Too many restaurants obsess over food cost—but profit is what really matters. In this episode, Roger breaks down the food cost fallacy, how to calculate your true cost, and what to do instead to boost your bottom line. From portion control and inventory to menu redesign and training, this is a must-listen for every restaurant owner.

Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant.
Discover the proven systems that drive sales, train staff, and maximize your margins. Inside the Restaurant Academy, you’ll get step-by-step tools to master your finances and multiply your revenue—plus unlimited staff access.
👉 Join now: https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy

Thank you to our sponsors: 

•	 Fora Financial: Money and funding for restaurant inventory, new equipment, or whatever you choose. Easy apply, fast decision and up to $1.5M funding. Funding subject to terms and conditions.  Go to www.forafinancial.com/rockstar
•	The Restaurant Academy: Everything you need to know to optimize profits, maximize sales and train your team in restaurant fundamentals! https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy/

•	The Birthday Club – Everyone celebrates their birthday! Get new and repeat business, fill your tables, and boost sales with Birthdays: https://jointhebirthdayclub.com/BirthdayRockstar/


•	Touch Bistro: Touch Bistro helps speed up service, reduce errors and turn tables faster while loyalty programs, online ordering and contactless payments boost your bottom line. Plus, real time analytics, inventory tracking and staff scheduling are game changers. Reach out to my friend Becky, tell her I sent you and she will take good care of you!  Her email is btartick@touchbistro.com or call her at 647-360-3994.




454. Forget Food Cost... Here’s How to Double Your Profit in Your Restaurant

Work Less. Earn More.
Discover how Keke’s Breakfast Café built a thriving 70+ location brand with a single-shift model, happy staff, and loyal guests. Learn the leadership principles, culture strategies, and operational systems that are redefining restaurant success.

Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant. Discover the proven systems that drive sales, train staff, and maximize your margins. Inside the Restaurant Training Academy, you’ll get step-by-step tools to master your finances and multiply your revenue—plus get unlimited staff access and an onboarding coaching call with Roger included. 
👉 Join now: https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy

Connect with our guest:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/keke's-breakfast-cafe-inc./
https://www.facebook.com/KekesBreakfastCafe/
https://www.instagram.com/kekesbreakfastcafe/ 
https://x.com/kekes

Thank you to our sponsors: 
•	The Restaurant Academy: Everything you need to know to optimize profits, maximize sales and train your team in restaurant fundamentals! https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy/

•	Touch Bistro: Touch Bistro helps speed up service, reduce errors and turn tables faster while loyalty programs, online ordering and contactless payments boost your bottom line. Plus, real time analytics, inventory tracking and staff scheduling are game changers. Reach out to my friend Becky, tell her I sent you and she will take good care of you!  Her email is btartick@touchbistro.com or call her at 647-360-3994.

•	 Fora Financial: Money and funding for restaurant inventory, new equipment, or whatever you choose. Easy apply, fast decision and up to $1.5M funding. Funding subject to terms and conditions.  Go to www.forafinancial.com/rockstar

•	The Birthday Club – Everyone celebrates their birthday! Get new and repeat business, fill your tables, and boost sales with Birthdays: https://jointhebirthdayclub.com/BirthdayRockstar/







455. This Restaurant Model Lets You Earn More While Working Less - Jon Ahrendt

If you’re looking for real-world strategies to strengthen your team, tighten your numbers, and elevate your guest experience, this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is packed with actionable ideas. Jamie and Leo show that when you combine strong systems with leadership and creativity, you can build restaurants that thrive—even in the most competitive markets.

If you’re looking for real-world strategies to strengthen your team, tighten your numbers, and elevate your guest experience, this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is packed with actionable ideas. Jamie and Leo show that when you combine strong systems with leadership and creativity, you can build restaurants that thrive—even in the most competitive markets.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why cross-training is an investment, not a cost
• How to hire for personality and train for skills
• The key financial metrics to track weekly, not monthly
• The importance of menu costing and timely price adjustments
• Simple ways to build morale, recognition, and culture
• How to mentor managers through shadowing and hands-on training
• Social media and influencer strategies that drive new business
• Why “experience” is the new standard for hospitality

Listen now to hear Jamie and Leo’s full story and discover the systems that keep their restaurants strong, profitable, and built to last.

