Shows
RestrocastThe Unit Economics of Building a Burger Chain in India | BurgrillIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian speaks with the founder of Burgrill for some of the most honest conversations on creating a franchise model of restaurants in India, how to succeed and how not to, and what the economics of your unit really looks like.This journey starts from the time he was studying eighth standard in Indore when his family opened a bakery business, and covers various aspects of hotel management, a smoothie bar at Select City Walk, a café in Indore, a stint with his father's business of solar panels and bulletproof jackets, and eventually the f...
2026-09-081h 14
Restrocast74 Years, 14 Countries, Zero Outside Funding: The Kailash Parbat StoryIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Amit Mulchandani, third-generation director of Kailash Parbat, for a rare and detailed conversation about what it takes to keep a restaurant brand alive, relevant, and expanding across seven decades and six continents, without a single rupee of outside capital.Amit traces the full arc of the Kailash Parbat story: a 16-year-old Sindhi boy cooking in Karachi in 1940, Partition, a humble restart at Azad Maidan, the first store in Colaba in 1952 that still operates today, and a slow, deliberate expansion that now spans the US, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany...
2026-07-1657 min
RestrocastHow Balachandar Raju Built a 54-Year Restaurant Legacy Without Leaving CoimbatoreIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Balachandar Raju, second-generation owner of Hari Bhavanam, for a rare and deeply honest conversation about what it looks like to build a restaurant business not for numbers, but for trust, and to keep it that way across five decades.Bala traces the full arc of the Hari Bhavanam story: a 16-year-old boy from outside Coimbatore who took a job as a room boy in a lodging mansion in the 1960s, whose wife lit a stove one evening to feed stranded government employees, and who never switched it off. He...
2026-06-241h 23
RestrocastHow Sultan Chatila Went From Supper Club to Dubai's Most Talked-About Burger ChainIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Sultan Chatila, co-founder of Eleven Green Burgers, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about one of Dubai's most unlikely and compelling restaurant origin stories.Sultan traces a journey that begins in a Saudi Arabian household where both parents cooked with extraordinary skill, runs through a chemical engineering degree at Tufts that was always a compromise, and winds through twelve years of corporate life at GE, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Honeywell, all while cooking quietly, obsessively, for anyone who would sit at his table.He talks about how...
2026-06-111h 23
RestrocastHow Chirag Chhajer Built India's Largest Burmese Restaurant Chain by Breaking Every RuleIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Chirag Chhajer, co-founder of Burma Burma, for a wide-ranging and remarkably transparent conversation on what it actually takes to build a scalable, profitable restaurant brand in India - and why most of the rules people follow are the reason most restaurants fail. Chirag traces his journey from a Marwari textile family in Bombay, three formative years cooking in a shared apartment in Australia, and a decade in his father's business, to co-founding Burma Burma in 2014 with zero restaurant experience and a concept that every industry veteran told him was a...
2026-06-051h 36
RestrocastLuma Makhlouf: Building a Multi-Brand F&B Business, Dubai | RestroworksIn this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, sits down with Luma Makhlouf, co-creator of HL Food, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to build lasting multi-brand food businesses in one of the world's most competitive restaurant markets.Luma shares how a Palestinian-American upbringing in Chicago, years in Dubai's tech startup scene, and a deep personal obsession with food eventually led her to launch a food truck, open her first restaurant six months before COVID hit, and grow a multi-brand portfolio without ever paying for an influencer or...
2026-05-151h 34
RestrocastHow Katerina Borodich Built DrinkIt by Treating the App as the BusinessIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Katerina Borodich, CEO of DrinkIt MENA, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it takes to build a technology-first F&B brand in one of the world's most competitive markets - from zero presence, zero legal entity, and two suitcases.Katerina shares her unlikely path from electrical engineering and academic publishing in Russia to running marketing for Dodo Pizza in Europe, launching a new pizza concept in the UK during the pandemic, and ultimately being tapped to bring DrinkIt to the UAE. She breaks down what makes DrinkIt different — 97% of or...
2026-04-281h 05
RestrocastThe Making of HostMind: Mona Al Sayah’s Story of Scale and DisciplineIn this episode, Mona Al Sayah, CEO and co-founder of HostMind, shares her journey from working in her family’s restaurant at the age of 12 to building a scalable cloud kitchen business in Dubai. She reflects on how early exposure to the F&B industry shaped her resilience, work ethic, and understanding of customer experience.Mona dives into the realities of the cloud kitchen space, highlighting the gap between how easy it is to launch a brand and how difficult it is to build one that lasts. She emphasizes the importance of structure, systems, and long-term vision, es...
2026-04-031h 24
RestrocastKhaled Naga: Al-Thiqa's Multi-Brand Restaurant Ops, Kuwait | RestroworksKhaled Naga, CEO of Al-Thiqa Group Division, joins Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, on Restrocast for a grounded conversation on what it really takes to scale multi-brand restaurant operations in Kuwait and the wider GCC. Khaled shares Al-Thiqa's story of operating 57+ locations across Kuwait, expanding into markets like London and Qatar, and the operational shift from running global franchises to building homegrown brands.They unpack how external forces shape unit economics, from sudden labor and regulatory changes to post-COVID demand swings and intense price competition. Khaled also highlights how Gen Z is changing both customer...
2026-03-101h 02
RestrocastHattan Bakor on Why the First Franchise Opening Is Hard and What Fixes ItIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Hattan Bakor to unpack what it really takes to scale a food brand in Saudi Arabia without losing consistency. Hattan shares how entering the business with “fresh eyes” helped him spot operational gaps quickly and why he insisted on a learning window before making changes. They discuss the harsh reality behind restaurant economics, how margins look big from the outside but feel thin once you’re operating day to day. Hattan also reflects on how COVID forced the team into trial-and-error, ultimately pushing them to become more efficient than they we...
