Best Restaurant Podcasts: Key Takeaways
- Restaurant podcasts offer valuable insights on operations, marketing, technology and team management to help owners improve their business.
- Listening during daily routines makes continuous learning accessible without extra time commitments.
- Real-world success stories and expert interviews provide actionable strategies that can be implemented right away.
- Staying informed through these podcasts helps restaurant owners adapt to industry trends and foster long-term growth.
Running a restaurant leaves little time for traditional learning, yet staying ahead in this competitive industry is crucial for success.
Whether you’re managing a busy kitchen, overseeing a front-of-house team or strategizing for long-term growth, restaurant podcasts offer a unique way to absorb expert knowledge during your busy schedule.
While blogs and videos demand your full attention, podcasts let you learn while handling other tasks.
The best restaurant podcasts for owners combine practical advice, industry insights and success stories from those who've mastered the challenges you face daily.
From marketing strategies and tech innovations to staff management and customer service, these 15 must-listen shows will help you transform your restaurant business in 2025.
1. Restaurant Unstoppable With Eric Cacciatore
[Source: Restaurant Unstoppable]
Leading the charge in restaurant industry education, Eric Cacciatore's Restaurant Unstoppable podcast delivers invaluable insights through engaging conversations with successful restaurateurs.
The show has aired over 1,100 episodes since its launch in 2012, establishing itself as a go-to resource for industry professionals.
Show format and focus
The podcast releases new episodes twice a week, specifically focusing on operational excellence and business growth strategies.
Cacciatore's engaging interview style encourages guests to share both successes and failures openly, creating an authentic learning environment for listeners.
Notable episodes and guests
Recent episodes have featured prominent industry figures discussing:
- Digital transformation and guest data platforms
- First-party data collection strategies
- Customer lifetime value optimization
- Modern payment solutions implementation
A particularly insightful episode featured Olo CEO Noah Glass, who discussed how restaurants can leverage technology to enhance guest experiences and maximize revenue.
2. Walk-In Talk Podcast
[Source: Walk-In Talk Podcast]
The Walk-In Talk Podcast is one of the best podcasts whether you're an aspiring Chef or you're a seasoned professional.
Although the main focus is on cooking and preparing food, you can also learn valuable insights into what it takes to make it in the restaurant business.
Exciting topics and conversations
Each episode features in-depth discussions on key industry challenges, from menu engineering and crafting specific dishes to cost control strategies.
They are able to break down complex financial and cooking concepts into digestible insights, making the podcast an essential resource for industry professionals.
Notable episodes and guests
Recent episodes have covered a range of topics, including one about what goes on at the U.S. Culinary Open behind the scenes and an interview that details how Chefs have helped out during the Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Notable guests include veteran Chefs, restaurant owners, consultants and financial experts who share their first-hand experiences and advice.
The show’s mix of storytelling and strategy keeps episodes engaging while delivering practical takeaways.
Practical advice for employees and employers
What sets Walk-In Talk apart is its focus on offering practical solutions rather than theoretical discussions.
Whether it’s ways of refining your cooking or improving your restaurant’s financial model, every episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.
3. The Restaurant Technology Guys
[Source: Restaurant Technology Guys]
Hosted by industry veteran Jeremy Julian, The Restaurant Technology Guys podcast stands out as a premier resource for understanding and implementing restaurant technology solutions.
With over two decades of experience in restaurant technology, Julian brings practical insights to each episode.
Tech innovation coverage
According to recent National Restaurant Association data, 55% of operators are planning technology investments to improve service areas.
Moreover, 60% are seeking solutions to enhance customer experience. The podcast addresses these trends through in-depth discussions about AI integration, digital transformation and operational efficiency.
Episode highlights
Recent standout episodes include:
- Deep dives into data-driven decision making with SignalFlare.ai
- Exploration of voice AI solutions with Kea.ai
- Discussions about delivery optimization with Empower Delivery
Above all, the podcast emphasizes the importance of selecting technology that aligns with specific restaurant needs.
4. Full Comp by Josh Kopel
[Source: joshkopel.com]
Michelin-awarded restaurateur Josh Kopel brings his decades of experience to one of the most insightful restaurant podcasts in the industry.
Created in partnership with Yelp for Restaurants in 2020, Full Comp delivers actionable strategies for restaurant success.
Industry insights
The podcast excels in unpacking complex industry challenges through one-on-one conversations with successful operators.
Notably, recent episodes have explored essential topics like managing rising food costs, evolving revenue models and implementing efficient operational systems.
Guest expert profiles
Full Comp features an impressive roster of industry leaders, including:
- Barry McGowan (CEO, Fogo de Chão) discussing global scaling strategies
- Elizabeth Blau sharing insights on Las Vegas's culinary renaissance
- David Zhao (Chubby Group) revealing innovative joint venture approaches
Business growth lessons
Essentially, the show focuses on practical, implementable strategies rather than theoretical concepts. Kopel's experience as a successful restaurateur enables him to extract valuable insights about:
- Building strong company cultures through transparent communication
- Transforming struggling operations into thriving enterprises
- Creating sustainable growth models that prioritize both staff and customer satisfaction
The podcast consistently emphasizes that success in the restaurant industry requires a balance between innovation and practical implementation.
Consequently, each episode provides specific, actionable steps that owners can implement immediately in their operations.
5. Restaurant Strategy by Chip Klose
[Source: Restaurant Strategy]
With two decades of operational experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, Chip Klose delivers a podcast focused exclusively on achieving exceptional profit margins in the restaurant industry.