Show Notes & Transcript: https://restaurantrockstars.com/audio/episode-456-restaurant-systems/

Thank you to our sponsors: 

• The Restaurant Academy: Everything you need to know to optimize profits, maximize sales and train your team in restaurant fundamentals! https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy/

• The Birthday Club – Everyone celebrates their birthday! Get new and repeat business, fill your tables, and boost sales with Birthdays: https://jointhebirthdayclub.com/BirthdayRockstar/

456. Restaurant Systems That Actually Work: Cross-Training, KPIs, - Jamie Adams and Leonardo Moura

Learn the exact formula for restaurant profit and freedom from Roger, founder of five successful restaurant concepts. After 23 years in the business, Roger shares the three fundamentals that transformed his operations and allowed him to work on his business, not in it.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, you’ll discover:
✅ How to track inventory, labor, and prime cost to maximize restaurant profit
✅ Why menu engineering can uncover $350K–$885K in lost profit every year
✅ The difference between hiring and recruiting — and how to build a dream team
✅ How to empower “intrapreneurs” who run your restaurant like they own it
✅ Proven marketing firepower: Mug Clubs, cash cows, hooks, and loyalty systems
✅ Why Sales Stars training can double and triple sales year over year

Roger also explains how to create a company culture of accountability, recognition, and empowerment. From menu profit accelerators to raving fans and VIP guests, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to grow sales, lower costs, and multiply restaurant profit.

📌 Want to stop leaving money on the table?
Check out the Restaurant Rockstars Academy → https://restaurantrockstars.com use code pod20 to save 20% off

457. The Formula for Restaurant Profit & Freedom – Roger Beaudoin

Discover proven restaurant marketing strategies that build loyalty, boost profits, and turn guests into brand ambassadors. From cash cows to mug clubs, Roger shares trackable, ROI-driven ideas that keep customers coming back.

Restaurant Profit Maximizer Mini-Masterclass:  Learn how just a few tweaks in the way you run your business can hugely impact your profits.
https://restaurantrockstars.com/sp/restaurant-profits

Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant. Discover the proven systems & solutions that drive sales, train staff, and maximize your margins. 
1:1 Coaching Option Available.
👉 Join now: https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy

458. Hooks, Cash Cows & Affinity: The Secrets to Restaurant Marketing That Print Money

What does it really take to achieve restaurant success?

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, Roger sits down with Chef Todd Richards, a celebrated chef and concept developer behind some of the most innovative airport restaurants in the country. From starting in the dish pit to collaborating with celebrities like Ludacris on Chicken + Beer, Chef Richards shares the real lessons every restaurateur can use.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
•	How to build restaurant concepts that connect with diverse guests
•	Why genuine hospitality always beats trends and tech fads
•	The logistics of running restaurants in airports (yes, even chained knives!)
•	How partnerships and pricing strategies drive repeat business
•	Leadership lessons to inspire and retain great teams

Whether you run one neighborhood bistro or multiple thriving locations, these insights will help you strengthen your systems, grow your team, and achieve lasting restaurant success.

https://restaurantrockstars.com/audio/episode-459-restaurant-success/

👉 Subscribe to the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast for more proven strategies, expert interviews, and insider tips: https://www.youtube.com/@RestaurantRockstars
#RestaurantSuccess #ChefToddRichards #RestaurantRockstars

Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant. Discover the proven systems & solutions that drive sales, train staff, and maximize your margins. 
NEW! 1:1 Coaching Option Now Available.
Join now: https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy

The Birthday Club – Everyone celebrates their birthday! Get new and repeat business, fill your tables, and boost sales with Birthdays: https://jointhebirthdayclub.com/BirthdayRockstar/

459. Secrets to Restaurant Success with Chef Todd Richards

Train, prepare & lead your team with Michelin-level systems from Chef Franck’s 5 Ps of Leadership. Michelin-trained Chef Franck shares his proven framework for building high-performing restaurant teams. From his start as a 15-year-old apprentice in France to leading Michelin-starred kitchens and consulting for top hospitality brands, Chef Franck reveals how preparation, mentorship, and mindset create lasting success.

Discover his “5 Ps of Leadership” — Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance — and how to apply Michelin-level discipline, empathy, and team development inside your own restaurant.
This episode is packed with actionable leadership insights, real-world stories, and systems you can use to train, prepare, and lead your team to excellence.

Perfect for restaurant owners, GMs, and chefs who want to elevate their culture, consistency, and results.

Thank you to our sponsors: 


MenuTiger: Seamless QR menus, ordering and payment right from a guest’s phone made simple. It’s about efficiency and guest convenience. See how much smoother your restaurant can run at www.menutiger.com
 
The Restaurant Academy: Everything you need to know to optimize profits, maximize sales and train your team in restaurant fundamentals! https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy/
The Birthday Club – Everyone celebrates their birthday! Get new and repeat business, fill your tables, and boost sales with Birthdays: https://jointhebirthdayclub.com/BirthdayRockstar/




460.  Leading High Performing Restaurant Teams - Chef Franck Desplechin

Discover the proven financial playbook for a profitable restaurant: KPIs, menu profit, prime cost, and break-even strategies to maximize success.

Want to maximize your profits and take control of your business? Dive into the Restaurant Academy and get access to Roger’s proven systems at restaurantrockstars.com.