2026-02-241h 15
RestrocastThe Longevity Advantage: Silvena Rowe on Movement, Mental Health, and Food In this podcast episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with chef, author, and longevity educator Silvena Rowe for a candid conversation that goes beyond food trends and into the philosophy behind modern dining. Silvena reflects on her global culinary journey, the realities of scaling a values-led restaurant brand like Dose by Silvena, and why ingredient integrity sits at the core of her work today. The discussion explores what she calls “biohacking food”, viewing ingredients as functional inputs that support energy, resilience, and long-term health. She also shares her perspective on cost control in restaurants, reducing food waste without compro...
2026-02-171h 14
RestrocastBeyond the Title: Samer Nasrallah on People Leadership, Pressure Management, and Quality ExecutionIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Samer Nasrallah, F&B Country Manager for Patchi Café in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, to unpack what it really takes to build a career in hospitality from the ground up. Samer shares how he unexpectedly entered F&B, the chaos of running in-house delivery and catering in Egypt before the era of aggregators, and the habits that helped him rise fast, including relentless organization and attention to detail.The conversation moves through his experiences across markets, from large-scale event catering in Doha to leadership lessons earned under pr...
2026-02-101h 17
RestrocastSudhin Siva: Multi-Brand F&B Portfolio at Shamal Holding | RestroworksAshish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, welcomes Sudhin Siva, Chief Asset Management Officer at Shamal Holding, to Restrocast to discuss how Shamal manages a diversified multi-brand hospitality portfolio and scales F&B brands like Five Guys (UAE franchise), Sushi Samba, Duck & Waffle, Espresso Lab, and Zero Gravity. Sudhin reflects on his start at Jumeirah in quality management, planning, and strategy, and shares the principles he still applies: lead through collaboration, protect the fundamentals, and build a culture that empowers teams to create real guest moments.He explains the tension between brand equity and unit-level performance when...
2026-02-021h 20
RestrocastJoseph Chartouni: Caribou Coffee & Five Guys in Kuwait | RestroworksRestrocast host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, talks with Joseph Chartouni, CEO of Al Sayer Franchising in Kuwait, the enterprise operator behind Caribou Coffee and Five Guys in the market. Joseph shares how resilience shaped him early, growing up between Lebanon and Kuwait during the civil war, and how those experiences influenced his leadership across large-scale restaurant and franchise operations.The conversation challenges the common view of marketing as "messaging." For Joseph, marketing starts with product, innovation, and understanding what customers are becoming, but it's only real when it's fulfilled through operations, store experience, SOPs...
2026-01-121h 17
RestrocastKLC Virtual Restaurants: Multi-Brand Delivery in GCC | RestroworksMubarak Jaffar, Co-Founder and CEO of KLC Virtual Restaurants, stops by Restrocast for a conversation with host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, about building One Eatery into a scaled, delivery-first multi-brand restaurant operation across the GCC. Mubarak shares why he moved from traditional dine-in and franchise operations to a model designed for pure kitchen efficiency, and what it takes to make unit economics work in a 24-hour setup.They unpack the "virtual food hall" approach, in which multiple brands operate from a single kitchen per zone to avoid demand fragmentation, and how menu and packaging...
2026-01-061h 14
RestrocastKamran Khan on Scaling Enterprise Restaurants in Saudi | RestroworksOn Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian (Co-founder and CEO, Restroworks) is joined by Kamran Khan, a veteran restaurant operator in Saudi Arabia, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build and scale an enterprise restaurant brand. Kamran breaks down the operator reality: restaurants are a daily problem-solving business where execution, not intent, decides outcomes. He shares lessons on why the second and third outlets are the true test of scalability, and why brands win when they deliver consistency customers can predict.The discussion goes deep into the economics of running restaurants in thin margins, the "cash...
2025-12-231h 44
RestrocastScaling Shrimpy and Beyond: What It Takes to Grow in Kuwait with Khaled NagaIn this episode, Khaled Naga, CEO of Al-Thiqa Group Division, joins Ashish Tulsian for a grounded conversation on what it really takes to scale restaurant brands in Kuwait and the wider GCC. Khaled shares Al-Thiqa’s journey of operating 57+ locations across Kuwait, expanding into markets like London and Qatar, and explains the operational shift from running global franchises to building homegrown brands from scratch.They unpack how external forces shape unit economics, from sudden labor and regulatory changes to post-COVID demand swings and intense price competition. Khaled also highlights how Gen Z is changing both customer behavior an...
2025-12-191h 02
RestrocastHow Nasser Al Massabi Built Low-Calories into a Leading Healthy Restaurant BrandIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian speaks with Nasser Al Messabi, CEO of Low Calories, a fast-growing healthy restaurant brand from the UAE. Nasser shares how he went from 18 years in the UAE Police to launching a health-food concept at a time when almost no one was doing it, the failures and land deals that taught him hard lessons, and why he ultimately resigned seven years before a secure government pension to go “all in” on his brand. He also discusses scaling to multiple countries through franchising, navigating trends like Ozempic and Mounjaro, and why treating employees like family sits at t...
2025-12-111h 17
RestrocastMohammad Al Madani: 50-Store Enterprise Restaurant Brand, GCC | RestroworksIn this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, sits down with Mohammad Al Madani, Chairman of the Al Madani Group, to explore his path from his father's tailoring shop in the 1940s to building a 50+ store enterprise restaurant portfolio in the GCC with Charley's Philly Steaks. Growing up watching his father stitch kanduras for Dubai's earliest rulers and business families, Al Madani learned customer service the traditional way, and those lessons in humility, discipline, and hospitality shaped the foundation of his business.From running one of the UAE's most iconic tailoring brands to...
