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

Go behind the scenes of one of the fastest-growing foodservice brands with Joe Gordon, Chief Supply Chain and Technology Officer at Krispy Krunchy Chicken. With experience at household names like Wendy’s, Portillo’s, and Smashburger, Joe brings a sharp lens to innovation, growth, and resilience in supply chain leadership.

In this episode, Joe shares how Krispy Krunchy Chicken is combining smart supply chain strategies with data-driven decision-making. From leveraging AI and managing vendor relationships to crisis planning and product consistency, his insights offer a blueprint for scaling with quality and agility.

Takeaways:

• How building supply chain flexibility with multiple vendors allows brands to scale fast and stay resilient.
• Why investing in AI and analytics gives operators real-time insights and smarter decision-making power.
• What focusing on value-added work and critical thinking can do to improve team impact and outcomes.
• How crisis planning and nearshore contingencies helped mitigate global shipping delays.
• Why maintaining product consistency across locations is key to brand trust and customer loyalty.

Quote of the Show:

• “I use the definition for value added as, does the customer see a value in what I'm doing? And if they don't, we shouldn't be doing those things.” -Joe Gordon

Connect with Joe:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegordonco/
• Company website: https://www.krispykrunchy.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

From washing dishes at 14 to leading operations for an international brand, Nimesh Patel’s journey is the definition of grounded leadership. Now the Vice President of Operations & Culinary at Boston’s Pizza, Nimesh blends deep frontline experience with a data-forward approach to scale, adaptability, and innovation.

In this episode, he shares the lessons learned from running a successful franchise, why strong vendor relationships matter more than ever, and how AI could be a game-changer for restaurants of every size. For operators, supply chain leaders, and restaurateurs looking to blend practical know-how with strategic thinking, this episode is a must-listen.

Takeaways:

• How a hands-on career path builds credibility and decision-making strength.
• Why adapting to market conditions is essential for long-term business sustainability.
• What a data-driven approach brings to inventory management and cost control.
• Why strong vendor relationships can prevent disruptions in your supply chain.
• How AI and emerging tech are creating new opportunities for restaurant innovation.

Quote of the Show:

• “I learned the hard way on how to run supply chain, and run it lean, and also run it effectively through the hardest time I think we've had in our history when it comes to restaurant supply chain. We've learned to stop being reactive and get in front of it.” - Nimesh Patel

Connect with Nimesh:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimeshpatelsmu/
• Company website: https://www.ownabostons.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 kitchen, and the boardroom, with a visionary chef who’s redefining what fast food can be. Daniel Patino, Co-Founder and Executive Chef at Salad and Go, shares how his early passion for cooking, shaped by his grandmother and his service in the Marine Corps, evolved into a mission to make healthy food accessible to all.

In this episode, Daniel walks through his journey from fine dining at The French Laundry to scaling a drive-thru salad concept across the country. He breaks down how organization, leadership, and consistent presence in the field have helped maintain quality and culinary excellence in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Whether you're in foodservice, operations, or team leadership, this one’s packed with practical inspiration.

Takeaways:

• How military discipline and leadership skills translated into culinary operations.
• Why produce should be treated as the main event, not a side dish.
• What it takes to shift from fine dining to large-scale food production without losing quality.
• Why customer feedback is essential to menu innovation and long-term success.
• How educating younger generations can shape future food choices and brand loyalty.

Quote of the Show:

• “Presence, will equal your consistency and you're gonna get honest feedback of what's good and what's not” - Daniel Patino

Connect with Daniel:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-patino-741a92121/
• Company website: https://www.saladandgo.com/menu/#featured-menu

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 a conversation about people-first leadership, operational balance, and fostering growth in every direction. Amy Hom, Chief Operating Officer at Barcelona Wine Bar, shares how her servant leadership style, commitment to team well-being, and thoughtful tech integration are creating a stronger, more human hospitality experience.

In this episode, Amy discusses how investing in employee development reduces turnover, why the guest experience starts with a healthy team, and how adaptability and mentorship can drive lasting success. Whether you're growing a brand or leading a team, Amy’s insights offer a blueprint for purpose-driven leadership in a fast-moving industry.

Takeaways:

• Why mentorship, both giving and receiving, is essential for building future leaders and a stronger industry network.
• How Barcelona balances technology with human connection to improve operations without losing the guest touch.
• What flexible sourcing and chef-driven menu control can do to navigate supply chain challenges.
• How modern consumer expectations for speed can be met without sacrificing quality or hospitality.

Quote of the Show:

• “There's times where I've walked out of a restaurant on a visit and I did a U-turn thinking, I don't think I impacted that restaurant. I need to go back in there.” - Amy Hom

Connect with Amy:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhom17/
• Barcelona Wine Bar website: https://barcelonawinebar.com/
• LEAD Website: https://leadnetwork.squarespace.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

Discover how thoughtful leadership, operational consistency, and authentic brand values come together to create a standout dining experience. Anthony Valletta, CEO and President of bartaco, shares how he’s growing the brand while staying true to its people-first philosophy.

In this episode, Anthony dives into his leadership principles, bartaco’s focus on sensory-driven hospitality, and how building credibility starts with listening to your team. From pricing strategy to philanthropy, he reveals what it takes to maintain a high-performing, values-driven culture across dozens of locations.

Takeaways:

• How authenticity and accountability build trust across every level of a hospitality organization.
• Why operational consistency and sensory details are key to a standout, scalable guest experience.
• How to avoid trends and focus on long-term flavor, value, and brand integrity.
• Why listening to employee and guest feedback helps shape everything from culture to menu.
• How philanthropy and mentorship strengthen company culture and industry leadership.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Do not get discouraged. This is an industry that's built off passion. If you’re passionate about what you're doing, in the long run you're gonna make an impact, you're gonna be successful.” - Anthony Valletta

Connect with Anthony:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyvalletta/
• Company website: https://bartaco.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