Restaurantology

This episode is the kick off of a two part episode of "Byte to Table", where Juan George (858 Partners) leads a conversation with Sandy Nguyen (Saigon Hustle), Steve Heeley (South Block), and Otto Othman (PINCHO) on how technology is reshaping guest acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty. Together, they share real-world stories of using tools like Ovation, customer data platforms, and voice AI to connect with guests in real time, rescue poor experiences, and unlock insights that drive growth.From franchise expansion and catering strategies to social media, direct mail, and community engagement, the panel highlights how blending old-school tactics with cutting-edge digital solutions can maximize impact. With candid examples of what worked, what didn’t, and how to vet new technology partners, this session provides operators with actionable lessons for navigating today’s crowded tech landscape.

This episode is the kick off of a two part episode of "Byte to Table", where Juan George (858 Partners) leads a conversation with Sandy Nguyen (Saigon Hustle), Steve Heeley (South Block), and Otto Othman (PINCHO) on how technology is reshaping guest acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty. Together, they share real-world stories of using tools like Ovation, customer data platforms, and voice AI to connect with guests in real time, rescue poor experiences, and unlock insights that drive growth. From franchise expansion and catering strategies to social media, direct mail, and community engagement, the panel highlights how blending old-school tactics with cutting-edge digital solutions can maximize impact. With candid examples of what worked, what didn’t, and how to vet new technology partners, this session provides operators with actionable lessons for navigating today’s crowded tech landscape.

Josh Merrell (Creative Director, Savory Fund) brings together Chris Connors (Co-Founder, Bonrue), Cassandra Moore (Art Director, Savory Fund), and Farah P. Bhatti (Shareholder, Buchalter) to explore the critical, but often overlooked—world of trademarks. Through firsthand stories, expert insights, and creative strategies, they reveal how trademarks sit at the intersection of legal protection, brand identity, and company culture.Chris shares his cautionary tale of building Farmstead Bakery without securing trademark protection, only to face a costly name change when expansion revealed the mark was already registered. Cassandra highlights the creative process of rebranding to Bonrue, emphasizing how customer transparency and community involvement can turn a potential setback into an opportunity for deeper loyalty. Farah explains the legal nuances, from wordmarks and logos to trade dress and international filings, offering clear guidance on how operators can safeguard their most valuable intangible assets.The conversation also covers practical advice for small brands on balancing originality with practicality, managing costs, and protecting menu items, packaging, and even catchphrases. Together, the panel underscores why trademarks are not just legal technicalities but foundational tools for scaling, protecting, and building long-term brand value in the restaurant industry 

Shauna Smith (Savory Fund) sits down with founders Nicole Robison (Swig) and Akshat Sethi (Thai Chili 2 Go) for a conversation about building enduring restaurant brands. Together, they share their journeys from opening a single shop to scaling across states, unpacking both the highs of breakthrough moments and the challenges of personal and professional trials.The panel dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, from breaking Guinness World Records to protecting trademarks, refreshing brands, and safeguarding culture during rapid growth. With themes of resilience, kindness, and staying true to your original vision, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical lessons for anyone navigating the restaurant/F&B industry.

Taylor DeHart (Principal, Savory Fund) leads a conversation with Claudia Lezcano (CEO of Fuku) and Neha Govindraj (Founder of Bonside) on how to fund and grow restaurant brands in today’s capital landscape. Together, they explore traditional financing, creative alternatives, and the rise of asset-light growth strategies that are reshaping the industry. Claudia shares her journey of scaling Fuku through licensing and partnerships with major sports venues while protecting brand standards and culture. Neha explains how Bonside is rethinking capital for brick-and-mortar businesses by underwriting unit-level performance instead of relying on outdated models. The panel offers practical lessons on aligning with investors, protecting founder vision, and navigating new financial solutions that give operators more flexibility and ownership.