Strategic content planning
The podcast targets independent operators generating between $1–5 million in annual revenue. Essentially, each episode breaks down complex restaurant management concepts into actionable strategies.
Klose's expertise spans from menu costing to market positioning, making this one of the best podcasts for restaurant owners seeking comprehensive guidance.
Profitability tips
The show stands out for its bold approach to restaurant economics, championing the idea of achieving a 20% profit margin while maintaining operational excellence.
Key strategies covered include:
- Effective financial management and forecasting
- Strategic menu pricing
- Employee retention techniques
- Marketing framework development
Success stories
The podcast's impact is evident through numerous success stories from its P3 Mastermind program participants:
- Gather Brewing Co.: Increased profitability from 5–8% to 18% in two months
- Righteous Que: Achieved 40% business growth and 28% net profit increase
- Seabirds Kitchen: Transformed two locations into profitable ventures within 60 days
What sets this podcast apart is its focus on practical implementation rather than theoretical concepts.
The show consistently ranks among Apple's Top 100 Marketing Podcasts, offering valuable insights for restaurant owners seeking to enhance their bottom line.
6. Restaurant Influencers
[Source: Entrepreneur]
Presented by Entrepreneur, the Restaurant Influencers podcast brings fresh perspectives on digital marketing through the lens of successful restaurateurs.
Host Shawn P. Walchef's weekly series has earned a perfect 5/5 star rating and attracted over 25 million viewers.
Social media strategies
Essentially, the podcast emphasizes that millennials are five times more likely to discover new restaurants through social media accounts.
Similarly, Gen Z's dining choices are heavily influenced by social content, with major chains reporting significant sales growth through TikTok engagement and pop-up events.
Influencer partnerships
Notably, the podcast highlights how restaurants can leverage different types of content creators, from food bloggers to local influencers.
It emphasizes building authentic partnerships through collaborative efforts, ultimately creating content that resonates with target audiences.
Restaurant owners learn practical strategies for identifying and partnering with influencers whose values align with their brand identity.
7. The Digital Restaurant
[Source: Delivering the Digital Restaurant]
Carl and Meredith, hosts of The Digital Restaurant podcast, deliver essential insights about technology's role in reshaping the restaurant industry.
Their weekly discussions explore how digital solutions are becoming fundamental to restaurant success.
Digital transformation topics
The podcast examines how restaurants are adapting to changing consumer behaviors. The show primarily focuses on personalization strategies, exploring how major brands leverage data for tailored customer offers.
Online ordering insights
Essential discussions revolve around the evolving digital landscape, with online food delivery revenue projected to show an 8.29% annual growth rate through 2026. Key trends covered include:
- Early-week reservation patterns
- Same-day booking preferences
- Ghost kitchen innovations
- Delivery optimization strategies
Tech integration tips
The hosts emphasize practical implementation strategies for restaurants of all sizes.
The podcast explores emerging technologies like drone delivery partnerships and robotic solutions, offering practical advice on selecting and implementing these innovations.
The show stands out for its data-driven approach, analyzing industry reports and providing actionable insights for restaurant owners seeking to enhance their digital presence.
8. Hospitality Hangout
[Source: Hospitality Hangout]
Blending financial acumen with hospitality expertise, Michael "Shatzy" Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling bring a unique perspective to their podcast, Hospitality Hangout.
Their combined experience in restaurant operations and finance creates engaging discussions about industry evolution.
Industry trends coverage
The show excels in exploring the intersection of hospitality and technology. Notable topics include:
- AI implementation in restaurants
- Digital transformation strategies
- Customer experience enhancement
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Future of delivery services
Investment insights
Essentially, the podcast stands out for its deep understanding of both operational and financial aspects of the restaurant industry.
The hosts regularly engage with CEOs and founders to discuss capital allocation, technology investments and growth strategies.
Leadership lessons
The show emphasizes creating a customer-focused culture that drives satisfaction and loyalty. Ultimately, listeners gain valuable insights about:
- Building effective teams through continuous feedback
- Implementing crisis management tactics
- Adapting to emerging industry trends
- Streamlining processes for enhanced service delivery
The hosts bring their gregarious personalities to each episode, making complex topics accessible while maintaining professional depth.
Their discussions with industry disruptors and tech innovators provide restaurant owners with practical advice on leveraging new technologies to enhance their businesses.
9. The Restaurant Coach
[Source: Spotify]
Industry veteran Donald Burns takes a unique approach to restaurant success through his podcast, focusing on the mental game behind running a thriving establishment.
Known as "The Restaurant Coach," Burns tackles leadership challenges and cultural transformation in the restaurant industry.
Operational excellence
Burns emphasizes the importance of implementing systems in every aspect of restaurant operations. His podcast primarily focuses on helping owners develop rock-solid management practices that enhance profitability and efficiency.
Essentially, the show guides listeners through creating transparent processes that foster team engagement and motivation.
Team management
The podcast excels in addressing crucial aspects of staff management, including:
- Developing effective communication channels
- Creating positive work environments
- Establishing clear boundaries
- Implementing recognition programs
- Building strong team cultures
Performance metrics
The podcast provides detailed insights into tracking vital performance indicators. Burns emphasizes the significance of monitoring metrics like rent per hour and fixed costs per hour.
Ultimately, the podcast helps restaurant owners understand and implement data-driven decision-making processes to enhance operational efficiency.
The show stands out for its practical approach to leadership development, offering actionable strategies that restaurant owners can implement immediately.
Through in-depth discussions about organizational culture and team dynamics, Burns helps listeners transform their management style and achieve sustainable success.
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