Marketing and Social Media Strategy for Restaurants | Nate Riggs » Podcast

The first ever “cocktail party” was allegedly thrown by Mrs. Julia S. Walsh Jr. of St. Louis Missouri in May of 1917. Since then, cocktails have continued to grow in popularity and are now ingrained in America’s social culture. Our guest this week has earned perhaps the highest accolades you can in the cocktail/mixology field […] The post What Craft Cocktail Trends Should Restaurants be Aware of? appeared first on Marketing and Social Media Strategy for Restaurants | Nate Riggs.

Did you know that there are over 3,000 breweries in the United States and that this figure is the highest it has been since prohibition? But what does this mean for the restaurant industry? Our guest on tap for this week hails from Columbus and is considered one of the foremost craft beer experts and […] The post What Role Can Blogging for Restaurants and Breweries Play? appeared first on Marketing and Social Media Strategy for Restaurants | Nate Riggs.

Did you know restaurants have wait lists an average of 6.6 hours per week, with the average wait time being 23 minutes? This begs the question of a what reasonable wait time at a restaurant should be? Our guest this week wants to lower that number significantly- so he named his startup NoWait. NoWait is […] The post What is a Reasonable Wait Time at a Restaurant? appeared first on Marketing and Social Media Strategy for Restaurants | Nate Riggs.

How does the world see you? Do you know your Fascination Advantages? Are you Power and Prestige? Or Passion and Trust? Out of the seven Advantages, everyone has a Primary, Secondary and Dormant Advantage. You can find out yours and your personality archetype on the Fascination website. In episode #048 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Sally Hogshead, CEO of Fascinate, Inc. and author of "How the World Sees You." Sally has taken personality tests and given them a twist- her assessment shows How the World Sees You. Every archetype has three adjectives that show how others see you- and the reports that come with the assessment show you how to capitalize on those adjectives. Interested in how this can apply to your business? Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listen to episode #048 of the Social Restaurant Podcast! What You'll Learn During the Interview How Sally got involved in Fascination The three lessons of communication The answer to how does the world see you? Your business' potential to grow with the help of the assessment An example of how one personality type can show your your Anthem, dormant advantage and more Call for Sponsor The Social Restaurant Podcast is looking for new sponsors! Interested in getting the name of your company out to the listeners of the hottest podcast in the restaurant industry? Averaging 200-300 listeners per episode, as a June 2014, the Social Restaurant Podcast has been downloaded more than 8200 times.  Contact me at nate@nateriggs.com for more information. Listen Now [Tweet ""Don't focus on how you're similar to others, focus on how you're different."- @SallyHogshead"] Subscribe using RSS Listen on Spreaker Tune in on iHeart Radio Subscribe in iTunes Download the mp3 Leave Us a Voicemail Did something from the show strike a chord with you? Go ahead and use our Speakpipe widget to leave the producers a voicemail with your comments! We'll try to feature it on next week's show! Additional Show Resources and Notes How does the world see you? Interested in taking the assessment for free? Just listen to the podcast, and go to howtofascinate.com/you. Follow Sally's directions, take the three minute assessment and enjoy your new Fascination report. Be sure to comment and let us know your archetype, your Advantages, and what your Anthem is. Are there any fellow Ring Leaders out there? Interested in some of Sally's other work? Check out her website and her other books here. Like Us On Facebook If you like what you are listening to on the Social Restaurant Podcast, why not head over to our official SRP Facebook page and like is there too. Our Facebook fans will get continuously receive special insider tips, show supplemental materials and the chance to have back channel conversations with Nate, show guests and content sponsors. Like SRP on Facebook >> 

Fast casual is the fastest growing segment of the restaurant industry and Zoës Kitchen is championing the market. Zoës Kitchen, a fast casual Mediterranean joint headquartered in Texas, recently went public, and has done incredibly in the market. In episode #047 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome back Rachel Phillips-Luther, Vice President of Marketing at Zoës Kitchen. Rachel has embodied the Zoës way of "southern hospitality with personality" and brings a unique perspective to marketing and finance in restaurants. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listen to episode #047 of the Social Restaurant Podcast!