2025-11-2559 min
RestrocastBuilding Teams, Not Just Brands: Pauline Ibrahim on Leadership in HospitalityIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with CEO Pauline Ibrahim to explore her remarkable journey from a finance analyst in Lebanon to leading some of the most respected F&B brands in the Middle East. Pauline shares how moving to Dubai ignited her passion for the restaurant industry, why Azadea became her “F&B school,” and how jumping into the startup world with iKcon became her real-life PhD in growth, risk, and resilience, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.She breaks down what a healthy restaurant P&L truly looks like, why cloud kitchens struggle with sustainable prof...
2025-11-2149 min
RestrocastThe Real Economics of Restaurants in Dubai – A Candid Chat with CEO Pauline IbrahimIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with CEO Pauline Ibrahim to explore her remarkable journey from a finance analyst in Lebanon to leading some of the most respected F&B brands in the Middle East. Pauline shares how moving to Dubai ignited her passion for the restaurant industry, why Azadea became her “F&B school,” and how jumping into the startup world with iKcon became her real-life PhD in growth, risk, and resilience, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.She breaks down what a healthy restaurant P&L truly looks like, why cloud kitchens struggle with sustainable prof...
2025-11-2153 min
RestrocastSaudi Arabia’s Next Iconic Brand? Maqloba’s Global Ambition with Abdulrhman AlmobarakIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Abdulrhman Almobarak, founder and chairman of Maqloba, the Saudi brand reinventing rice for the QSR world.Abdulrhman shares how an engineer working in a top hospital saw a simple gap: rice is the main dish in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, yet there was no global rice brand, and even locally, it wasn’t convenient to eat at work. That insight led to Maqloba’s signature “flip” box, turning a traditional rice dish into a modern, desk-friendly experience.He talks about taking a bank loan, testing Maqloba...
2025-11-1753 min
RestrocastJil Assaf on Scaling Shawarmer to 120+ Locations | RestroworksAshish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, welcomes Jil Assaf, COO at Shawarmer, to Restrocast to trace a career built on grit and reinvention across multi-location restaurant operations. Jil recalls launching a teenage snack counter in a Beirut billiards hall, the Lebanese hustle shaped by instability, and operating across the Middle East. He describes building the hospitality arm of Qatar's Pearl Island, why a policy shift forced an exit, and how founding a 15-country consulting firm led to burnout, a reset in Saudi, and a renewed focus on health and purpose.Jil shares the Burj Al Hamam...
2025-11-071h 01
RestrocastAlexandre Bachir on the Story of Bachir Ice Cream and Its Generational LegacyIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Alexandre Bachir, Managing Director of Bachir Ice Cream Middle East, the man leading the third generation of the iconic Lebanese family brand that has thrived for nearly 90 years. Alexandre shares how the business, founded in 1936 by his grandfather and great-uncle in a small village in Lebanon, grew from a local shop to an international name loved in Lebanon, France, Brazil, and the UAE.He opens up about the challenges of modernizing a family legacy, bridging generational mindsets, introducing franchising, and adapting to modern marketing without losing the b...
2025-11-0450 min
RestrocastAlamar CEO Filippo Sgattoni: Domino's & Dunkin' Franchise ME | RestroworksRestrocast host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, talks with Filippo Sgattoni, CEO of Alamar Group, the master franchisee for Domino's and Dunkin' across the Middle East. Filippo shares how his years at Autogrill shaped his understanding of multi-location restaurant operations, cultural intelligence, and the art of balancing numbers with intuition.He opens up about adapting to Saudi Arabia's evolving market, leading a family-founded company through an IPO, and modernizing legacy brands for new generations. From introducing localized innovations like the "dates pizza" to experimenting with food trucks and engaging Gen Z through eSports and female...
2025-10-271h 17
RestrocastSherif M. EL Sherif on Scaling Multi-Brand Restaurants | RestroworksSherif M. EL Sherif, Managing Director at Olayan Group, stops by Restrocast for a conversation with host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, about his 30-year career shaping some of the world's most recognized multi-brand restaurant operations, from Wimpy and KFC at Americana to Burger King, Texas Chicken, and Buffalo Wild Wings today.Sherif shares powerful lessons from 25 transformative years at Americana, where a people-first culture, with employees prioritized above shareholders, has built a fiercely loyal workforce and achieved industry-leading success. He opens up about leadership philosophies, scaling compassion across 40,000+ employees, and why "do right by...
2025-10-161h 12
RestrocastHow Amjad Barakat Built Brunch & Cake Into a Global Lifestyle Café BrandIn this episode, Ashish Tulsian sits down with Amjad Barakat, CEO, Brunch & Cake. He went from being $3 million in debt at age 18 to building one of the region’s most popular café brands. He started by helping out in his family’s luxury fashion business on weekends, eventually saving it by the time he was 24. By 27, he had launched a real estate company and then moved to Dubai to explore new opportunities.After gaining experience through consulting and partnerships in Saudi Arabia (including Shaziz), a failed food truck venture pushed him to start over again. This led to Be...
2025-10-141h 08
RestrocastOmar Shihab on Building BOCA: A Michelin Green Star Journey in SustainabilityIn this episode, Omar Shihab, founder of BOCA Dubai, takes us inside his journey of rethinking what a restaurant can stand for in a city known for rapid growth and high consumption. He shares the early shocks of entering the industry, from franchise struggles to the daily unpredictability of operations, and how those lessons shaped his people-first leadership style. Omar explains why integrity, transparency, and sustainability became BOCA’s guiding principles, leading to recognition with a Michelin Green Star. Omar focuses on using local ingredients in Dubai, treating staff well, and building a strong, self-reliant restaurant. He avo...
2025-08-261h 43
RestrocastInside India’s Food Arena: Jasper Reid on Scaling Pizza and Taming Burger EconomicsIn this episode of Restrocast, British restaurateur Jasper Reid, Founder & CEO, International Market Management, shares his journey of building global food brands in India’s tough and competitive market. He talks about how he brought Pizza Express to India, beat Reliance to land Jamie Oliver’s brand, and convinced Wendy’s U.S. CEO to launch a ₹29 burger in India.Reid explains that high rents in India can take up 20% of sales, why menus should be based on data and kept under 30 items, and long-term success comes from patient investment and strong team culture, not flashy food trends...
