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Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants

By: Brian Seitz David Ross and Anthony Hamilton
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 We love locally owned independent restaurants. These businesses build strong communities by linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships. The more the independent restaurants are thriving, the healthier the community will be! We want to help restaurant owners and operators hone their competitive edge through effective marketing and business practices. Restauranttopia focuses on all things related to restaurant management and operations from hosts David Ross, Brian Seitz, and chef Anthony Hamilton. We feature interviews and restaurant success stories, along with insights on cost control, marketing, management and personnel issues. Tune in for marketing ideas and tactics from restaurant business experts, gathered from lessons from restaurants around the US.Stillwater Digital LLC Art Cooking Economics Food & Wine
Episodes
  • Secret Cost Killers in your Restaurant (Ep. 177)

    Secret Cost Killers in your Restaurant (Ep. 177)
    Aug 2 2025

    In this episode, we expose the sneaky expenses silently draining your restaurant’s profits… from linen contracts and POS subscriptions to fryer oil issues and bloated utility bills. Learn real-world tactics to find and eliminate cost leaks that could be costing you thousands each year. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started, this 30-minute episode is packed with quick wins you can take action on today.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • The importance of regular expense audits—and how to do them
    • Which contracts and services are silently stealing your money
    • Why "set it and forget it" costs are dangerous
    • How dirty oil is affecting your food and your brand • A smarter approach to POS systems, linens, pest control, and utilities
    • Creating a contract calendar to stay ahead of renewals and rate hikes

    Featured Tools & Tips:

    • Expense Audit Checklist
    • Contract Renewal Calendar (Example Below)

    Sponsored by:

    • Halcyon Eco – Revolutionizing fryer oil cleaning to reduce costs, improve safety, and enhance food quality.

    🔗 Resources & Mentions:

    • Restauranttopia.com
    • Halcyon Eco
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    17 mins
  • Surviving the Squeeze – Strategies for Restaurants in a Tight Economy

    Surviving the Squeeze – Strategies for Restaurants in a Tight Economy
    Jul 19 2025

    Feeling the pressure of rising costs and tighter margins?

    In this episode of Restauranttopia, we break down actionable strategies to help independent restaurant operators survive—and thrive—during economic squeeze periods. From cost control to leadership communication, this episode delivers the blueprint to stay sharp when business gets tough.

    💡 Key Takeaways:

    1. Identify the “squeeze”: Understand the convergence of food cost increases, labor pressure, and declining customer frequency.
    2. Cut the fat, not the muscle: Why slashing everything isn’t the right answer—trim waste, not essentials.
    3. Get back to basics: Clean stores, accurate orders, strong hospitality—often the first things to slip under stress. • Communication is your secret weapon: With your team, vendors, and customers.
    4. Don’t panic, plan: Panic leads to poor decisions. Smart planning and execution win in tight times.

    🛠️ Pro Tips:

    1. Use a daily huddle to identify what success looks like for the day—and set the tone.
    2. Review and refocus on your top-selling items. Optimize execution and margin there first.
    3. Partner with vendors who offer support beyond product—look for consultative partners, not just price.
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    34 mins
  • Tipflation: How Digital Guilt and Hidden Fees Are Changing Hospitality

    Tipflation: How Digital Guilt and Hidden Fees Are Changing Hospitality
    Jul 6 2025
    Hosts: Dave Ross, Brian Seitz, Anthony Hamilton Tipping expectations are out of control—and your guests are noticing. In this episode of Restauranttopia, we break down the rise of tipflation, how digital guilt is changing hospitality, and what operators can do to protect their guest experience while still supporting their teams. Key Takeaways: What is Tipflation? The creeping rise of tipping expectations—from a simple jar to digital prompts that pressure consumers to tip for counter service, takeout, and more.The COVID Effect: The pandemic created a surge in empathy, making consumers more willing to tip generously. Operators quickly adopted technology that made tipping unavoidable.Consumer Fatigue: Guests feel manipulated by screens asking for 20–30% tips for basic transactions, which can damage trust and loyalty.Impact on Restaurants: While higher tips can supplement wages and improve retention, they often come at the expense of the customer experience.Alternative Models:Auto gratuities for large parties can protect staff but risk customer resentment if not communicated clearly.Flat service fees and inclusive pricing can work—but only if widely adopted in a market.Training and transparency are key to any strategy. Best Practices for Operators:Regularly review and adjust your POS tipping prompts—don’t default to the highest options.Consider how tipping requests align with your hospitality values.Be intentional about communicating why you have chosen your approach.Audit how tips are pooled, distributed, and taxed to stay compliant. 🔥 Pro Tips: ✅ Make tipping feel like appreciation—not obligation. ✅ Avoid surprise fees at checkout. ✅ Train staff to earn tips with hospitality, not entitlement. ✅ Use tip prompts sparingly and thoughtfully. Show Notes EXTRA: Tip Pooling Laws in Ohio — What Restaurant Owners Need to Know Whether you're running a casual diner or a fine-dining establishment, managing tips the right way is essential—not just for morale, but for legal compliance. Here's a breakdown of the key dos and don’ts of tip pooling under Ohio and federal law. What Is Tip Pooling? Tip pooling is when tipped employees (like servers or bartenders) share their tips with other staff members. It’s legal—but only if done correctly. ✅ DOs 1. Limit the Pool to Tipped Employees Only employees who customarily and regularly receive tips can participate. This includes: Servers, bartenders, bussers, runners, and sometimes hosts. Do NOT include kitchen staff, dishwashers, managers, or owners unless they also directly serve guests. 2. Clearly Communicate the Policy Put the tip pool policy in writing. Explain how tips are distributed, who participates, and what percentage is shared. 3. Maintain Proper Tip Credit Compliance If you pay less than minimum wage (i.e., use a “tip credit”), you must ensure employees still earn at least $10.45/hour (Ohio minimum wage for 2024). 4. Keep Management Out Managers and supervisors may never share in a tip pool—even if they help serve food. 5. Let Staff Handle the Pool Employees should voluntarily distribute tips among themselves or through an agreed-upon formula. ❌ DON’Ts 1. Don’t Include Back-of-House in the Pool (If Using a Tip Credit) You may not include non-tipped staff like cooks or dishwashers if you pay servers below minimum wage using a tip credit. 2. Don’t Deduct for Credit Card Processing Fees (If you do, do it carefully) You may deduct a proportional credit card fee (e.g., 3%), but it must not reduce the employee’s wage below minimum wage. 3. Don’t Coerce Participation Tip pooling must be voluntary unless you have a lawful and disclosed mandatory tip pool policy in place. 4. Don’t Forget to Track Everything Maintain daily or weekly records of total tips collected, distribution formulas, and final tips received by each employee. ⚠️ Disclaimer The law surrounding tip pooling, wage and hour compliance, and employee compensation is constantly evolving at both the state and federal level. The information provided in this document is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. You should not rely on this document as a substitute for legal advice specific to your situation. Always consult with a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction before implementing or modifying any tip pooling policy. Failure to comply with wage laws can result in serious penalties, back pay claims, and legal liability. 📌 Connect with Restauranttopia: 🌐 Website: www.restauranttopia.com 📸 Instagram: @restauranttopia 🔗 LinkedIn: Restauranttopia Podcast
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    36 mins
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