With just under one million restaurants in the United States, 10% of our work force is employed by the restaurant industry. Until now, no one has positively documented this massive industry we all interact with every day. In episode #046 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Erle Dardick and Mike Tyler, the creators of Back to Basics, a restaurant documentary. Erle, CEO of Monkey Media and writer of Back to Basics, is back on the show for the second time, the first being episode #013 on restaurant catering. Mike Tyler, CEO of War Room Inc., visits the show for the first time to talk about his directing of Back to Basics. You'll want to hear their thoughts on the restaurant industry and the unique perspective they've gained while making this film. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listen to episode #046 of the Social Restaurant Podcast!

It takes one pound of flour to make a standard loaf of bread. But did you know you can get your recommended servings of whole grains from other sources by integrating whole grains like quinoa in to your diet? In episode #042 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Cynthia Harriman, Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies for Oldways and The Whole Grain Council. Cynthia has gone from  majoring in French to being a tax preparer to the role she has today, self-describing herself as a "serial reinventor." Cynthia joined Oldways in 2003 to help manage the Whole Grains Council, which she has grown from six members to almost 250. Under her management, the Whole Grain Stamp was born and is currently used in 41 countries! You’ll also want to hear more about how Cynthia executes integrating whole grains in to her personal diet. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #042 of the Social Restaurant Podcast! What You'll Learn During the Interview How integrating whole grains in to your menu can help you What grains are most popular now The impact the Whole Grain Council has had on the food industry Grains you may not know about Please Support Our Sponsors Social Restaurant Podcast is made possible by Netbase. Please show them your support! Do you understand how social media analytics can help your executive team make better marketing and operational decisions? Learn how in a recent webinar from Netbase and Arby's social media manager Josh Martin. Josh is the man behind the now infamous Grammy's tweet to Pharrell Williams that won his brand all kinds of attention. Learn more at http://bit.ly/1mad9OM Listen Now [Tweet ""If you can pronounce the ingredients, it's probably good for you." -@CHarriman"] Subscribe using RSS Listen on Spreaker Tune in on iHeart Radio Subscribe in iTunes Download the mp3 Leave Us a Voicemail Did something from the show strike a chord with you? Go ahead and use our Speakpipe widget to leave the producers a voicemail with your comments! We'll try to feature it on next week's show! Additional Show Resources and Notes We hope everyone has recovered from the craziness that was the 2014 National Restaurant Association Show! QSR Magazine looked over the fast casual segment, health trends, and beverage innovation. They also looked forward to next year's show, where NRA plans to expand to an even larger center. They also shared some thoughts on Magic Johnson's keynote speech. Restaurant Hospitality joined in to look back at this year's show with a video recap and statistics such as the fact that this year's attendance was up 10.5% as compared to 2011. Next time you're at the grocery store, make sure to look for the Whole Grain Stamp to verify the ingredients in whatever you may be buying. To learn more about the Whole Grain Council and integrating whole grains in to your lifestyle, see their website. Like Us On Facebook If you like what you are listening to on the Social Restaurant Podcast, why not head over to our official SRP Facebook page and like is there too. Our Facebook fans will get continuously receive special insider tips, show supplemental materials and the chance to have back channel conversations with Nate, show guests and content sponsors. Like SRP on Facebook >> 

Did you know 77% of America's hops come from the state of Washington, yet most Americans live within 10 miles of a craft brewery? In episode #041 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Jarod Kelly, Chief Happiness Officer of Hopjacks, a Pensacola, Fla. based restaurant with five unique locations vested in the craft beer business. Yes, you read that title correctly- Jarod is in charge of keeping everyone happy from 112 taps at one location to an interactive wine menu at another. After 17 years in the restaurant business from fast food to fine dining, Jarod has found his niche in a combination of family dining and late night eats. You’ll also want to hear more about The Tin Cow, a Hopjacks location with spiked milkshakes to complement their great burgers. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #041 of the Social Restaurant Podcast!