2025-08-051h 20
RestrocastBlaze Pizza CTO Chris Demery: Multi-Location Restaurant Tech | RestroworksOn Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian (Co-founder and CEO, Restroworks) is joined by Chris Demery, CTO of Blaze Pizza, who shares his path from the U.S. military to leading restaurant tech across multi-location brands including Domino's, Bloomin' Brands, PF Chang's, and Blaze Pizza. Chris discusses how his military background shaped his leadership style and why listening to frontline teams is what makes restaurant tech actually work.From building Domino's Pulse and the Pizza Tracker to rolling out Blaze's new POS system, Chris reveals the real challenges behind scaling restaurant operations. He discusses the myth that making pizza is...
2025-07-1149 min
RestrocastRusty Bills on Franchise Ops at Wienerschnitzel | RestroworksRusty Bills, COO of Galardi Group (Wienerschnitzel, Tastee Freez), joins Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, on Restrocast to share his path from busboy to the C-suite in the franchise restaurant business. He opens up about his early days in the kitchen, how hands-on leadership shaped his career, and why building strong relationships with franchisees is the foundation of long-term success.Rusty discusses the realities of running a franchise in today's environment, from navigating California's $20/hour wage law to leveraging technology for operational efficiency. He also touches on how franchisee trust led to the c...
2025-06-201h 03
RestrocastJack's CTO Chris Incorvati: Multi-Location QSR Tech | RestroworksIn this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, sits down with Chris Incorvati, CTO at Jack's Family Restaurants, to explore one of the most unconventional paths in multi-location restaurant technology. From a journalism graduate and restaurant GM to leading tech across 270+ QSR locations, Chris shares how curiosity, hands-on learning, and deep operational empathy shaped his rise.The conversation spans pivotal roles at Legal Seafoods, Au Bon Pain, and Panera, where Chris helped roll out early POS innovations, in-house delivery platforms, and guest care systems. He also shares the origins of Panera's "friction team,"...
2025-05-3041 min
RestrocastKyle Mark: Enterprise Restaurant Tech at WOWorks | RestroworksAshish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, welcomes Kyle Mark, restaurant tech leader and current head of technology at WOWorks, to Restrocast to discuss his career across enterprise restaurant operations. Kyle shares how his path started at Apple's flagship store, led through roles at Standard Market, Datum Technologies, and Fresh Kitchen, and brought him to WOWorks, where he now leads tech across a multi-brand portfolio.Kyle reflects on transitioning from Apple to the foodservice world through roles at Standard Market, Datum Technologies, and Fresh Kitchen, where he helped lead a rapid digital transformation just as the COVID-19...
2025-05-1551 min
RestrocastJoseph Unger: From Subway & Taco Bell to Multi-Brand Restaurants | RestroworksRestrocast host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, talks with Joseph Unger, President and COO of GOSH Enterprises, the multi-brand restaurant group behind Lenny's Grill & Subs and Charlie's Cheesesteaks. Joe walks through his path across the restaurant industry, from frontline operator roles to running a brand portfolio at scale.From starting as a sandwich artist at Subway to leading 100+ corporate restaurants at Taco Bell, Joe shares how his early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped his career. He discusses the leadership lessons learned from mentors at Yum Brands and his shift to innovation-driven roles at Reef Technology during...
2025-04-2551 min
RestrocastChad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality, on Building Restaurants Through People and ValuesIn this episode of Restrocast, Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality, shares his journey from growing up around restaurants run by his father to stepping away into the corporate world, only to return with renewed vision and a commitment to do things differently.He talks candidly about the pivotal moments in his leadership journey—surviving the 2008 financial crisis while building a flagship restaurant, learning from failed concepts, and the power of integrity and honoring commitments. Chad also reflects on the importance of a people-centric culture, his evolution into a servant leader, and how empowering others became th...
2025-04-0140 min
RestrocastWing Lam on the Secret Sauce Behind Wahoo’s Fish Tacos' 35-Year SuccessIn this episode of Restrocast, Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, shares the secrets behind building a thriving restaurant brand for over 35 years. From starting small to scaling smart, Wing reveals how his unique approach to marketing, customer engagement, and business resilience has kept Wahoo’s relevant in an ever-changing industry.He dives into influencer marketing before social media, his strategy of partnering with athletes and musicians, and how Wahoo’s became a hotspot for action sports communities. Wing also discusses the impact of delivery and ghost kitchens, why dine-in still drives restaurant profits, and the ev...
2025-02-111h 07
RestrocastInsights from James Walker on Mastering the Restaurant IndustryIn this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian sits down with James Walker, a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Known for thriving in chaotic environments, James shares his journey from managing restaurants to leading transformative initiatives in hospitality. He recounts memorable stories, like working with Chris Elliott at Cinnabon, and highlights the importance of honesty and decisive leadership in challenging situations.James delves into his decision to pursue an MBA at Duke, discussing how it enhanced his understanding of finance and data-driven decision-making. The conversation explores the role of p...
2025-01-271h 23
RestrocastSamer S. Hamadeh: Akiba Dori, Stereo Arcade & Multi-Brand F&B | RestroworksSamer S. Hamadeh, the entrepreneur behind hospitality concepts Akiba Dori and Stereo Arcade, stops by Restrocast for a conversation with host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, about building a multi-brand hospitality group across Dubai and Saudi Arabia. From organizing his first music festival at 15 to designing dining and nightlife venues at scale, Samer talks through the creativity and risk-taking behind his work.Discover how Samer transitioned from nightlife to the dining scene, building Akiba Dori, a Japanese-inspired street food concept with a modern twist. He delves into the challenges of expanding into Saudi Arabia and...
