025-03-2614 minRestaurant OperatorGRUBBRR Guarantee gives kiosk users peace of mindIn this day and age, offering a guarantee with your business plan is nearly a given. For kiosk brand GRUBBRR, the GRUBBRR Guarantee is an integral part of the brand's ethos.In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb, speaks with GRUBBRR Chief Revenue Officer Parrish Chapman about the brand's guarantee.Chapman said the GRUBBRR guarantee is simple: the kiosk brand guarantees its work and stands behind it."We know operators today have a lot of cost pressures, they have a lot of news...2025-03-2528 minPizza Marketplace PodcastPizza Factory CEO talks acquisition of company, future of brandIn this episode of the Pizza Marketplace Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace, talks to Mary Jane Riva, CEO of California-based Pizza Factory.The brand was founded in 1985 in two small California towns and will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. Riva and her husband, Bob, came aboard as franchisees in 1990 and opened five of their own Pizza Factory locations. In 2012, the founders were ready to leave and sold the company to the Rivas."The culture of Pizza Factory is so much about community and it's individuals being able to come and work...2025-03-1219 minCX InnovatorsUltronAI founder on how AI, computer vision enhance retail checkout, reduce shrink, optimize operationsIn this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Marios Savvides, founder, chairman and CTO at UltronAI, offers insight on how AI and computer vision can educe retail shrink, optimize operations and improve the customer experienceSavvides is a leader in AI computer vision, having spent decades working on AI models that solve complex identification challenges. His research in facial and object recognition has been used by the U.S. government and recognized by major global institutions. He is the founder and director of the Trustworthy AI Biometrics Center at Carnegie Mellon University and the Bossa Nova Robotics...2025-02-2625 minRestaurant OperatorLion's Choice CEO offers secrets to brand's successIn this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of QSRweb and Pizza Marketplace, talks with Fred Burmer, CEO of roast beef brand Lion's Choice.Lion's Choice got its start in 1967 and is a legacy brand in St. Louis with 30 restaurants. The brand uses top round roast beef that is hand-trimmed and slow roasted for at least three hours in the restaurant every day."It's really butcher-shop quality," Burmer said. The roast beef is sliced razor thin which gives it a "great flavor and texture that really sets us apart."...2025-02-2516 minPizza Marketplace PodcastStoner's Pizza Joint CEO talks economy, that kitschy nameIn this episode of the Pizza Marketplace Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace, talks to John Stetson, CEO of Florida-based Stoner's Pizza Joint.The brand was founded in 2013 in Savannah, Georgia. The first location had a stone oven, which is from where the brand takes its name. Though the brand enjoys its double entendre namesake, there's actually no cannabis involved in the recipes, though Stoner's does use it in its marketing."We kind of pivot depending on the marketing we're in," Stetson said. "If we're on a college campus, I think we're very...2025-02-1222 minRestaurant OperatorClutch Coffee co-founder offers secrets to competing in saturated marketIn this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb, chats with Darren Spicer, co-founder of Carolinas-based Clutch Coffee, which has 13 locations.Spicer said customer experience is one of the things that sets Clutch Coffee apart from competitors."It's from the moment you drive onto the property, and the environment we have and the music that's playing outside, the runner who's outside taking that order face to face, all the way through picking up that drink," he said, adding "and taking that first sip before you leave. That's...2025-02-0717 minCX InnovatorsA Closer Look CEO shares insight on making a personal customer connectionIn this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Chris Gillen, CEO and co-owner of A Closer Look, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how brands can drive strong customer loyalty through great experiences rather than discounts and sales.A Closer Look helps companies create the kind of connections with customers that last longer than a promotional offer. For more than 25 years, A Closer Look has worked with brands that want to truly understand their customer experience and fix the problems that hurt loyalty and profits. It does this by combining customer feedback with detailed...2025-01-2935 minCX InnovatorsBatteries Plus COO talks consumer trends, customer experience strategyIn the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Batteries Plus COO Jon Sica shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl about the brand's strong growth and customer experience strategy.Sica joined Batteries Plus just about six years ago as the chief strategy and development officer, then moved into the role of chief business officer and became COO in early 2024. He leads a powerhouse team that includes the chief franchising officer, chief information officer, chief technology officer and chief growth officer.Batteries Plus achieved a 23.7% year-over-year increase in total systemwide commercial sales for October 2024...2025-01-1520 minCX InnovatorsFleet Feet leaders talk aligning marketing with the in-store retail experienceIn the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Victoria Patterson, field marketing manager for the East Coast at Fleet Feet, and Alex Tallman, director of retail experience and education at Fleet Feet, share insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how the iconic hospitality and lodging brand is transforming the brand.Patterson's team supports stores in their grassroots outreach initiatives. The key is connecting with local organizations, (medical professionals, gyms, run/walk clubs, hotels) in order