Have you ever eaten at a restaurant and left your copy of the receipt on the table? If so, you could be playing a risky game with your credit card data security. Javelin Strategy and Research recently found in their annual survey of identity theft victims, that approximately 13.1 million U.S. adults were hit by Identity theft in 2013, an increase of 500,000 victims from 2012. In episode #040 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Sean Kennedy, President of Cowboy Chicken, a system that was named by Forbes to be one of 5 Little Restaurant Chains to Buy Into in 2012. Sean and his team take their customers trust and security very seriously and have come up with some ways to attack the problem of identity theft head on. They are also breaking just about norm when it comes to serving southern chicken. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #040 of the Social Restaurant Podcast. The Social Restaurant Podcast is made possible through the support of Netbase Solutions. Please show them your support! NETBASE SOLUTIONS Do you understand how social media analytics can help your executive team make better marketing and operational decisions? Learn how in a LIVE webinar from Netbase and Arby’s social media manager Josh Martin on May 28th at 10AM PST / 1PM EST. Josh is the man behind the now infamous Grammy’s tweet to Pharrell Williams that won his brand all kinds of attention on social media. Learn more at http://bit.ly/Netbase-Arbys-CS

It’s rumored that the Sub or ‘Submarine’ had it’s origin in Boston MA around the time of World War II. Since that time and due to large pushes by franchised systems, this deli style sandwich has become an international hit. In episode #039 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Peter Cancro, Founder and CEO of Jersey Mikes, a formidable player in the sub category with a near 1300 locations open or in development, with their own point of sale systems. Peter’s story is unique, getting his start in the restaurant business at age 14 and then passing on a potential football career to raise the capital to buy his first sub shop by age 17. Since then, Jersey Mike's has seen exponential growth, partly due to the unique point of sale systems they have. Peter has won multiple awards for his work in growing Jersey Mikes including the prestigious 2013 Golden Chain Award as well as IFA Entrepreneur of the Year. This guy knows how to build a franchised restaurant system. You’ll want to hear what he shares in this week’s interview. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #039 of the Social Restaurant Podcast.

Forrester Research predicts that by 2016 more than 63 million Americans will be working from the comfort of their homes. But does this stat actually apply to the corporate culture of restaurant systems? My guest today is living proof that it does. In episode #038 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Dan Ponton, CEO of Roosters, an Ohio-based franchised system with 31 locations, no corporate office and an executive workforce that works from the restaurants and their homes. Dan has mastered the art of building corporate culture in what some might consider an impossible setting for a restaurant system. And yet, Roosters has had great success, growing steadily in both franchised and corporate locations, promoting tested employees up from within the system into corporate roles and get this - in 22 years of operation, they've never closed a single location! You'll also want to hear more about Dan's unique and incredibly fiscally responsible approach to acquiring real estate for new Roosters locations. Trust me when I say that we can all learn a lot of this story! Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #038 of the Social Restaurant Podcast. The Social Restaurant Podcast is made possible through the support of Netbase Solutions. Please show them your support! NETBASE SOLUTIONS Do you understand how social media analytics can help your executive team make better marketing and operational decisions? Learn how in a new eBook produced in partnership by NR Media Group and Netbase Solutions, and see examples of some of the top FastCasual Brands already taking advantage of the insights that live in the social media conversation. Download the eBook >> http://bit.ly/NetBase-srp

You've heard us mention Google Glass a few times on the show, right? But what exactly is Google Glass? And more importantly, does it have any use cases in my restaurant system? In episode #037 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Jason Smylie, EVP, CIO and CMO of Caproitti's Sandwich Shop, a franchised system that has recently opened their 100th location. Jason has lead the charge on implementing the chains entire technology infrastructure - from POS System to a franchisee Intranet and everything in between. But they didn't stop there. Jason and his team at Caprioitti's are the first restaurant system to experiment with using Google Glass as a tool in their standard employee-training program. This is one of the most innovating stories we've had the privilege of telling on the show, so make sure to listen in on our talk with Jason! Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #037 of the Social Restaurant Podcast. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN DURING THE INTERVIEW Implementation strategy for how to significantly grow a franchise. How to transform a blank canvas opportunity into a fully-integrated business model. The importance of prioritizing when opening franchisees. Various applications of Google Glass within the restaurant industry. Tactics in overcoming backlash from naysayers in using advanced technology. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Social Restaurant Podcast is made possible by On Scene Productions and Netbase. Please show them your support!