2024-12-201h 08
RestrocastDine Brands CEO John Peyton: Applebee's, IHOP & Multi-Brand Group | RestroworksIn this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, sits down with John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands Global, the multi-brand restaurant group behind Applebee's and IHOP. They discuss John's path through consulting, hospitality, and franchising.John shares how mentorship at Starwood Hotels shaped his understanding of leadership and operational excellence, highlighting pivotal moments like implementing Six Sigma and navigating the leap from operations to brand leadership.John delves into the challenges of becoming a first-time CEO at Dine Brands Global, managing iconic restaurants like Applebee’s and IHOP, and balancing strategy wi...
2024-12-111h 01
RestrocastFrom Advertising to Alehouses: Eric Slaymaker on Building and Evolving Wingers AlehouseIn this episode of Restrocast, Eric Slaymaker, the driving force behind Wingers Alehouse, shares his journey from the world of advertising to building a successful restaurant brand. With early roots in marketing for his father’s franchises, Eric developed a unique perspective on branding, which later inspired him to create Wingers. Eric dives into Wingers’ evolution, explaining how he adapted the concept into the popular Alehouse model to meet changing market demands. His conversation covers the balancing act between franchisee autonomy and brand consistency, Wingers’ feedback systems, and the importance of training in ensuring quality. Eric als...
2024-11-131h 03
RestrocastPhil Friedman: Scaling Panda Express, McAlister's, Multi-Location | RestroworksOn Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian (Co-founder and CEO, Restroworks) is joined by Phil Friedman, CEO of Salsarita's and a four-decade veteran in scaling multi-location restaurant brands. Phil walks through his path from washing dishes to managing food distribution in Vietnam, then scaling major brands like Panda Express and McAlister's Deli, with lessons on leadership, innovation, and resilience.He discusses the challenges of navigating economic downturns, including the 2009 recession and the recent pandemic, and how adaptability has been key to his success.Phil emphasizes the importance of building strong support systems for franchisees and staying ahead with...
2024-10-2954 min
RestrocastSaer Imad on Multi-Brand F&B in Dubai | JJ Chicken & Derwendi | RestroworksSaer Imad joins Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, on Restrocast to share his career shift from corporate banking in Lebanon to becoming a multi-brand F&B operator in Dubai.Saer discusses his early career advising entrepreneurs at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, where he first gained insights into the F&B world. He then shares how he transitioned from an advisor to a hands-on operator, building and franchising brands like JJ Chicken and Derwendi. Saer reflects on the challenges of brand building, the importance of adaptability, and the lessons l...
2024-10-1053 min
RestrocastJerry Baldwin on the Evolution of Supply Chain and Restaurant OperationsIn this podcast episode, Jerry Baldwin shares his remarkable four-decade career in the food and beverage industry. Starting from humble beginnings as a street food salesman, Baldwin shares how his early experiences in sales and distribution shaped his understanding of supply chain management. He delves into the challenges and opportunities within the restaurant industry, particularly in the post-COVID era, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies and strong vendor relationships.Baldwin also discusses the transformative changes at Steak 'n Shake, including the shift to a franchise partner model and the introduction of self-order kiosks. His insights i...
2024-09-251h 00
RestrocastFrom Busboy to CEO: The Inspiring Journey of John Haggai in the Hospitality IndustryIn this episode of Restrocast, host Ashish Tulsian sits down with John Haggai, CEO of Burtons Grill & Bar, to explore his extraordinary career journey. From his humble beginnings as a high school busboy, Haggai shares how his initial part-time job evolved into a 30-year career in the hospitality industry. He discusses his transition from managing partner at Outback Steakhouse to founding Taza Kitchen, revealing the challenges and emotional shifts involved. Haggai also dives into the importance of blending technology with a personal touch and offers advice for future leaders in hospitality.Restaurateurs will gain valuable i...
2024-09-101h 07
RestrocastBuilding Brands and Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Nadine BenchaffaiIn this episode of Restrocast, host Ashish Tulsian sits down with Nadine Benchaffai, a trailblazing entrepreneur with a rich background in the food and beverage industry. Nadine shares her journey from working in FMCG with global giants like Kraft and Nestlé to co-founding Tortilla Mexican Grills in the UK, which grew to over 60 stores. She also delves into her experience founding Taqado Mexican Kitchen in the UAE, discussing the challenges of introducing a niche cuisine in a competitive market.Nadine opens up about the personal and business factors that led to her decision to sell Taqado to K...
2024-08-261h 33
RestrocastFrom NFL Gridiron to Restaurant Tech Maven: Kevin Bentley's Journey Unveiled on RestrocastEmbark on an illuminating odyssey with Restrocast in the latest episode featuring Kevin Bentley, the Head of Technology at Jollibee North America, in an exclusive session. Join our host, Ashish Tulsian, as he delves into the riveting narrative of Kevin Bentley's extraordinary journey, transitioning from a formidable NFL linebacker to a tech luminary in the restaurant industry.In this captivating episode, Kevin unfolds his playbook for success, sharing insights into his strategic role at Jollibee. From setting a visionary tech stack to enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency, Kevin wears many hats, offering a behind-the-scenes look into...
2024-08-121h 10
RestrocastPenn Station Subs COO Craig Dunaway on Running a Franchise | RestroworksIn this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, sits down with Craig Dunaway, COO of Penn Station Subs, a multi-location franchise sub sandwich brand. Craig shares his path from a career in public accounting to leading a franchise brand. With over 24 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Craig discusses how his role has evolved, the importance of balancing operational details with strategic growth, the challenges of maintaining profitability through COVID-19, and the role of effective communication with franchisees.Craig offers insights into the significance of building strong relationships and fostering a positive...