to enhance community wellness. Tallman's team is all about ensuring front-line associates are equipped to deliver an experience that...2024-10-3017 minCX InnovatorsMotel 6 marketing VP talks brand transformationIn the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Jenna Berg, vice president of brand marketing at G6 Hospitality, the parent company of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how the iconic hospitality and lodging brand is transforming the brand.In late spring of this year Motel 6 debuted an innovative campaign centered around Garfield which the brand named as its first-ever official Chief Pet Officer. It all came together via a partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment ahead of the Columbia...2024-09-2527 minCX InnovatorsJCPenney CIO shares CX insight on $1B transformationIn the latest episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Sharmeelee Bala, CIO at JCPenney, shares insight with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl on how the legacy retailer is approaching a $1 billion transformation.The podcast is an extended conversation that began with an initial interview on RetailCustomerExperience.com.Remember to subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest CX Innovators podcasts.2024-08-1221 minRestaurant OperatorHow Biscuit Belly added breakfast catering to its operationsIn this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Wolf Detwiler, managing editor of Networld Media Goup, talks to Lauren Coulter, integrator and chief biscuit eater at Biscuit Belly, a Louisville, Kentucky-based biscuit fast casual chain about the brand's catering program.Many restaurants are expanding their reach with dedicated catering programs. These programs offer restaurant-quality food for events, from corporate lunches to social gatherings. Diners can expect menus tailored to their needs, with options ranging from boxed lunches to full buffets. This trend benefits both restaurants and customers. Restaurants gain a new revenue stream, while customers...2024-06-0523 minCX InnovatorsFun.com leader shares customer experience, engagement strategiesMaking the customer experience fun is at least somewhat important for many online and physical retailers, but at Fun.com, it's absolutely paramount. Fun.com, an e-commerce retailer that sells a range of fun products — from Star Wars plushies to t-shirts from the latest Disney hit — as well as being the home of Halloween.com.CX Innovator podcast guest Dianna Lyngholm serves as director of creative services and e-commerce for Fun.com. She directs brand, strategy and development for multiple departments. Her team handles everything from product photography to marketing campaign curation and video content productions, in addi...2024-06-0511 minCX InnovatorsCharleston Shoe Company founder talks customer engagementNeely Woodson Powell knows shoes and she knows how important it is to engage with customers to get customers to slip their feet into her iconic shoe wear.In this latest episode of the CX Innovator podcast, produced by Networld Media Group, Powell shares with RetailCustomerExperience.com editor Judy Mottl how customer engagement, and providing 'shoe joy,' has driven success for her national brand of versatile and fashionable footwear.Powell also shares how she hurdled challenges, including COVID-19, to create a multibillion-dollar retail empire. The brand's shoe line, launched 27 years ago, is available online...2024-04-2622 minRestaurant OperatorGivex's best-in-class POS solution a boon to restaurant brandsIn this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Networld Media Group Editor Mandy Detwiler chats with Don Smith, director of business development for Givex North America, about the state of the restaurant industry and what's affecting it today. Givex, a best-in-class POS solution, services a number of high-profile brands.Online ordering has grown since the pandemic, and Smith said it has been a "seesaw battle" for many operators. "The more orders they get obviously drives more money to their bottom line," he said. "But the challenge is trying to get more of that dollar for online ordering."2024-04-1915 minRestaurant OperatorRestaurant technology can help lessen burden on restaurantsIn this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, managing editor of Networld Media Group and editor for QSRweb.com and PizzaMarketplace.com, talks to Chris Lybeer, chief strategy and marketing officer for Revel Systems, a cloud-based technology provider, about how tech is changing the restaurant industry today.Lybeer said it's an exciting time for technology brands in the restaurant space as more restaurants rely on it in both the front and back of the house."Costs are going through the roof," Lybeer said when asked what some of the industry's biggest challenges...2024-04-1714 minRestaurant OperatorL&L Hawaiian Barbecue CEO talks diversity, equity and inclusion On this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Wolf Detwiler, managing editor of Networld Media Group, talks to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue CEO Elisia Flores about the brand's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that Flores says are built into her staff as a whole. 2024-01-0317 minRestaurant OperatorHow tech stacks are learning to be more intuitive - FOOD2022-11-0323 min
The Word at Work with Miranda Carls: A Podcast for Christian Professionals4. Uniting Biblical wisdom with high-performance leadership (Guest: Tom Harper, CEO of Networld Media Group and Author)Today’s guest is Tom Harper. Tom is CEO of Networld Media Group, where their mission is to create ROI for leaders in niche industries through high-performance media and events. He’s also the publisher at BiblicalLeadership.com, a website offering free leadership content to pastors and marketplace leaders. Tom and I discuss how leaders can lean on Biblical wisdom to show up as high performers in the workplace. We discuss a few of the many topics from his book, Servant Leader Strong.
