Jay Ashton, hospitality and food service business coach and consultant, discusses the evolution of the restaurant industry and the challenges faced by restaurateurs. He shares his personal journey in the industry and how it saved him from a chaotic upbringing. Jay also explores notable trends in the restaurant space, such as the impact of the internet and the rise of AI.

Moreover, he emphasizes the need for restaurants to adapt to new technologies and explore additional revenue streams to increase profitability. Jay suggests innovative ideas like advertising in drive-throughs and co-branding partnerships to generate more income. In this conversation, Jay Ashton, known as Canada's restaurant guy, discusses the importance of thinking outside the box in the restaurant industry. He shares innovative ideas such as co-branding with other businesses, implementing subscription models, and creating unique dining experiences.

Finally, Jay gave importance of the need for restaurants to challenge the status quo and find new ways to engage customers. He also talks about his upcoming book, 'Alone in Hospitality,' which explores the challenges and experiences of being in the restaurant industry.

• The restaurant industry has undergone significant changes, driven by factors such as the internet and AI.
• Restaurateurs need to adapt to new technologies and explore additional revenue streams to increase profitability.
• Innovative ideas like advertising in drive-throughs and co-branding partnerships can generate additional income.
• The human element in the restaurant industry can be a challenge, and AI may play a role in removing human interference and improving efficiency.
• Full-service restaurants may become more focused on special occasions, while QSRs and fast-casual establishments may leverage automation and AI to streamline operations. Thinking outside the box is crucial in the restaurant industry to stay innovative and competitive.
• Co-branding with other businesses can create new opportunities and generate additional income.
• Subscription models for restaurants can be a successful and profitable strategy.
• Creating unique dining experiences can attract customers and set a restaurant apart from competitors.
• Challenging the status quo and embracing innovation is essential for long-term success in the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Background 02:30 What Got Jay Ashton into the Restaurant Industry 07:17 Notable Trends in the Restaurant Space 11:08 Challenges and Opportunities for Restaurants 17:23 The Role of AI in the Restaurant Industry 19:12 The Future of Full-Service and QSR Restaurants 28:16 Exploring Additional Revenue Streams 31:08 Innovative Ideas for Increasing Profitability 33:01 Thinking outside the box in the restaurant industry 43:46 The concept of paying people to eat at a restaurant 48:52 Creating unique dining experiences 56:03 Challenging the status quo in the restaurant industry 01:00:23 Alone in Hospitality: Exploring the challenges and experiences of the restaurant industry

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Olivier Racineau, Vice President of Restaurant and Bar at Patina Restaurant Group, discusses his background and the operations of the restaurant group. The group owns 30 restaurants with different concepts and is owned by Delaware North. They have a significant business with Disney and also operate in New York, Boston, and Southern California. Olivier shares his journey in the hospitality industry, starting as a line cook and working his way up.

He emphasizes the importance of travel and gaining experience, as well as finding mentors and building relationships. Olivier also talks about the challenge of maintaining consistency across a diverse portfolio of restaurants and the importance of trust and delegation. In this conversation, Olivier Rassinoux, discusses the challenges and opportunities in the restaurant industry. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and creativity while maintaining operational efficiency.

Rassinoux also shares his thoughts on the future of full-service restaurants and the need for human connection in a tech-driven world. He highlights the rewarding aspect of seeing teams grow and succeed and offers advice for aspiring restaurateurs. Rassinoux mentions upcoming projects and expansions for Patina Restaurant Group.

• Travel and gain experience in different locations to broaden your skills and perspective in the hospitality industry.
• Find mentors and build relationships with experienced professionals who can guide and support your career growth.
• Trust and delegation are key to managing a diverse portfolio of restaurants and maintaining consistency.
• Share knowledge and collaborate with other restaurants in the industry to create a thriving community. Innovation and creativity are essential in the restaurant industry, but it's important to balance them with operational efficiency.
• Full-service restaurants may become more valuable in a tech-driven world as people seek human connection and unique experiences.
• The success of a restaurant depends on many factors, including the quality of food, service, and overall guest experience.
• Building strong teams and seeing their growth and success is a rewarding aspect of a career in the restaurant industry.
• Taking risks and being open to new ideas is crucial for success in the industry.
• Patina Restaurant Group has exciting projects and expansions in the pipeline, including the launch of an American Brasserie concept.

00:00 Chef's child to culinary career across locations. 05:13 Travel for work when young; invaluable experience. 07:43 Mentors are important; don't hesitate to ask. 10:56 Tell us about your top-rated steakhouse, please. 15:54 Empowerment shifts leadership from directive to supportive. 18:52 Innovation requires questioning and pushing traditional boundaries. 21:54 Emerging hybrid restaurant genre blends service levels. 24:11 Full service becomes valuable as it rarifies. 28:45 Innovate, share items to manage production efficiently. 30:52 Many factors influence memorable restaurant experiences. 35:46 Motivated managers improve overall employee and guest experience. 38:39 Celebrate growth; maintain connections; travel often; reminisce. 40:15 Global operations, new website, reach out anytime.

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In this episode, we’ll explore how GiftAMeal transforms everyday dining experiences into opportunities for generosity, with a stunning milestone of 2 million meals donated to food banks. We'll discuss the metrics and emotional connections that drive customer loyalty and behavior, and reveal how restaurants—from local spots to national chains—are integrating this initiative to make a positive impact.

Andrew will share insights on the challenges and triumphs of scaling GiftAMeal, the strategic importance of social media marketing, and future plans to expand their mission. If you’re in the restaurant industry or just passionate about social good, this episode is packed with valuable information and heartwarming stories. So, join us as we WISK it all together with Andrew Glantz on "WISKing It All!"

• GiftAMeal is a platform that allows restaurants to engage with their community and customers by making a donation to a local food bank for every photo taken by a guest.
• The program has reached 2 million meals donated and has shown positive impacts on customer loyalty, satisfaction, and online reviews.
• Restaurants can integrate GiftAMeal into their own mobile apps and utilize user-generated content for marketing purposes.
• Joining GiftAMeal is a quick and easy process, and there are plans to expand the program to support more restaurants and causes.

00:00 Entrepreneurial, social impact journeys merge through business. 03:16 Integrated entrepreneurship, social impact, and emotional-branding for restaurants. 09:06 GiftAMeal fosters emotional connection, boosting guest loyalty. 11:11 Marketing often deprioritized due to restaurant challenges. 15:20 User-generated content aids restaurant marketing and feedback. 18:22 GiftAMeal suits quick, casual dining, coffee shops. 21:52 Quick sign-up for customized promo materials, fast launch. 25:25 Recording and sharing uplifting restaurant customer stories. 29:08 Exploring technology to enhance restaurant social responsibility. 31:13 Visit GiftAMeal.com for partnership and demo information.

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