2024-08-051h 03
Restrocast'90s POS to Dave's Hot Chicken CTO | Leon Davoyan, Multi-Location Restaurant Tech | RestroworksIn this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, sits down with Leon Davoyan, CTO of Dave's Hot Chicken, one of the fastest-growing multi-location restaurant brands in the US. They explore his career across three decades of restaurant technology. Starting as a POS technician, Leon rose through the ranks to become a leading figure in restaurant tech. He shares insights from his early days at Universal Studios, where his fascination with tech began, to his significant roles at Baja Fresh, Santa Anita Racetrack, and Pinkberry, where he navigated international expansion challenges.Leon discusses his...
2024-07-2459 min
RestrocastFrom Cubicle to Popsicle: Mazen Kanaan’s Journey of Building House of PopsIn this engaging episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian interviews Mazen Kanaan, CEO of House of Pops. Mazen shares his journey from Lebanon, where he studied economics and finance, to his 13-year career at Unilever. During his time handling Unilever’s ice cream business, Mazen identified a market gap for healthy yet delicious ice cream, sparking the creation of House of Pops.Mazen delves into the challenges and insights from his corporate experience, discussing how he transitioned from a secure job to entrepreneurship with a mix of excitement and calculated risk. He highlights the unique aspects of the ic...
2024-07-011h 10
RestrocastStratis Morfogen: Innovator Behind NYC’s Hottest RestaurantsIn this captivating episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian interviews Stratis Morfogen, the dynamic founder and CEO of Brooklyn Chop House and Brooklyn Dumpling Shop. Stratis Morfogen has been an innovator in New York City’s hospitality scene for decades. He brought New York’s famed Fulton Fish Market to the internet in 1997 with the creation of FultonStreet.com, and was the restaurateur behind many well-known New York establishments, including Club Rouge, Gotham City Diner, Hilltop Diner, The Grand, Philippe Chow, and Jue Lan Club, among others. He is the author of Be a Disruptor and Damn Good Dumplings.St...
2024-06-171h 03
RestrocastFrom Football Fields to Restaurant Realms: Alaa Sayed’s JourneyIn this captivating podcast episode, join us on a journey through the diverse chapters of Alaa Sayed's remarkable career, from the football fields of Egypt to the bustling kitchens of renowned global restaurants. Hosted by Ashish Tulsian, the interview unfolds Alaa's inspiring story of resilience and adaptation, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamic world of hospitality.Starting as a national football player, Alaa's trajectory took an unexpected turn after an injury, propelling him into the realms of tourism, hotel management, and ultimately the restaurant business. Delve into Alaa's experiences managing F&B in American Air Force...
2024-06-031h 12
RestrocastDigital Dining: Costa Vida's Wade Allen on Digital Transformation of RestaurantsWelcome to the latest episode of Restrocast, where host Ashish Tulsian sits down with Wade Allen, the EVP of Strategic Growth at Costa Vida, to unravel the intriguing story of a digital innovation veteran with over 22 years of experience. Costa Vida, under Wade's guidance, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the restaurant industry.In this episode, dive deep into Wade Allen's diverse background, from coding websites in the late '90s to spearheading marketing technology and off-premise initiatives at Costa Vida. Wade shares how this eclectic mix has uniquely positioned him to lead strategic growth and...
2024-05-221h 04
RestrocastDisrupting Saudi’s F&B Industry: Insights from Joe Frem, Founder of MatbakhiIn this enlightening episode of Restrocast, host Ashish Tulsian engages with Joe Frem, the innovative Co-founder and CEO of Matbakhi, an F&B management company transforming hospitality services for 1-4 star hotels. Joe shares his inspiring journey from his early entrepreneurial endeavors at the age of 13 to his strategic academic pursuits in engineering and subsequent impactful tenure at McKinsey.He dives deep into the founding of Matbakhi, revealing the identified market gaps and the innovative strategies employed to enhance hotel dining experiences through technology and customized F&B solutions. Joe also discusses future trends in the hospitality...
2024-05-011h 21
RestrocastZiad Kassabieh: Multi-Brand Restaurant Portfolio, Saudi | RestroworksRestrocast host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, talks with Ziad Kassabieh, CEO of Advanced Food Co., about building a multi-brand restaurant portfolio of 45 to 48 concepts in Saudi Arabia. Starting his culinary path at 15 in a family-owned restaurant in Lebanon, Ziad shares how his early experiences shaped a career that eventually led to relocating to Saudi Arabia and becoming a major operator in the region's restaurant industry.The episode traverses his decision to pursue hospitality management, his strategic relocation to Saudi Arabia, and his ascension from a multi-unit manager to a major influencer in the restaurant...
2024-04-241h 01
RestrocastJim Bitticks, COO Dave's Hot Chicken: Enterprise Scale | RestroworksJim Bitticks, COO of Dave's Hot Chicken, stops by Restrocast for a conversation with host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, about his career scaling enterprise restaurant brands. From his beginnings as a teenage employee at Jack in the Box to executive roles at Blaze Pizza, which he helped grow from two to 372 locations, and now Dave's Hot Chicken, Jim traces how strategic decisions and a people-focused approach drive growth at scale.Throughout the episode, Jim shares the critical turning points and the strategic decisions that propelled his career forward and shaped the growth trajectories of...
2024-04-171h 28
RestrocastJustin Skelton, CIO Dine Brands: IHOP & Applebee's Tech | RestroworksOn Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian (Co-founder and CEO, Restroworks) is joined by Justin Skelton, Senior Vice President and CIO at Dine Brands Global, the enterprise restaurant group operating 3,700+ locations globally across IHOP, Applebee's, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop. Justin shares insights from his career as a tech leader across insurance, retail, and restaurants, including how growing up as a military brat shaped his ability to adapt and lead.Join Ashish Tulsian as he delves into the fascinating journey of Justin Skelton, exploring the three peaks in his illustrious career as a tech leader in America's biggest brands across insurance...
