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Great food isn’t enough anymore; elite restaurant service training is what separates struggling businesses from high-performing ones. If you’re tired of inconsistent service and negative reviews, this episode is your roadmap to a better guest experience. In this episode of Setting the Table, host Robin B talks with Jess Rowland, co-founder of The Restaurant Launch, about building elite front-of-house teams through daily coaching, clear expectations, and repeatable systems. --------------------------------------------------------------- Video Chapters 00:20 – The Front-of-House Challenge Every Restaurant Faces00:47 – Meet Jess Rowland, The Restaurant Launch02:06 – How Jess Fell in Love with Service & Hospitality03:14 – From Server to Trainer: 26 Years in Restaurants05:01 – Why Serving Is a Performance, Not Just Order Taking05:40 – What Acting & Improv Taught Jess About Service06:51 – How Fast You Can Spot a Great (or Bad) Server07:28 – Jess’s Biggest Restaurant Service Pet Peeve08:55 – The #1 Habit Exceptional Front-of-House Teams Share10:45 – Is Food or Service More Important to the Guest Experience?11:52 – Why Service Still Matters in Online Ordering & Delivery12:18 – The 5 Pillars of Great Service (Speed, Accuracy & More)13:47 – Why Most Service Problems Are Technical, Not Personal14:39 – What Restaurant Owners Are Shocked to Learn16:45 – The Culture Problem No One Wants to Admit18:01 – The Power of Interactive Pre-Shift Meetings19:02 – The “Silent Killer” That Stops Guests from Returning19:20 – Should Restaurants Ask for Guest Feedback?21:56 – Difficult vs. High-Maintenance Guests (There’s a Difference)23:22 – Customers vs. Guests: Why It Matters24:04 – Real Results from Elevating Service Culture25:31 – Why Hiring Is the Most Important System in Restaurants27:56 – Consistency Beats Perfection in Service Training28:46 – Overcoming Staff Resistance to Change30:29 – The Future of Front-of-House Service & AI32:01 – Why Core Values Matter More Than Ever32:59 – What Gives Jess the Most Fulfillment Today35:57 – How to Connect with Jess & The Restaurant Launch37:00 – Final Thoughts & Subscribe --------------------------------------------------------------- SCALE YOUR RESTAURANT’S SUCCESS -  Is your marketing working as hard as you are? If you're ready to grow your brand and fill more seats, book a free strategy session with us here. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Follow Jess Rowland & The Restaurant Launch Official WebsiteThe Restaurant Launch InstagramJess Rowland Instagram--------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Resources: Watch Next: Are Your Kitchen Vents a Fire Hazard? https://youtu.be/azOD7d5lYP4  Deep Dive: Restaurant Pest Control 101 – https://youtu.be/5ehBbAfAdL4   --------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on: FacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedInNeed marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session here --------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies  Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complexities of running a successful restaurant. Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, improving operations, building an effective brand, and more all focused on driving revenue growth. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Running a restaurant has never been more challenging. With rising food costs, labor shortages, and constant operational pressures, every decision matters.   Are Your Kitchen Vents a Fire Hazard? Discover why regular exhaust and exterior cleaning is critical for safety, compliance, and customer experience here. Is your marketing working as hard as you are to help your restaurant succeed? Find out by scheduling a discovery call with us. In this episode of Setting The Table, host Robin B sits down with Neil Chand and Mike Wiedower of FoodServiceIQ to break down what today’s restaurant operators can do to cut food costs and protect profits. Discover how to: ✅ Improve cost control through smarter purchasing ✅ Build better vendor relationships ✅ Use technology without overcomplicating your workflows ✅ Stay profitable through education, knowing your numbers, and sound strategy Whether you run a single neighborhood café or manage a growing restaurant group, this episode offers practical, real-world insight from experts who’ve been in the trenches. 🎧 Watch or listen now to learn how to make your restaurant more efficient, more resilient, and ready for what’s next. —---------------------------------------------------------------- Video Chapters 0:00 – Welcome to Setting The Table & Guest Introductions 1:05 – Meet Neil Chand & Mike Wiedower: The Brains Behind FoodServiceIQ 3:36 – Biggest Challenges for Independent Restaurants Today 5:36 – Why Knowledge is Power in Restaurant Operations 6:57 – How FoodServiceIQ Saves Restaurants Money Without Changing Suppliers 10:36 – Practical Tips to Control Food Costs and Reduce Waste 14:58 – Adapting to Rising Costs in 2025: Labor, Rent & Supply Chain 18:10 – Smart Technology Use: Perfect Workflows Before Automating 21:24 – Success Stories: Real Restaurants Benefiting from FoodServiceIQ 21:59 – Final Advice & How to Connect with FoodServiceIQ—---------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Video: Think your restaurant is pest-free? Think again. Discover what’s really happening Behind The Kitchen Door in Restaurant Pest Control 101   ------------------------------------------------------------------ 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on: - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok - LinkedIn Need marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session ------------------------------------------------------------------ 📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies  Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complexities of running a successful restaurant. Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, improving operations, building an effective brand, and more all focused on driving revenue growth. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Running a restaurant today means mastering more than great food — it’s about leveraging restaurant technology that works as hard as you do. Is your marketing doing the same for your restaurant? Schedule a discovery call with us at https://app.squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing.com/schedule-page to find out. In this episode of Setting the Table, we sit down with Todd Sagisor of Payments Gallery to uncover how modern restaurant POS systems are transforming restaurant operations management, cutting costs, and boosting profits. From real stories of employee fraud prevention to the surprising power of using POS as a centralized hub for data syncing, loyalty programs for restaurants, and online ordering integrations, this conversation dives deep into what every restaurant owner needs to know in 2025 and beyond. Discover how to: Use your POS data to identify top-selling items and refine your menu Prevent profit loss through smarter security and employee permissions Integrate online ordering and mobile-friendly payments Build powerful loyalty programs that keep customers coming back Combine text, email, and app marketing for lasting customer retention From the front of the house to the back, learn how smart systems and simple changes can make your restaurant run smoother — and more profitably. —-------------------------------------------------------------------- Video Chapters 00:00 Introduction – Meet guest Todd Sagaser from Payments Gallery 01:00 The evolving role of POS systems in restaurant operations 04:00 How POS connects front-of-house and back-of-house teams 07:30 Simplifying payment processing and improving efficiency 10:15 Choosing the right POS system for your restaurant 13:00 Why great customer service and vendor support matter 16:00 Using POS data for smarter marketing and retention 18:30 Overcoming fears about “giving too much away” in loyalty programs 21:00 The true ROI of loyalty and customer retention 24:30 Real-world examples of loyalty programs that work 27:00 Using email, text, and app notifications to drive repeat visits 29:00 Lessons from COVID: Why communication channels matter 30:00 Inside Payments Gallery – boutique POS consulting in Houston 31:00 Final takeaways on using technology to grow restaurant success 32:00 Connect with Todd Sagissor – paymentsgallery.com —-------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Video: Think your restaurant is pest-free? Think again. Discover what’s really happening Behind The Kitchen Door in Restaurant Pest Control 101 – https://youtu.be/5ehBbAfAdL4  ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on: - Facebook - Instagram - TikTok - LinkedIN Need marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session https://app.squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing.com/schedule-page --------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies  Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complexities of running a successful restaurant. Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, building brand loyalty, and driving real revenue. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Restaurant pest control isn’t just about keeping bugs and rodents out of sight—it’s about protecting your customers, your reputation, and your bottom line. Is your marketing doing the same for your restaurant? Schedule a discovery call with us to find out. In this episode of Setting the Table, host Robin B sits down with Alan Clark and Will Forest of Modern Pest Control, a trusted, family-owned company serving Houston and surrounding areas, to uncover what every restaurant operator needs to know about pest prevention. You’ll learn: Why restaurant pest control is critical for health department compliance and food safety The most common pest hotspots in restaurants—drains, dumpsters, ceilings, rooftops, and under booths Seasonal pest challenges restaurants face in Houston, from rodents and crickets to insects attracted to lighting Simple preventive measures that reduce risks: door sweeps, weather stripping, flylights, and regular drain cleaning Red flags restaurant operators should watch for—like odors, droppings, and gaps that let pests in How proper documentation and logbooks help pass inspections and avoid shutdowns Whether you run a local café, a high-volume full-service restaurant, or manage multiple locations, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to keep your business safe, compliant, and pest-free. —------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Video: Are Your Kitchen Vents a Fire Hazard? Discover why regular exhaust and exterior cleaning is critical for safety, compliance, and customer experience here – https://youtu.be/azOD7d5lYP4  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on: FacebookInstagram TikTok LinkedIN Need marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session Interested in working with Modern Pest Control? Visit their Website or call them at 218-214-8066 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies  Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of restaurant marketing. Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, building brand loyalty, and driving real revenue. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Restaurant owners, operators, and facility managers — this episode is a must-listen if you care about kitchen safety, compliance, and keeping operations smooth. We dive into the often overlooked but critical topic of vent hood and grease exhaust cleaning. Our guest, Ann Tran from Albedo’s Return Power Washing, breaks down how often commercial kitchens should be cleaning their hoods, what inspectors are really looking for, and why first-time cleanings are sometimes more expensive, and more. You’ll also learn the most common mistakes restaurant operators make, from skipping filter cleanings to letting grease build up far too long between services. Plus, we talk about dumpster area maintenance and how it impacts sanitation, staff and customer experience, and pest control. —------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Video:  What Insurance Do Restaurants Really Need? Get the insider Info About Business Interruption, Liability, & More here - ​​https://youtu.be/qyxB_NLHzmI  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmktg/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@squeakywheel_rm - LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/squeaky-wheel-restaurant-marketing/  Need marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session https://app.squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing.com/schedule-page --------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 Restaurant owners, operators, and facility managers — this episode is a must-listen if you care about kitchen safety, compliance, and keeping operations smooth. We dive into the often overlooked but critical topic of vent hood and grease exhaust cleaning. Our guest, Ann Tran from Albedo’s Return Power Washing, breaks down how often commercial kitchens should be cleaning their hoods, what inspectors are really looking for, and why first-time cleanings are sometimes more expensive, and more. You’ll also learn the most common mistakes restaurant operators make, from skipping filter cleanings to letting grease build up far too long between services. Plus, we talk about dumpster area maintenance and how it impacts sanitation, staff and customer experience, and pest control. —------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 Recommended Video:  What Insurance Do Restaurants Really Need? Get the insider Info About Business Interruption, Liability, & More here - ​​https://youtu.be/qyxB_NLHzmI  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources  Follow us on:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmktg/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@squeakywheel_rm - LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/squeaky-wheel-restaurant-marketing/  Need marketing help for your restaurant? Book a free strategy session https://app.squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing.com/schedule-page --------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 About Setting the Table | Restaurant Growth Strategies  Welcome to Setting the Table: Restaurant Growth Strategies — a podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners navigate the complex world of restaurant marketing. Join host Robin B as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for attracting new customers, building brand loyalty, and driving real revenue. Each episode features expert guests who share practical advice on everything from social advertising and food photography to local SEO and smart business protections like insurance. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just opening your doors, we're here to help you elevate your marketing game and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Are you 100% sure your restaurant’s insurance coverage protects you from fires, hurricanes, employee theft, or even a delivery driver's accident? Most owners aren’t, which is why this episode is a must-watch. In this episode, insurance expert Lisa Stephens breaks down the exact coverage restaurant and bar owners need today, from business interruption and liquor liability to third-party delivery protection. You'll also learn how to reduce costs in a challenging market, why being listed as an “additional insured” could save you thousands, and what camera placement could prevent a lawsuit. Plus, Lisa reveals insider tips to protect against fraudulent claims and theft, even from your staff. 💡 Bonus tip: Lisa strongly recommends that restaurant owners consider setting aside money in an interest-bearing account to help cover high deductibles in today’s market. That way, you can lower your premiums without taking on extra risk. Smart move, most people overlook! Want more expert tips like this to help grow and protect your restaurant? 📱 Follow us for the latest updates, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes content:  Facebook Instagram TikTokYoutube