Connect with Restaurant Rockstars on Social Media:
LinkedIn Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-beaudoin-21590016
LinkedIn Restaurant Rockstars: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurant-rockstars
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantrockstars/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantrockstars
X: https://x.com/RestaurantRock1

Thank you to our sponsors: 


•	MenuTiger: Seamless QR menus, ordering and payment right from a guest’s phone made simple. It’s about efficiency and guest convenience. See how much smoother your restaurant can run at https://www.menutiger.com

•	TerraSlate menus are waterproof, rip-proof, antimicrobial and easy to clean. They ship to every state and over a hundred countries with a fast 1 day turnaround and Free overnight shipping. Get your menus from TerraSlate at https://terraslate.com

•	The Restaurant Academy: Everything you need to know to optimize profits, maximize sales and train your team in restaurant fundamentals! https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy/
•	The Birthday Club – Everyone celebrates their birthday! Get new and repeat business, fill your tables, and boost sales with Birthdays: https://jointhebirthdayclub.com/BirthdayRockstar/






461. The Financial Playbook for Running a Profitable Restaurant

Digital menus and QR codes are reshaping restaurants. Roger Beaudoin and Ben Claeys share how this tech boosts sales, speeds service, and enhances the guest experience.

Thank you to our sponsors: 
🌟 MenuTiger: Seamless QR menus, ordering and payment right from a guest’s phone made simple. It’s about efficiency and guest convenience. See how much smoother your restaurant can run at www.menutiger.com

🌟 The Restaurant Academy: Everything you need to know to optimize profits, maximize sales and train your team in restaurant fundamentals! https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy/

🌟 The Birthday Club – Everyone celebrates their birthday! Get new and repeat business, fill your tables, and boost sales with Birthdays: https://jointhebirthdayclub.com/BirthdayRockstar/

🌟 TerraSlate menus are waterproof, rip-proof, antimicrobial and easy to clean. They ship to every state and over a hundred countries with a fast 1 day turnaround and Free overnight shipping. Get your menus from TerraSlate at https://terraslate.com

________________________________________________________
The Top 3 Restaurant Profit Killers & How To Fix Them Fast (Free Video Training): https://restaurantrockstars.com/profits

Restaurant Profit Maximizer Mini-Masterclass:  Learn how just a few tweaks in the way you run your restaurant can hugely impact your profits.
https://restaurantrockstars.com/sp/restaurant-profits

Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant. Discover the proven systems & solutions that drive sales, train staff, and maximize your margins. 
1:1 Coaching Option Now Available. Join The Restaurant Academy now: https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy

Connect with Restaurant Rockstars on Social Media:
LinkedIn Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-beaudoin-21590016
LinkedIn Restaurant Rockstars: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurant-rockstars
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantrockstars/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantrockstars
X: https://x.com/RestaurantRock1



462. How Digital Menus and QR Codes Are Changing Restaurants - Ben Claeys

How does a restaurant generate $3 million in annual sales and still maintain strong profits?

In this episode, Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars sits down with Ed Powers, Director of Operations at Broken Yolk Café, to unpack the leadership, systems, and culture that keep this brand thriving.

After nearly three decades with Chili’s and Brinker International, Ed brings deep lessons in hospitality leadership, hiring the right people, and building consistency that drives profitability across locations.

Listen in as Roger and Ed discuss:

How leadership and team culture directly impact restaurant profits

Smart ways to hire and retain the right people

Balancing rising labor costs and food volatility without cutting quality

Why breakfast, brunch, or any daypart can succeed with the right systems

How technology, training, and feedback loops create lasting success

Whether you run a neighborhood café or a multi-unit group, you’ll walk away with ideas to improve margins, strengthen your team, and grow your restaurant profits with less stress and more control.

🎙️The Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is where top operators, industry experts, and hospitality leaders share the systems and mindset that drive restaurant profits. Hosted by Roger Beaudoin, creator of the Restaurant Rockstars Academy, helping owners and managers simplify operations, train teams, and maximize profits every week.

Watch the full video on YouTube → YouTube.com/@RestaurantRockstars

Connect with Restaurant Rockstars on Social Media:
LinkedIn Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-beaudoin-21590016
LinkedIn Restaurant Rockstars: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurant-rockstars
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantrockstars/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantrockstars
X: https://x.com/RestaurantRock1

Thank you to our Sponsors:

The Restaurant Academy: Everything you need to know to optimize profits, maximize sales and train your team in restaurant fundamentals! https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy/

Menufy: Uplevels your SEO, takes direct online orders, markets to your guests & manages your online reputation. You get a custom branded SEO optimized website, data you control without losing 30% to 3rd parties, automated customer feedback, loyalty programs, built in chargeback protection and 24/7 support. 
https://restaurant.menufy.com/ 

MenuTiger: Seamless QR menus, ordering and payment right from a guest’s phone made simple. It’s about efficiency and guest convenience. See how much smoother your restaurant can run at https://www.menutiger.com


463. The $3M Restaurant Playbook: Leadership and Systems That Drive Profit - Ed Powers

Tips, tools & resources to help restaurant owners and managers Rock Their Restaurant! Engaging conversations with industry leaders and fellow restaurateurs.