2024-04-111h 02
RestrocastPrashanth Menon Talks Pizzas, People, and ProgressRestrocast's latest episode brings to you the dynamic Prashanth Menon, Regional Director of PizzaExpress UAE, in a riveting conversation. Join host Ashish Tulsian as he unravels the layers of Prashanth's extraordinary 32-year journey, transforming PizzaExpress into a 14-outlet empire and earning him the prestigious PizzaExpress Worldwide Wonder Award 2023.Explore the day-to-day responsibilities of overseeing Pizza Express in the MENA region, where Prashanth shares strategic insights into the brand's expansion plans across 14 markets. From a South Indian upbringing and overcoming societal pressures to transitioning from hotels to standalone restaurants, Prashanth's narrative is a testament to perseverance and passion.
2024-04-051h 30
RestrocastDecades of Dedication: Transforming Passion into Hospitality ExcellenceIn this enlightening episode of Restrocast with Ashish Tulsian, we delve into the remarkable four-decade journey of Andy Holman in the hospitality industry. From his serendipitous start as a management trainee at Pizza Hut to achieving senior management roles globally, Andy shares the wisdom gleaned from his vast experiences. He discusses the critical importance of customer service and employee training, revealing how these core elements have evolved with technology while maintaining their essence. Andy reflects on the invaluable lessons learned through his career, emphasizing adaptability, the significance of systems and processes, and the pivotal role of leadership i...
2024-03-291h 15
RestrocastFlying to Success, his own way: The Burger 28 Journey with Alexander DebareDiscover the unconventional path to success in the latest podcast episode featuring Alexander Debare, founder and chief growth officer of Burger28. From aspiring pilot to law student, Debare shares his inspiring journey of creating a thriving business in the competitive restaurant industry. In this exclusive interview, delve into the inception of Burger 28, where Debare's entrepreneurial spirit and nostalgia for '90s UAE converge to form a unique burger chain.Explore the role of social media in Burger 28's success, from the early days of experimentation with Facebook ads to the evolution of a impactful Instagram presence. Debare...
2024-03-1837 min
RestrocastA Taste of Greece in Dubai: The Odyssey of Fay EconomidesDive into the dynamic culinary landscape of Dubai with Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director at M Management. In this exclusive podcast episode, Fay recounts her entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Elia, Mythos, and Nola to navigating the challenges of Dubai's restaurant scene. Unveiling the strategic decisions and triumphs that shaped her ventures, Fay discusses authenticity, collaboration, and the delicate balance of maintaining diverse brand identities. From overcoming market pressures to embracing vulnerability, discover how Fay's hands-on approach and entrepreneurial grit have fueled the success of her hospitality empire. Join us as she shares insights into collaboration with her b...
2024-03-081h 07
RestrocastTroy Hooper: Scaling Pepper Lunch, 500+ Locations Globally | RestroworksTroy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, joins Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, on Restrocast to share his path through the hospitality industry. Troy's story runs from early exposure in Miami to culinary and maritime school, through consulting and turnaround management, and into his current role expanding Pepper Lunch, the Japanese Teppan restaurant brand with over 500 multi-location stores in 15 countries.Hooper envisions integrating his diverse experiences in achieving his entrepreneurial dream of owning a restaurant. His consulting practice, emphasizing turnaround management, involves identifying issues and implementing solutions. The importance of balance in leadership, incorporating employee...
2024-02-281h 11
RestrocastBrewing Success: Kim Thompson's Journey of Transforming Dubai's Coffee LandscapeEmbark on a sensory journey through the aromatic world of specialty coffee with Restrocast's latest episode, featuring the indomitable Kim Thompson, Founder and Managing Director of RAW Coffee Company. Tune in as we unravel the captivating story behind one of Dubai's pioneering coffee roasters.Hear about her journey from being a medical nurse in New Zealand to working in diamond mines in Australia to founding a leading specialty coffee brand in Dubai. Kim's story reflects entrepreneurial grit. As she envisions the future of the UAE's coffee industry and charts the course for RAW Coffee Company's expansion into n...
2024-02-201h 09
RestrocastFlipping Burgers to Shaping Tech's FutureEmbark on a transformative journey through the intricate nexus of technology and gastronomy with the latest Restrocast episode, featuring Phil Crawford, the illustrious CTO at CKE Restaurants. In this exclusive session our seasoned host, Ashish Tulsian, navigates the riveting narrative of Phil's extraordinary ascent from a 16-year-old working at Carl's Jr. to a trailblazing technology leader shaping the global restaurant landscape.Phil unveils the secrets behind his technological alchemy, sharing pivotal moments from his tenure at Yard House, Shake Shack, and Godiva Chocolate, to his current role at the helm of...
2024-02-0655 min
RestrocastNadim Majdalani: A Maverick of Modern Culinary LandscapeIn this episode of Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, sits down with Nadim Majdalani, who shares his transition from an engineering and investment background to building eathos, a multi-brand restaurant group in the Middle East. Starting with his first private equity deal involving the French chain Pomme de Pain, Nadim walks through the strategic choices, challenges, and his return to eathos after a stint at Majid Al Futtaim.Navigating through pivotal moments in his career, Nadim discusses the inception of eathos, an entity born from the synergy of capital and culinary passion. He elucidates...
2024-01-251h 26
RestrocastFeast of Ambition: A Conversation with Panchali Mahendra of Atelier House HospitalityEmbark on a journey of knowing a purveyor of fine gastronomy with Restrocast as we sit down with Panchali Mahendra, the dynamic President of Atelier House Hospitality, in an exclusive episode titled "Feast of Ambition." Join us as we delve into the chapters of Panchali's extraordinary life, from the basketball courts of India to the Michelin-starred restaurants of Dubai.With almost two decades of industry expertise, Panchali oversees a diverse portfolio that includes acclaimed brands like Marea, 11 Woodfire, Mohalla, RSVP, Tides Bar, and The Host in the UAE, as well as ventures in Riyadh and India. Having...