LINKS:
Tom's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Tom-R-Harper/e/B001JRUGPC/ref=aufs...2022-08-2934 minRestaurant OperatorGivex expands, launches new products during pandemic - FOOD2022-08-2517 minRestaurant OperatorHow Soyleic soybeans could be the future of healthier food system2022-07-1916 min
The Cutting Onions Podcast57. Bobby and Myles talk with Cherryh Cansler, Editor of Fast Casual and VP of Events for Networld Media, about the Restaurant Industry and the Future.Today we feature a super fun conversation with Cherryh Cansler. Cherryh is the Editor of FastCasual.com and the VP of Events for Networld Media. Cherryh leads some of the most attended events in the restaurant industry and provides opportunities for leaders from every restaurant segment to get together, learn from each other, share best practices, and have a whole lot of fun while they are doing it.
In this conversation Cherryh shares her unique insights into the restaurant industry, how things have evolved over the pandemic, and what’s next for fast casual. We also debate wh...2022-04-2944 minRestaurant OperatorHow automation helps labor issues in today's restaurants - FOOD2022-03-0314 minRestaurant OperatorPandemic causes PizzaLeah to pivot - FOOD2022-01-1924 minRestaurant OperatorHow restaurant technology continues to evolve - FOOD2021-12-2123 minCX InnovatorsSelf-service at retail: The growth has only begun - KMC2021-11-1122 minRestaurant OperatorBurgerFi CEO: What it takes to be a winner - FOOD2021-11-1117 minRestaurant OperatorRestaurant podcast explores grassroots, guerilla marketing - FOOD2021-11-0224 minRestaurant OperatorNeed to renegotiate your lease? Expert weighs in - FOOD2021-08-1718 minRestaurant OperatorPolicy experts discuss restaurant compliancy changes - FOOD2021-08-0620 minRestaurant OperatorMeet Andrew Gruel of Slapfish - FOOD2021-08-0415 min
CX InnovatorsExpert offers insight on how self-service improves the customer journey - RCE2021-07-2023 min
Restaurant OperatorTackling COVID-19 training on QSRs' front lines, plus menu must-haves for a 'to-go' world - FOOD2021-07-0129 min
Restaurant OperatorSlutty Vegan creator Pinky Cole on brand's soaring popularity - FOOD2021-06-3016 min
Restaurant OperatorTeriyaki Madness' CEO on how food that 'makes you feel like a million' fuels brand growth - FOOD2021-06-1519 min
Restaurant OperatorGimbal’s Matthew Russo explains how location-based marketing can improve services and revenue - FOOD2021-06-1517 min
Restaurant OperatorWhat 2020s anxious QSR customer means for your brand - FOOD2021-06-1528 min
Restaurant OperatorYour pie president on the brand building benefits of travel - FOOD2021-06-1516 min
Restaurant OperatorGetting personal: 2 experts' tips on making restaurant marketing miracles - FOOD2021-06-1529 min
Restaurant OperatorToppers takes on the daring diner - FOOD2021-06-1412 min
Restaurant OperatorTacos4Life co-founder on doing good by doing great QSR business - FOOD2021-06-1419 min
Restaurant OperatorThe tongue-wagging 'Wow!' power of Dog Haus + fast casual summit preview - FOOD2021-06-1428 min
Restaurant OperatorTaco John's: A QSR that dares fast casuals to 'follow us' - FOOD2021-06-1415 min
Restaurant OperatorUrban Bricks founder on taking a pizza brand beyond the pie - FOOD2021-06-1416 min
Restaurant OperatorTogo's 2020 transformation: 'It's not just new paint' - FOOD2021-06-1422 min
Restaurant OperatorTaco Bell HR leader on making your restaurant an employee magnet - FOOD2021-06-1026 min
Restaurant OperatorNekter CEO talks about Whole Foods, customer evolution + staying 'juiced,' 9 years in - FOOD2021-06-1021 min