In this episode of Setting the Table, Robin B sits down with Dario Herrera of Grupo Herrera Restaurants — the family behind some of the most beloved restaurant brands in Cypress and the greater Houston area. From Alicia’s Mexican Grille to Dario’s Steakhouse & Seafood, the Herrera family has built a successful restaurant group by blending family values with a commitment to quality, smart innovation, and deep community roots.Dario shares their inspiring family restaurant success story — how his parents’ dream turned into a thriving restaurant business with seven locations, how they overcame today's hospitality industry challenges, and the marketing strategies that keep loyal guests coming back. ✨ Key Takeaways from This Episode: How to build a restaurant brand and how family values can shape and strengthen a brand’s identity.Innovative ways to adapt and evolve your restaurant without losing your core customers.How creating engaging customer experiences like wine and tequila dinners has helped the Herreras keep their restaurant relevant and top of mind.Tips for staying ahead of restaurant trends and refreshing menus regularly.The importance of community connection in driving long-term restaurant success.Real-world lessons on building and scaling a restaurant business from scratch. ✅ If you're looking for restaurant branding strategies, actionable restaurant marketing tips, or simply want inspiration from a real-world success story, this episode is packed with insights you can use immediately. 👉 Watch the full episode now to hear the full Herrera family journey — and walk away inspired to grow your own lasting restaurant brand! To learn more about Grupo Herrera's Restaurants click the links below! Alicia's Mexican Grille - https://aliciasmexicangrille.com/Galiana's Tex Mex & Agave Bar - https://galianastexmex.com/Dario's Steakhouse & Seafood - https://dariossteakhouse.com/ Marvino's Italian Steakhouse - https://marvinositaliansteakhouse.com/Papito's Pizzeria & Pasta - https://papitospizzapasta.com/

How Restaurant Analytics and AI Can Help Drive Restaurant Success! 🚀🍽️ In this episode, Robin B sits down with Rebeccah Rybalski, founder of Springboard Management, Inc (formerly Rybalski Consulting Group), to uncover how  restaurant analytics can help restaurateurs  personalize marketing, optimize operations, and grow sales. 🔍 Key Takeaways: ✅ Common mistakes  when doing restaurant analytics and how to avoid them. ✅ How AI-powered tools can turn your POS system into a goldmine of insights. ✅ The power of personalized marketing—using AI to create customized customer experiences. ✅ Why combining social media insights with restaurant sales data can be  game-changers for restauranteurs. ✅ The future of AI in the restaurant industry and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve. 💡 Stop Guessing and Start Growing! Robin and Rebeccah break down practical restaurant analytics and strategies to help restaurant owners and operators  make smarter, data-driven decisions with ease. 🔥 Don’t miss out! Hit play now to learn how restaurant analytics and AI can help catapult  your business. 📊 #RestaurantMarketing #RestaurantAnalytics #AIInRestaurants #DataDrivenDecisions #RestaurantOptimization #CustomerInsights #RestaurantGrowth #DataAnalytics #RestaurantTech #MarketingStrategies #RestaurantManagement #RestaurantAnalyticsandAI

In this episode, Robin B sits down with Mike Wilson, president of Crusader Media, to uncover the game-changing power of videography in the restaurant industry. From capturing mouthwatering dishes to showcasing the full dining experience, professional video content can make your restaurant stand out in a crowded market—and Mike tells us exactly how. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why great videography isn’t just about food—it’s about storytelling & atmosphere. ✅ The secret to capturing irresistible food videos that make customers crave your menu. ✅ Essential tips on lighting, movement, and editing for social media & beyond. ✅ Why planning your video content ahead of time saves time and money. ✅ How to use special events to film customer reactions. If you want to create restaurant videos that stop the scroll and bring in more customers, this is the episode for you! 🎥🔥

Ready to take your restaurant’s brand to the next level? In this episode of Setting The Table, Robin sits down with Rachel Austin, founder and CEO of Rachel Austin PR and Hometown Social, to uncover the secrets of using effective PR to deliver an authentic, compelling brand story.  With over a decade of PR expertise and a client roster that includes iconic brands like Buc-ee’s and The Original Ninfa’s, Rachel reveals how PR can position your restaurant  as a must-go destination for restaurant-goers.  Discover: ✅ The power of local narratives to build a strong and engaging restaurant identity.✅ How to leverage PR, bloggers, and influencers to boost visibility and attract loyal customers.✅ Expert tips on developing a unique selling proposition, cultivating your brand’s “cool factor,” and navigating DIY and professional PR. Whether you’re a restaurateur or a marketing professional, this episode is packed with actionable PR advice to help you stand out in a competitive market and connect with your audience like never before. 👉 Don’t miss out—watch now and start unleashing the power of  restaurant PR.

Erica Hernandez, a Cypress-based expert photographer and mom of two, shares her journey in media and photography. With over 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and video producer, Erica's passion for capturing authentic family moments and helping businesses create compelling imagery content shines through in her work. In this podcast, Erica discusses her approach to food photography as a form of storytelling, shares her favorite projects, and offers essential techniques and lighting setups for capturing visually appealing and appetizing images. She also delves into the impact of social media on food photography and how restaurants can use it to build their brand and attract customers. #foodphotography #restaurantmarketing #photographytips #smallbusiness #roarrestaurantmarketing #socialmedia #contentcreation #food #foodie #branding #mobilephotography #cypress