In this episode, Salem Najjar, founder and CEO of SERVE Hospitality Group, shares his journey from accounting to becoming a successful multi-unit franchisee in the hospitality industry.

He discusses the importance of understanding financials, choosing the right franchise partner, and the challenges of scaling a restaurant business.

Salem emphasizes the significance of key performance indicators (KPIs) in managing restaurant operations and offers insights into navigating labor and food cost challenges. He concludes with his vision for the future of SERVE Hospitality, focusing on continuous improvement and creating a positive work culture.

• Understanding financials is crucial for business success.
• Choosing the right franchise partner is essential.
• The first restaurant is often the hardest to open.
• KPIs help in tracking business performance effectively.
• Labor and food costs are significant challenges in the industry.
• Building a strong infrastructure is key to scaling.
• Continuous improvement is vital for growth.
• Creating a positive work culture attracts talent.
• Networking and mentorship are important for growth.
• Franchising offers scalability in the hospitality sector.

00:00 From CPA to Franchise Investor 03:05 From Accounting to Franchise Ownership 07:07 Bootstrap Entrepreneur's Journey 11:17 Choosing a Standout, Proud Business 15:02 Scaling From Single to Multi-Unit 16:27 "Bamboo Tree Growth Metaphor" 19:52 Track Expenses Accurately for Success 24:12 Entrepreneurial Journey from Smoothies to Coffee 27:42 Pricing Strategy: Balancing Art and Science 30:12 Future Vision for SERVE Hospitality Group

Welcome to the WISKing It All Podcast, where host Angelo Esposito explores the world of hospitality with special guest Steve Fortunato, founder and CEO of Roomforty and The Fig House. Steve recounts his inspiring journey from a 15-year-old busboy in a hosting family to becoming a pivotal figure in the industry.

In this episode, Steve shares his innovative approach to hospitality, emphasizing genuine human connection and meticulous attention to detail. Discover his four-part framework for building meaningful client relationships and master the art of hosting in both personal and professional realms.

• You can't give value and get value at the same time.
• Attention to detail can make people feel special.
• Human connection is the essence of hospitality.
• We are moment makers, not just service providers.
• Speak the good about yourself and others.
• Honor those you serve by getting curious about them.
• Respect is earned, not just given.
• Celebrate achievements while also seeking improvement.
• The catering industry has unique challenges compared to restaurants.
• Creating memorable experiences is key to successful hospitality.
• Employee engagement is crucial and can be improved.
• Catering logistics require innovative thinking and execution.
• Virtuous hospitality is about understanding generosity.
• You can't extract value while giving value at the same time.
• Celebrating progress is essential in a culture of excellence.
• The journey in hospitality should be enjoyable and sustainable.
• Generosity should be the foundation of hospitality practices.
• Creating a culture of kindness and affirmation is vital.
• The future of hospitality lies in a host mindset.
• The urgent recovery of hospitality is necessary for industry growth.

00:00 From Family Etiquette to Restaurant Job 06:15 Attention to Detail in Dining 09:40 "Connection: The Ultimate Nourishment" 12:59 Rethinking Hospitality and Expectations 17:30 Bridging Provider-Consumer Gap 19:51 "Entrepreneurs: Stop and Reflect" 23:36 Catering Over Restaurant Venture 25:33 Scaling Catering: Quality and Logistics 30:13 Understanding Virtuous Hospitality 32:13 Ecology Over Psychology in Hosting 38:33 Reflecting on Progress and Growth 40:26 Achievement Culture's Flawed Perspective 44:31 Designs with a Hospitality Mindset 47:50 "Engage: Conversations in Hospitality"

In this episode of WISKing It All, host Angelo Esposito speaks with Matt Wampler, CEO and co-founder of ClearCOGS, about the intersection of restaurant operations and technology. Matt shares his journey from being a restaurant operator to founding a tech company that leverages AI to help restaurants make data-driven decisions.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by restaurateurs, the importance of curiosity in entrepreneurship, and how ClearCOGS provides solutions to optimize restaurant management through predictive analytics and data analysis. In this conversation, Matt Wampler from ClearCOGS discusses the integration of technology in restaurant operations, focusing on inventory management, predictive analytics, and the challenges of alcohol management.

He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with operators to tailor solutions to their specific needs and highlights the role of AI in streamlining back-of-house operations. The discussion also covers the significance of demonstrating ROI to restaurant owners and the future potential of AI in the hospitality industry.

• The restaurant industry still heavily relies on Excel spreadsheets for operations.
• Focusing on execution and customer experience can be more effective than marketing.
• Curiosity drives innovation and problem-solving in entrepreneurship.
• Restaurants are creative in utilizing available tools to solve problems.
• Data-driven decision-making is crucial for restaurant efficiency and profitability.
• ClearCOGS uses AI to analyze vast amounts of data for actionable insights.
• Understanding customer behavior and external factors is key to forecasting.
• The restaurant industry is becoming more open to adopting technology.
• Partnerships with technology vendors can enhance operational efficiency.
• Predictive analytics can significantly improve inventory management and staffing decisions. ClearCOGS integrates with major POS systems for quick setup.
• Operators engage in collaborative problem-solving sessions.
• Daily briefings help optimize inventory management.
• Alcohol management poses unique challenges in restaurants.
• Innovative inventory tracking uses Bluetooth scales and databases.
• Camera technology is evolving but not yet fully reliable for inventory.
• Operators should focus on key questions for effective management.
• Predictive analytics can assist in labor management and scheduling.
• Demonstrating ROI is crucial for technology adoption in restaurants.
• AI can significantly reduce the operational burden on restaurant managers.

00:00 From Struggling Operator to Tech Innovator 04:13 "Ultra-Fast Sandwich Delivery" 09:27 "Challenges of Being First Adopter" 10:46 Balancing Tech and Hospitality 14:15 Predictive Brisket Sales Analytics 17:59 Weather and Events Impact Deliveries 19:45 Evolution of Inventory Management System 23:31 Restaurant Tech Adoption Evolution 26:38 Optimized Brisket Forecasting Model 29:44 WISK: Crowdsourced Bottle Database Success 32:26 "WISK’s Tech Evolution and Core Functions" 37:22 Key Questions for Restaurant Operators 41:18 Ex-Cheesecake Execs Reduce Waste 42:34 Focusing on Bottom Line Profits 46:58 Startup Challenges in Hospitality Management 49:11 "AI Innovations for Restaurants"