In October if 2013, CNBC reported that major American private equity firms have been pouring money into an early stage restaurant industry segment that is poised for explosive growth over the next decade. If you guessed Frozen Yogurt, you are dead on!  "FroYo"— as the product often is called by a growing number of fans — has grown in part because customers prefer a healthy alternative to ice cream and other calorie-heavy desserts. In episode #036 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Dan Kim, Founder and Chief Concept Officer of Red Mango. His brand and company have won more industry awards and honors than any other segment player, including being rated number 1 in the FroYo category by Zagat in 2011. Dan and l discuss his journey as a food service entrepreneur, his personal use of social media as an executive ambassador of his brand and much more.  You don’t want to miss this interview with Dan! Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #036 of the Social Restaurant Podcast. What You'll Learn During the Interview How a background in investment banking can provide a foundation for how to launch your own startup. Learn what a day in the life of a social executive looks like and how you can model Dan's Red Mango social strategy for your own brand. How to achieve social fluidity by integrating your brand's social strategy into your personal social accounts. Understanding that your brand advocates are out there and that you just have to allow them to discover your brand by themselves. The benefits of capitalizing on the "food porn" trend. Please Support Our Sponsors Social Restaurant Podcast is made possible by On Scene Productions and Netbase. Please show them your support! Listen Now [Tweet ""It's not about what your customers want today, it's about what they want tomorrow." @DanKimRedMango"] Subscribe using RSS Listen on Spreaker Tune in on iHeart Radio Subscribe in iTunes Download the mp3 Leave Us a Voicemail Did something from the show strike a chord with you? Go ahead and use our Speakpipe widget to leave the producers a voicemail with your comments! We'll try to feature it on next week's show! Additional Show Resources and Notes I'm always excited about the talent of our guests on the show, but I start the show off by saying how I've used Dan as an example in many of my presentations. Learn more about how social executive has grown his frozen yogurt franchise here. Know the pain of sitting near a loud talk or someone who chews with their mouth open? What warrants an operator to intervene when dealing with one of the Worst People to Sit Near in a Restaurant? Dive into the article Sara and I discuss during this week's news. Dan and the rest of the FroYo team have made quite a name for Red Mango. With recognition such as the #1 "Best Smoothie/Frozen Yogurt" and #1 for "Top Healthy Options within the Quick Refreshment Chains" both by Zagat, they have won the tastebuds of many Red Mango Fanaddicts! What's it like to be 26 and be one of Red Mango's most successful franchisees? Learn how Samantha Goldsmith finds success. Dan talks about the recent launch of Red Mango's Juicing Program. Learn more about what's to come in 2014 and beyond for the franchise. Want to keep up with this social executive? Follow Dan on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Like Us Facebook If you like what you are listening to on the Social Restaurant Podcast, why not head over to our official SRP Facebook page and like is there too. Our Facebook fans will get continuously receive special insider tips, show supplemental materials and the chance to have back channel conversations with Nate, show guests and content sponsors. Like SRP on Facebook >> 

A 2005 study conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University found that while a clear business plan and strategy is important, the most successful restaurant owners all had one thing in common -- a well-defined concept. But what makes a concept well defined?  The researchers point out that not only do well-defined concepts provided a quality food product, they also deliver on a solid operating philosophy, which encompasses business operations as well as employee and customer relations. In episode #035 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Liz Lessner to the show. Liz is one of Columbus, Ohio's premiere restaurateurs, developing a family of some of the most popular local eateries in our great city. Her concepts include everything from hotdog joints to clandestine pin-up girl-themed pubs. Liz and l discuss her journey as a food service entrepreneur, the importance of site selection and what it takes to develop restaurant concepts that generate local buzz. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #035 of the Social Restaurant Podcast. What You'll Learn During the Interview The inspiring role restaurants can play in revitalizing cities. What Midwest cities, such as Columbus, can offer first time restauranteurs, in terms of climate and customer support, that may not be readily available in other locations. How to engage and develop relationships with the neighborhood residents when opening a new restaurant. The advantages of encouraging restaurant managers to get involved in their communities, pursing areas they care about. Why getting a job in the industry can serve as the best preparation for opening your own restaurant. Please Support Our Sponsors Social Restaurant Podcast is made possible by On Scene Productions and Netbase. Please show them your support! Listen Now [Tweet ""The element of breaking bread is so important to me." - @lizlessner"] Subscribe using RSS Listen on Spreaker Tune in on iHeart Radio Subscribe in iTunes Download the mp3 Leave Us a Voicemail Did something from the show strike a chord with you? Go ahead and use our Speakpipe widget to leave the producers a voicemail with your comments! We'll try to feature it on next week's show! Additional Show Resources and Notes Interested in debunking the myth that restaurants don't actually fail at a rate of more than 90%? Check out the 2005 study conducted by The Ohio State University in Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly I introduce the show with, to learn about why restaurants actually fail. Are you making the most of your restaurant's happy hour? Learn more about Technomic's study that Sara and I discuss in this week's restaurant news to gain more insight on consumer drinking habits. The Columbus Food League "go together like sweet potato fries and spicy mayonnaise." Visit their site to learn more about Liz's family of six independent restaurants. Columbus is becoming a top foodie city! Check out Trip Advisor's review of the 1,934 restaurants in Liz and my's hometown. Liz mentions The Torpedo Room as the newest concept to join the Columbus Food League. Located at the Gateway Film Center on Ohio State' campus, it is a Jules Verne-inspired dining spot. Want to learn another tip or two from Liz? Learn why she made The Metropreneur's 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year Like Us Facebook If you like what you are listening to on the Social Restaurant Podcast, why not head over to our official SRP Facebook page and like is there too. Our Facebook fans will get continuously receive special insider tips, show supplemental materials and the chance to have back channel conversations with Nate, show guests and content sponsors. Like SRP on Facebook >> 

