Outside of any particular country, you may try some food that gives you a small idea of what that culture's cuisine can truly offer. Mexican food is often stereotyped and believed to be one thing or another, but Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo of Fonda Balam, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, aim to show what the food is truly like and what we've been missing out on this whole time. Today, Justin talks with Kate and Julio about the food and culture of Mexico, the importance of representing it, and so much more.

For more information about their restaurant, visit their website at fondabalam.com

TouchBistro has recently released its State Of Restaurants report for 2023, detailing the trends, issues and opportunities for restaurateurs and their businesses to take note of throughout the year. Today, Justin is joined by Katherine Pendrill, Content Marketing Manager at TouchBistro. Katherine breaks down the four key points highlighted in the report, and Justin gives his own perspective on it as a restaurateur.

Check out the report for free today at www.touchbistro.com/blog/state-of-restaurants-report/

It's a special feeling when you are able to see your restaurant concept come to life. It's more special when that concept brings a unique and authentic idea with it. Chef Brendan McGill runs a restaurant group in the Seattle area, one of those restaurants being Bruciato, a pizza establishment known for its amazing wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. In today's episode, Brendan speaks with Justin about how his journey led him to this restaurant and the others in Hitchcock Restaurant Group, outsourcing versus using local ingredients, and so much more.

For more information on the restaurant group and its various locations, visit their website: Hitchcock Restaurant Group

Over the past season of the show, Justin has had many insightful conversations with both up-and-coming restaurateurs to the established and well-known ones. For all the new stories and experiences we get to hear, we thought to ourselves, what about Justin's story? Today, we share just that. The tables turn on our host as he takes us through his personal and entrepreneurial journey. Hear all about how he went from bussing tables as a teenager to being a TV star with two of his own establishments.

You can earn $1000 for referring a restaurant owner to TouchBistro! Visit www.touchbistro.com/referrals for more information

As Restotalk approaches its first anniversary, we want to reflect on all the wonderful guests that have appeared on the show. We've heard amazing stories from hard-working people, and they have given some great advice to fellow restaurateurs. Today, we look back at some of the best key pieces of advice given throughout the season.

You can earn $1000 for referring a restaurant owner to TouchBistro! Visit www.touchbistro.com/referrals for more information

Oftentimes when going out to dine, we find it as an escape and to be able to experience a whole different atmosphere. There are also times when we like to feel a little more at home when we go out to eat. K.C. Gulbro and his father look to provide that kind of experience with both of their concepts FoxFire and Copper Fox. Today, Justin talks with k.C. about his story, what makes a steakhouse so special, and how his restaurants have gained national attention and popularity.

For more information, visit their websites: FireFox Geneva and Copper Fox.

You can find a big chain restaurant wherever you turn in your city. Chances are, you aren't too far from one. As much as a wonderful fixture as they are to have around town, sometimes finding the smaller spots that support and sell local is a nice getaway. Rebecca Golden owns Lovecraft in Phoenix, Arizona. Lovecraft is a small restaurant that prides itself on selling and presenting all things local. Food, drinks, furniture, everything. Today, Justin speaks with Rebecca about having this type of restaurant in an area that's grown greatly in supporting locally owned businesses and the genuine stress that comes with running a business.

For more information, visit their website: www.lovecraftphx.com

There's a sense of pride and accomplishment that can be felt when you're able to become successful in your business endeavors. That can be felt more so when you carry on in the family business as a third-generation restaurateur. Robbie Shoults is the owner and self-proclaimed "head honcho" at Bear Creek Smokehouse. With his family name planted firmly for over 80 years in a small town outside of Marshall, Texas, Robbie talks with Justin about the humble beginnings of the family business, how it has evolved over the decades, and how he and his brand ended up on national television.

For more information, visit their website: www.bearcreeksmokehouse.com

Fill out our podcast survey for your chance to win 1 of 5 $25 gift cards from Amazon! Visit mixxable.com/restotalk and give us your feedback on the show!