2024-01-101h 16
RestrocastFrom Tech to Taste: Karl Goodhew's Inspiring Journey of InnovationWelcome to Restrocast by Ashish Tulsian, the podcast where we talk to the movers and shakers of the restaurant industry. In this episode, we are delighted to have Karl Goodhew, the Chief Technology Officer of BurgerFi, a fast-casual burger chain that is known for its fresh and natural ingredients, eco-friendly practices, and delicious menu.Karl Goodhew is a pioneer in the field of retail technology, having worked for companies like Macy’s, Home Depot, and Yellow Pepper. He is now leading the digital transformation of BurgerFi, using his tech expertise to enhance BurgerFi's operations and customer experience. He...
2023-10-031h 03
RestrocastSpaceX Engineer to Pizza Pioneer: The Journey of Benson TsaiIn this episode of Restroworks by Ashish Tulsian, we had the privilege to host a very special guest, Benson Tsai, the Co-founder and CEO of Stellar Pizza, a company that uses automated mobile kitchens to deliver fresh and affordable pizzas. Benson Tsai is a former SpaceX engineer who left his job building rockets to start Stellar Pizza. He shares a rich heritage with the food industry, as his parents were Taiwanese immigrants who ran a fish and chips restaurant in Los Angeles. He has always been passionate about food and technology, and he wanted to use his e...
2023-08-1639 min
RestrocastDavid Bloom on Franchise Growth: Capriotti's & Wing Zone | RestroworksAshish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, welcomes David Bloom, Chief Development and Operating Officer of Capriotti's and Wing Zone, to Restrocast to discuss a career built on scaling franchise restaurant brands globally. David's background includes growing Quiznos from 18 restaurants to over 5,000 locations in 28 countries, and he now leads all aspects of franchise development and operations for Capriotti's while scaling the recently acquired Wing Zone.David's early career in the restaurant and hotel industries included working with and for some of the most iconic brands and leaders in their respective industries, where he learned how to accelerate...
2023-06-191h 04
RestrocastSprinkling Success: A Conversation with Dan Mesches | RestrocastJoin us for an engaging and thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Dan Mesches, a highly experienced professional in the restaurant industry. With his current role as President and CEO of Sprinkles, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.During our conversation, we dive deep into various aspects of the restaurant industry, exploring topics such as the importance of passion in driving success, the role of innovation and adaptability in staying competitive, and the significance of team empowerment and collaboration in fostering a positive work environment.Dan also shares valuable...
2023-04-011h 06
RestrocastWow Bao CEO Geoff Alexander on Enterprise Restaurant Tech | RestroworksRestrocast host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, talks with Geoff Alexander, CEO of Wow Bao, the enterprise fast-casual Asian restaurant chain that specializes in steamed buns, dumplings, and other Asian dishes. Geoff shares his path from fry cook and bartender to leading a brand that has embraced technology at every step of the guest experience.In this interview, you'll learn about,- How embracing technology helped Wow Bao increase its check average, triple its flow through, and reduce payroll costs.- How Alexander adopted the self-ordering kiosk technology back in 2008, way before...
2023-03-271h 11
RestrocastLeading with Customer-Centric Strategies and Empathy - Duncan MuirDuncan Muir is a Senior Director - F&B and Retail at Bateel International, a luxury gourmet dates and confectionery brand based in the United Arab Emirates. With over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Muir comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise of growing some of the finest homegrown hospitality brands across Dubai such as Carluccio’s, Mango Tree, Ushna & Chi’Zen throughout the GCC region. At Bateel, Muir leads the retail division, overseeing the operations of the brand’s retail stores and the expansion of Bateel's retail presence worldwide. Prior to Bateel...
2023-01-111h 12
RestrocastTapan Vaidya: Scaling Papa Johns Across UAE, KSA & Jordan | RestroworksTapan Vaidya, CEO of Papa Johns (UAE, KSA, and Jordan), stops by Restrocast for a conversation with host Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, about his 35+ year career scaling multi-location quick-service and casual dining brands including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Fuddruckers, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Chili's, and Outback Steakhouse.Investing his own money into the business, Tapan led the rollout of US pizza giant Papa Johns in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the UAE. The first Papa Johns opened in the UAE in 2005, and the company now has more than 62 branches across the country with...
2022-12-051h 03
RestrocastGeorge Kunnappally, MD Nando's UAE: Multi-Location Growth | RestroworksOn Restrocast, Ashish Tulsian (Co-founder and CEO, Restroworks) is joined by George Kunnappally, Managing Director of Nando's UAE, where he leads the popular multi-location fast-casual chain known for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken across 20+ outlets. He has also been voted #3 on the Caterer Middle Power List for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.Despite his many achievements, his unassuming personality shines through in this conversation when he attributes serendipity to his success and, in his modest ways, says he doesn't have any special talent or skills. Here's what you'll get to learn in this podcast:George's journey...
2022-11-101h 22
RestrocastNaim Maadad: Gates Hospitality's Multi-Brand Story, Dubai | RestroworksNaim Maadad, Chief Executive and Founder of Gates Hospitality, joins Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, on Restrocast to share how he built a multi-brand hospitality group in the UAE with award-winning concepts like Bistro Des Arts, Reform Social & Grill, and the Michelin-recognized Folly by Nick & Scott. With almost 30 years in hospitality across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, Naim provides insights into how the restaurant industry has evolved, how to thrive, and why building relationships is central to the business.CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction01:35 The Beginning05:00 The Big Change10:00 Taking Inspiration From Ja...
2022-10-271h 47
RestrocastWelcome to RestrocastEach episode of Restrocast explores the inspiring stories behind restaurateurs and executives who have achieved remarkable growth in their fields. Restrocast is hosted by the Co-founder and CEO of Restroworks, Ashish Tulsian, who brings his unique perspective as a technologist, restaurateur, investor and entrepreneur. Much more than just an interview show, this is a genre-defining series on how to think boldly and differently about the world. Follow the journey of some of the world’s greatest restaurant operators and how they took their business from x to 10x.Tune in each week for a new episode. Mak...
2022-10-1704 min