Restaurant OperatorStarbucks franchisee’s tips on going 'off-brand' + why QSRs should go ‘clockless’ - FOOD2021-06-1015 min
Restaurant OperatorSquaring the square: White Castle VP tells how brand develops new slider spin-offs - FOOD2021-06-1023 min
Restaurant OperatorSlutty Vegan creator Pinky Cole on brand's soaring popularity as it pushes the plusses of healthy eating - FOOD2021-06-1016 min
Restaurant OperatorSlim Chickens COO on innovating via potato chip flavors while growing a QSR via Southern hospitality - FOOD2021-06-1021 min
Restaurant OperatorSchlotzsky's president on brand rebirth at age 50 - FOOD2021-06-1021 min
Restaurant OperatorSaladworks CEO talks about growing 'green' eating from college campuses to Kuwait - FOOD2021-06-1024 min
Restaurant OperatorRoy Rogers pulls the 'Trigger' on QSR's new life - FOOD2021-06-1025 min
Restaurant OperatorReigniting the glow over Michigan's 97-year-old Halo Burger - FOOD2021-06-1015 min
Restaurant OperatorQuizno's, Taco Del Mar CEO on going 'shopping' in the QSR brand supermarket - FOOD2021-06-1020 min
Restaurant OperatorTrend-Toppers Edition: Starring Starbird, 'star' plants - FOOD2021-06-1037 min
Restaurant Operator&pizza COO breaks down the business-building power of activism - FOOD2021-06-1021 min
Restaurant Operator&pizza CEO talks about restaurant worker pay, brands as community unifiers - FOOD2021-06-1016 min
Restaurant Operator&pizza CEO on the limited-service leader's key role as employee advocate - FOOD2021-06-1017 min
Restaurant OperatorPincho CEO: Simplified operations + empowered teams = growth - FOOD2021-06-1021 min
Restaurant OperatorHow a Navy Seal + vegan pies can build a better pizza brand - FOOD2021-06-1018 min
Restaurant OperatorGranddaddy of marijuana-themed brands, Cheba Hut perfects food-and-fun-first culture - FOOD2021-06-1023 min
Restaurant OperatorDel Taco exec on making it in Mexican QSR category + Taziki's CEO relays business benefits of creating calm - FOOD2021-06-1034 min
Restaurant OperatorChicken Salad Chick + Steritech on scooping up accolades for menu simplicity, food safety - FOOD2021-06-1025 min
Restaurant OperatorDelivery-only wings brand takes flight with a little lift from Uber Eats data - FOOD2021-06-1023 min
Restaurant OperatorGolden Chick CEO's Southern slant on quick chicken + QSR packagers' infatuation with fast casual - FOOD2021-06-1035 min
Restaurant OperatorFrom Whole Foods to invasive catfish, Farm Burger is making its mark - FOOD2021-06-1027 min
Restaurant OperatorFrom homelessness to selling $1K sandwiches: The story of Ike's Love & Sandwiches - FOOD2021-06-1024 min
Restaurant OperatorFrom food trucks to popping pearls, Wetzel's Pretzels CEO sees bright future - FOOD2021-06-1022 min
Restaurant OperatorFrom bento boxes, to boozy breakfasts, K2 bakes up offbeat brands - FOOD2021-06-1024 min
Restaurant OperatorFreddy's tackles 'hospitality through a speakerphone' + lawfirm unravels confusion surrounding stimulus funds - FOOD2021-06-1030 min
Restaurant OperatorFirehouse Subs CEO on surging sandwich sector quality + pleasant surprises - FOOD2021-06-1026 min
Restaurant OperatorDQ on all things frozen 'n' sweet + Pancheros' fresh 'bake' on Mexican heat - FOOD2021-06-1031 min
Restaurant OperatorDippin' Dots exec gives out the scoop on 'Ice Cream of the Future's' future - FOOD2021-06-1026 min
Restaurant OperatorDine-in … delivery … drive-thru? Rave Restaurant Group president talks fulfilling diners' druthers today - FOOD2021-06-1018 min
Restaurant OperatorDillas Quesadillas founder on the value of following 'Jennifer' while feeding the 'Gator' - FOOD2021-06-1022 min
