Shows
Two Fake ChefsEp 11: From 27th to Number One: Chef Robbie’s RiseEpisode Title: From 27th to Number One: Chef Robbie’s Rise to the Top of Arizona’s Personal Chef SceneEpisode DescriptionWhat does it take to go from 27th-ranked to the number one personal chef in Arizona — without opening a restaurant? In this episode of 86 Opinions, we sit down with Chef Robbie, founder of Health Held in Hand, to unpack how he built a thriving personal chef and in-home meal prep business in one of the most competitive culinary markets in the country.Chef Robbie shares the re...
2026-02-2450 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 10: From Viral to Full Tables: What Actually Moves People Into Restaurants w/Cory PringleWhat actually fills tables — going viral… or building systems?In Episode 10 of 86 Opinions, Doug Maxon (The Digital Chef) sits down with food reviewer and local restaurant advocate Corey Pringle of Eat Good Local to break down what really moves people from scrolling to sitting down at a table.This isn’t influencer hype. It’s restaurant marketing reality.Corey shares how food reviews can genuinely support local restaurants, including a powerful story where a single review helped turn around a struggling business. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of social m...
2026-02-1657 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 9: Adapt or Die: What Restaurant Suppliers See That Owners Miss w/Jason DavisSummaryIn this episode of 86 Opinions, host The Digital Chef engages with Jason Davis from Plate It Up, who shares his extensive experience in the restaurant industry. Starting as a chef, Jason discusses his journey through various roles, including food service distribution, and highlights the importance of passion in the culinary world. He emphasizes the elegance of Hispanic cuisine, the significance of adapting to industry trends, and the necessity for restaurant owners to leverage social media for visibility and customer engagement. Jason also shares insights on menu management, the impact of delivery services, and the...
2026-02-1053 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 8: Building Brand Identity - Why Being “Good” Isn’t Enough AnymoreSummaryIn this episode, The Digital Chef discusses the critical importance of brand identity for restaurants and food trucks as they head into 2026. He emphasizes that simply being good is no longer sufficient; businesses must build a strong brand that resonates with customers. The conversation covers the significance of storytelling, social media presence, and the core pillars of brand identity, including brand voice and visual consistency. The Digital Chef also highlights common branding mistakes and offers actionable strategies for building a memorable brand that stands out in a saturated market.TakeawaysJust being...
2026-01-1229 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 7: Acquiring Social TrustSummaryIn this episode of 86 Opinions, The Digital Chef discusses the critical importance of acquiring social trust for restaurants as we approach 2026. He emphasizes that social trust is the new currency for brands, particularly in the food industry, where online presence and reputation can make or break customer acquisition. The conversation covers strategies for building social trust through online reviews, enhancing review velocity, leveraging user-generated content, and understanding the role of AI in shaping customer perceptions. The episode concludes with a call to action for restaurant owners to prioritize their digital reputation to survive in a competitive...
2025-12-1629 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 6: Fire & Smoke BBQ w/Mikey KayIn this engaging conversation, Mikey Kay, founder of Fire and Smoke Barbecue, shares his journey from starting as a pop-up in Chicago to establishing a successful food truck in St. Augustine, Florida. He discusses the challenges of pricing, branding, and the importance of community collaborations, particularly with local breweries. Mikey emphasizes the significance of creating unique flavors through his own rubs and sauces, and how technology, including AI, plays a role in optimizing his business. He offers valuable insights for aspiring food truck owners, highlighting the need for passion and the lessons learned from failures in the food industry.
2025-12-0859 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 5: The Digital Chef OriginIn this conversation, The Digital Chef discusses the critical importance of capturing customer data and understanding key metrics in the restaurant industry. He emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of retaining existing customers compared to acquiring new ones, highlighting a common oversight among restaurant owners. The discussion transitions into the necessity of digital transformation and branding, illustrating how these elements are essential for building a successful business rather than merely serving food.TakeawaysThe importance of capturing data on customers.Knowing the cost of acquiring vs. retaining customers.It's cheaper to retain customers than...
2025-12-0328 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 4: Restaurant Marketing w/Court Allam - Restaurant Marketing UniversityIn this episode, The Digital Chef interviews Court Allam, a restaurant marketing expert, discussing the evolving landscape of restaurant marketing in 2025. They explore the importance of user-generated content, influencer marketing, and the role of automation in driving customer engagement. Court emphasizes the need for restaurants to have a marketing game plan, leverage loyalty programs, and balance organic and paid media strategies. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the industry and the significance of maintaining a strong Google Business Profile.takeawaysUser-generated content is a powerful marketing tool.Influencer...
2025-11-2547 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 3: The ABC's of Restaurant MarketingSummaryIn this episode of the 86 Opinions podcast, The Digital Chef discusses essential marketing strategies for restaurants and food trucks as they navigate the challenges of 2025 and beyond. Emphasizing the importance of implementing software and systems, he highlights the need for acquiring social trust, building brand identity, and focusing on customer acquisition and retention. The conversation also touches on the significance of grassroots marketing and adapting to the evolving landscape of customer engagement.TakeawaysWe have to start putting some software and some systems behind things.
2025-11-1817 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 2: Waffle Stix: A Unique Food Truck JourneyIn this engaging conversation, Keith Wright, owner of Waffle Sticks, shares his journey in the food truck industry, discussing the evolution of his unique concept, the importance of customer feedback, and the challenges of running a food truck. He emphasizes the significance of simplicity in operations, creating a memorable customer experience, and the need for collaboration among food vendors. Keith also highlights the impact of technology and marketing strategies on business growth, while advocating for adaptability in pricing and service to meet customer expectations.TakeawaysThe food truck industry is physically demanding and requires significant...
2025-11-1140 minTwo Fake ChefsEp 1: Welcome to 86 OpinionsWelcome to the very first episode of 86 Opinions — the no-BS podcast built for restaurant and food truck owners who are tired of the noise and ready to start running on strategy.In this debut episode, The Digital Chef (Doug Maxon) lays the foundation for what this show is all about — real talk, real strategy, and real systems that help food entrepreneurs fill more seats, earn more five-star reviews, and finally get their time back.Doug breaks down what “86” really means in the restaurant world — when something’s gone, it’s 86’d. And that’s exact...
2025-11-0506 min