Jeanette Bennett brings together Sam Oches (Nation’s Restaurant News) and Jonathan Maze (Restaurant Business Magazine) for an inside look at how trade media shape the stories that define the restaurant industry. With humor, candor, and decades of combined experience, they reveal what it takes to get your concept noticed by the publications that operators, investors, and franchisees read every day.They explain the distinction between trade, local, and consumer media—and why understanding these differences is key to building meaningful coverage. They share practical guidance on what makes a story newsworthy, the mistakes operators often make when pitching, and how to create relationships with editors that last.From the importance of being available and authentic, to the value of PR firms and the role of emerging technologies like AI in shaping the future of journalism, this conversation is a must listen for founders who want to see their names in the right headlines. Filled with behind the scenes anecdotes and actionable insights, it pulls back the curtain on the media world that influences the entire restaurant industry.Chapter Breakdown00:00 – Opening: Main Dish Energy00:48 – Why the Restaurant Industry is Human01:47 – From Competitors to Colleagues03:11 – What is Trade Media?04:54 – Trade Media Drives the Narrative06:24 – The Key: Be Available & Present08:57 – What’s Your Unique Story?10:32 – Tell Stories with Real Drama11:47 – Human-Interest Angles & Sources13:31 – Podcasts, Video, and New Media Channels14:10 – What NOT to Do17:08 – When Local Media Does Matter18:11 – Do You Need a PR Firm?20:02 – Bribes, Crab Rangoons & Ethics22:01 – Press Releases vs Personal Pitches24:14 – Common Mistakes Operators Make26:45 – What’s Next: Economy & AI29:16 – Closing Thanks

Is casual dining just surviving or thriving? In this dynamic roundtable from The Depot in Salt Lake City, Barry McGowan (Fogo de Chao) leads a conversation with Kaleb Harrell (Hawkers), Christine Magrann (FB Society), and Jeff Chandler (Hopdoddy) to explore why many believe casual dining is in the midst of a renaissance.Together, they unpack how operators are innovating without losing hospitality’s soul, why experiential dining is driving growth, and how culture remains the foundation for sustainable expansion. From pricing strategies and tech adoption to guest connection and brand integrity, this panel delivers actionable insights for restaurateurs, founders, and foodservice investors alike.⏱️ Chapters00:00 | Intro: The Casual Dining Renaissance03:01 | Hawkers: Origin Story & Why Casual Lasts07:01 | Guests Want Approachable Excellence10:45 | Hospitality Is Human Connection15:11 | Scaling Culture Without Losing the Soul18:45 | Balancing Tech with Leadership Intuition21:28 | Owning and Nourishing Company Culture26:00 | Innovation Done Thoughtfully27:34 | Guests Crave Experiences & Shared Moments29:23 | Experimenting with Craveable Value32:15 | Team Input & Operational Reality Checks34:05 | Pricing Strategy: Art Meets Science39:33 | The Promise & Pitfall of Technology42:52 | Final Thoughts & Mic Drop Moments

Andrew Smith (Co-Founder & Managing Director, Savory Fund) sits down with Charlie Kirk (Turning Point USA) for a candid exploration of the entrepreneurial mindset. Together, they reflect on the sacrifices and rewards of building lasting organizations, the unique spark founders bring to their businesses, and why vision and relentless drive remain the lifeblood of growth.The conversation dives into time management, leadership principles, and the balance of physical, mental, and spiritual health in sustaining an entrepreneurial journey. Charlie shares insights from leading teams of thousands, navigating criticism, and keeping a brand rooted in founder energy and mission. With perspective on both the challenges and the optimism surrounding the U.S. economy, this episode provides a thoughtful and practical look at what it takes to thrive as a founder today.

In this episode of Restaurantology, Andrew Smith sits down with Chris Connors and Li Hsun Sun, the visionary partners behind Bonrue Bakery, for a candid conversation on building and scaling one of the most talked about bakery cafés in it's region.Chris and Li share their unlikely paths from cabana hosts and family run restaurants to leading a bakery concept that blends Michelin level pastry talent with a guest first culture and lightning fast service. They dive into the importance of operational excellence, the power of surrounding yourself with great people, and how their “hub and spoke” production model has become a game changer for consistency and growth.Andrew explores how Bonrue became a must visit destination for locals and travelers alike, what makes their team culture stand out, and why they believe the bakery café experience can be reimagined for the modern guest.For entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders, this episode delivers practical insights on innovation, resilience, and building a brand people can’t stop talking about.