Restaurant OperatorHot chicken + hot deals: 2 ways QSRs are igniting 2020 sales - FOOD2021-06-1037 min
Restaurant OperatorCOVID-19 liability protection for restaurateurs + Edible Brands' new QSR - FOOD2021-06-1045 min
Restaurant OperatorCoolgreens VP talks about brand's growth beyond its Central US borders in 2019 - FOOD2021-06-1023 min
Restaurant OperatorGolden Chick president promises 500 stores, Netsurion on speeding up contactless pickup - FOOD2021-06-1033 min
Restaurant OperatorHuddle House executive on deploying digital to serve small towns better - FOOD2021-06-1013 min
Restaurant OperatorHuddle House-Perkins hustling toward pandemic-era marketing moves - FOOD2021-06-1037 min
Restaurant OperatorHungry Howie's pushes its borders, while Lavu puts a premium on online promotion - FOOD2021-06-1042 min
Restaurant OperatorKeeping tabs on Top 100 winners' traits plus Oracle expert's pandemic-era performance tips - FOOD2021-06-1026 min
Restaurant OperatorKFC US CEO on building a better bucket of chicken + Chowly CEO on streamlining third-party delivery - FOOD2021-06-1047 min
Restaurant OperatorLion's Choice: Fast food where customers slow down - FOOD2021-06-1019 min
Restaurant OperatorChurch's, Texas Chicken CEO relays value of bringing a 'franchisee's grit' to top job - FOOD2021-06-1032 min
Restaurant OperatorCheckers/Rally's CEO predicts post-pandemic fast food resurgence + Lavu CEO on QSRs' digital path forward - FOOD2021-06-1034 min
Restaurant OperatorHot Restaurant Menu Trends in 2019 - Russian & Scandinavian Cuisine - FOOD2021-06-1021 min
Restaurant OperatorThe innovators that ARE this year's Top 100 Movers & Shakers, this week with Balance Pan Asian Grille - FOOD2021-06-1024 min
Restaurant OperatorAuntie Anne's president on 'twisting' with the turns in QSR snack trade - FOOD2021-06-1019 min
Restaurant OperatorA&W is sprouting up a plant-based burger, CEO says on QSRweb podcast - FOOD2021-06-1022 min
Restaurant OperatorFazoli's CEO on the fine art of the Italian QSR, 7shifts on lessening your labor cost load - FOOD2021-05-2828 min
Restaurant OperatorWhy your QSR marketing misses 95% of your patrons, plus what to do about it - FOODYou know great loyalty program efforts can pay off for QSRs. But what many operators don't know is how many customers even the greatest loyalty initiatives miss. This podcast fills you in on an approach that finds and effectively reaches the 95% of your customer base your loyalty program's missing.2021-03-1924 min
Restaurant OperatorPOS as brand-saver: 1 restaurateur's story - FOODPlaying in the hyper-competitive pizza restaurant business has induced an even greater case of white-knuckled persistence over the course of the last year, but according to one longtime pizzeria company CEO, the right POS capabilities can definitely alleviate some the pressure.2021-03-1225 min
10 Talent LeaderTalkEpisode 17: Tom Harper, CEO of Networld Media GroupThe phrase “servant leader” has become almost a cliché. The current economic, social, health and political challenges we face call for an updated understanding of leadership and a new perspective on serving with strength as a leader. In this episode, Tom Harper will help you raise your leadership game.Tom is the co-founder and publisher of Networld Media Group, a B2B media company that publishes online industry news and produces executive summits in retail, banking, mobile payments, digital signage, restaurants, and Christian leadership.Networld currently operates 11 websites and four executive summits, and produces podcasts, webinars, custo...2020-09-0935 min