If there's one food that’s made its way into the mouths of just about everyone in America, it's probably the hotdog. A classic American food cherished by everyone from hipsters to school kids and sports fans alike, the hotdog trend has gained momentum in recent years, moving these mouth-watering American delicacies from microwaves, baseball fields and theme parks to U.S. cities across the map. But what makes a good hotdog – I mean a really good hotdog? Our guest this week is here to tell you want to look for. In episode #034 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Jonathan Luther Jr., Co-Founder, Concept Designer and Proprietor of JJ's Red Hots, a start up hotdog joint based in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina. Jon and his dad – a retired restaurant executive whose led little brands like Popeye’s Chicken and Dunkin Donuts – have set out to spread the love for this classic American food, one hotdog at a time. I really enjoy this interview with Jonathan, not only for his story, but also for the sense of passion you can hear in his voice when he talks about JJ's.  Jon shares lessons and advice on conducting business with family, following your dreams and passions and how to approach concept growth. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #034 of the Social Restaurant Podcast. What You'll Learn During the Interview How to bring a concept from one region and develop it in another. What the 'Veto Vote' is and Jon's advice on how restaurants can combat potential vetoes. The advantages of fostering a core clientele to create a brand that people want to be a part of. Strategies that can add to your core sale to help drive greater revenue. How social can bring your brand character to life. Please Support Our Sponsors Social Restaurant Podcast is made possible by On Scene Productions and Netbase. Please show them your support! Listen Now [Tweet ""JJ's developed on the back of a napkin and I have an extreme passion for it." - @JJsRedHots"] Subscribe using RSS Listen on Spreaker Tune in on iHeart Radio Subscribe in iTunes Download the mp3 Leave Us a Voicemail Did something from the show strike a chord with you? Go ahead and use our Speakpipe widget to leave the producers a voicemail with your comments! We'll try to feature it on next week's show! Additional Show Resources and Notes Are you a snacker? Sara and I discuss a FastCasual.com article for this week's news of the week titled "Demand for snack opportunities on the rise." What are your thoughts on this snacking trend? Leave us a comment by using the Speakpipe widget. Jon shares his experience working with his father, Jon Luther Sr., throughout the show. As a retired restaurant pro, the JJ duo have launched this great american hotdog joint. Meet Frank the Tank, JJ Red Hot's unique take on "reinventing the company picnic." From charity events to little league baseball games to catering parties, Jon sees Frank as a great way to continue to grow the JJ's brand character. Happy 1st Belated Birthday, Frank the Tank!  Want to say connected to JJ's one hotdog at a time journey? Follow them at @JJsRedHots, on Facebook and on Instagram. Like Us Facebook If you like what you are listening to on the Social Restaurant Podcast, why not head over to our official SRP Facebook page and like is there too. Our Facebook fans will get continuously receive special insider tips, show supplemental materials and the chance to have back channel conversations with Nate, show guests and content sponsors. Like SRP on Facebook >>