What does it take to scale a restaurant brand while staying true to people-first values? Wade Allen, President at Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill, shares how leadership, innovation, and balance guide both his professional and personal life.

In this episode, Wade discusses the importance of putting people before technology, leading through outcomes instead of just strategies, and ensuring innovation aligns with evolving guest expectations. He also explores responsible data use, maintaining balance as a leader, and the exciting role AI could play in shaping the future of foodservice.

Takeaways:

• How people-centric leadership inspires teams and drives long-term results.
• Why adapting to consumer behavior is essential for successful innovation.
• What responsible data management looks like in today’s restaurant landscape.
• How balance, discipline, and routine fuel effective leadership.
• Why AI offers big opportunities for labor forecasting, personalization, and guest experience.

Quote of the Show:

• “ When you're in a leadership position, you have a stewardship. This is not about you being elevated, this is about getting your team to elevate, and that means you have to serve and support them.” - Wade Allen

Connect with Wade:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-ryan-allen/
• Company website: https://www.costavida.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

What happens when you blend an operator’s mindset with cutting-edge procurement strategy?

Dan Gould, Director of Procurement and Logistics at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants, shares how his background in operations shapes every sourcing decision.

In this episode, Dan dives into the art and science of building strong supplier relationships, the role of technology in transforming procurement, and why contingency planning is non-negotiable. He also shares how Cooper’s Hawk quickly turns new ideas, like brunch service and specialized happy hour menus, into reality, all while staying rooted in core values that drive both culture and growth

Takeaways:

• How an operations-first mindset creates stronger procurement strategies.
• Why relationship building, both internally and externally, is a critical supply chain skill.
• What tools like ArrowStream and Fresh Concepts bring to proactive inventory management and food safety.
• Why contingency planning and approved backup suppliers are essential for risk mitigation.
• How company values can guide innovation and ensure consistent growth.

Quote of the Show:

• “I can't overstate how important the management of relationships and the building of your networks are. Your network shapes who you are for the rest of your career.” - Dan Gould

Connect with Dan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-gould-040b253a/
• Company website: https://chwinery.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast

Step into the world of sizzling plates, franchise excellence, and global brand growth. Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America and Co-CEO of Pepper Lunch Worldwide, shares how he’s building a distinctive dining experience rooted in quality, consistency, and operational innovation. From global sourcing to guest engagement, Troy offers a masterclass in how to scale a brand while staying true to its core.

In this episode, Troy unpacks how experiential dining, proprietary systems, and strong franchise partnerships create long-term success. Whether you're leading growth, managing supply chains, or designing better guest experiences, this conversation is full of insights from the heart of the hospitality industry.

Takeaways:

• How interactive, sizzling plate dining drives brand differentiation and operational efficiency.
• How kiosks and hospitality hosts combine tech and human touch to improve guest experience.
• What franchisors gain from treating franchisees like partners, not just operators.
• How real estate challenges are reshaping the way restaurant brands approach site selection.
• How AI can improve forecasting, procurement, and decision-making in the supply chain.

Quote of the Show:

• “ We thought about every single piece of every single dish and every single process, and we were absolutely curating it to the feedback from the field and from the consumer.” - Troy Hooper

Connect with Troy:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtroyhooper/
• Company website: https://www.pepperlunchrestaurants.com/
• The Pineapple Perspective Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pineapple-perspective/id1745553227

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast