The Return

Technology vs. Human Judgment

Restaurant technology is supposed to give your team time back. But what happens when it starts taking away the thinking that made them good in the first place? Anthony m

The Guest Isn’t a Data Point

We have more guest data than we’ve ever had. And somehow, we may know our guests less than we ever did. Jen Dodd has spent more than 30 years in the restaurant business

Why Promotion Is Killing Your Best GMs

Every great GM is supposed to want the next title. Regional. Director. Bigger scope. More locations. But what if promoting your best operator is the fastest way to weake

Nobody Is Loyal to a Discount

I argue loyalty programs don't create loyalty, they just find the guests who were already loyal and put a price tag on them. Zach Goldstein, founder and CEO of Thanx, b

The 10:01pm Test

Kathleen McDonough and Derek Williamson built Shifting People on a belief: take care of your people and everything else follows. Anthony built The Return on the opposit

The Guest Beats The Employee

We measure the wrong things in this business and then act shocked when the math quits on us. Covers. Average check. Labor as a percentage. Every one of them looks backwa

How Location Shapes Brand Perception

In this episode, JJ Perino of TwoTen Strategy discusses the evolving approach to site selection, emphasizing the importance of understanding what locations communicate ab

The Hidden Challenges of Hiring in Hospitality: Beyond Resumes

This episode explores the challenges of hiring and talent retention in the hospitality and restaurant industry with Rikin Lakhani, a seasoned operator and recruiter. It

The Labor Lie...

Jim Taylor challenges traditional labor cost metrics in restaurants, emphasizing the importance of understanding labor as an output rather than an input. This conversat

The Biggest Threat to a Turnaround Isn't the Business. It's the Leader

In this insightful interview, Brandon Coleman shares his expertise on leading organizations through turnaround, the importance of culture, managing ego, and maintaining w

The Most Underrated Leadership Skill Nobody Is Training For

This episode explores the importance of curiosity in leadership, addressing how blind spots, overconfidence, and decision-making processes impact organizational growth.La

Your Feedback Is Lying to You

Zach Oates, CEO of Ovation, discusses the importance of genuine guest feedback, the pitfalls of relying solely on metrics, and how AI can enhance guest recovery without l

Less Is More: Why Simplicity and Authenticity Are Winning the Beverage Game

Anthony Valletta and Curt Goldman discuss the evolving landscape of the beverage industry, emphasizing the emotional connection consumers now have with their choices. The

The Fourth Place: What It Actually Takes to Make Guests Feel at Home

Anthony Valletta and Peter Newlin explore the evolving landscape of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful experiences that go beyond mere transac

Why the Guest Experience Is Still the Only Real Advantage

In a saturated hospitality market, where technological solutions and loyalty programs dominate the conversation, one factor remains the key differentiator: the guest expe

The Disconnect in Hospitality Training: A Conversation with Rachel Nemeth

In this episode of Check, Please, host Anthony Valletta engages with Rachel Nemeth, CEO of Opus Training, to discuss the critical disconnect in leadership training within