Greg Georges, Major Accounts Manager for Hospitality & Gaming at Cintas, joins host Callie Evergreen to explore the operational side of cleanliness in restaurant kitchens. With more than two decades working alongside hospitality teams, Greg shares how the right tools and systems can improve prep efficiency, enhance safety, and help teams stay consistent during high-volume service. From the role of cleanliness in mise en place to innovations helping operators streamline workflow, this conversation looks at the practical ways kitchen leaders are building faster, safer, and more reliable operations.

Thank you to Cintas for sponsoring this episode.

Anthony Jones is having a breakout moment. The James Beard Emerging Chef semifinalist, Marcus DC executive chef, “Chopped” champion, and “Top Chef” season 23 contestant joins FSR editors for a candid conversation on competitive cooking, evolving kitchen culture, and cooking with purpose. Jones dives into his flavor-first philosophy, the evolution of Marcus DC’s Mel’s Crab Rice, and how global influences and fermentation are shaping his culinary voice. He also discusses leading today’s kitchen teams, mentoring young talent, and how you can’t be afraid to make mistakes and “burn the bacon.”

Tipping in restaurants is becoming more complex, more regulated, and far more consequential for operators. In this episode, Kirk Grogan, COO and co-founder of TipHaus, joins the podcast for a candid conversation about how tipping, wages, and compliance are evolving as the industry looks ahead to 2026. Rather than focusing on theory or headlines, this discussion centers on the real questions operators are asking right now—where confusion lives, where risk is growing, and how tipping decisions affect everything from payroll to employee trust. Kirk shares practical insight on navigating overlapping federal and state rules, managing wage pressure and tip distribution, and why historically informal tipping processes are becoming high-stakes operational systems. This episode is designed for operators who want nuance, clarity, and real-world guidance—without the noise.

Veteran New York restaurateur Stratis Morfogen joins host Callie Evergreen to break down how Diner 24 NYC grew without big marketing budgets by mastering search behavior and SEO, social sharing, and modern attention spans. Morfogen shares how “diner near me” became a traffic engine, why six-page menus no longer work, how viral food design beats perfection, and why authenticity consistently outperforms polish.

Jordan Boesch, founder and CEO of 7shifts, joins host Sam Danley to unpack how restaurant operators can take a more intentional, less overwhelming approach to technology. He shares insights from the company’s “Digital Prep List” report on how restaurants typically progress through stages of tech adoption. Along the way, he explains why there’s no universal finish line for building a tech stack, why operators should start by attacking their single biggest pain point, and how strong leadership and culture ensure that technology enhances the human side of hospitality.

A Frenchman with Texas roots and a passion for personal connection, Fabien Jacob brings warmth and wisdom to everything he touches—from the wine list to the dining room floor. In this episode, the Brasserie Mon Chou Chou GM and sommelier reflects on his leadership philosophy, the evolving guest palate, and what really makes a wine program successful in today’s competitive dining scene.

What if sustainability didn’t feel like another box to check—but instead made your kitchen safer, more efficient, and more profitable? In this episode, Diana Geseking of Restaurant Technologies breaks down how automation in the back of house is helping restaurants reduce risk, improve food quality, and lower environmental impact at the same time. From emissions tracking to insurance savings, Diana shares why sustainability works best when it’s rooted in real operational value—and where operators should start if they want impact without overwhelm.

Thank you to Restaurant Technologies for sponsoring this episode. Visit rti-inc.com to learn more.

In an industry that idolizes the “next young gun” and often rewards stamina over longevity, chef Dan Jacobs is pushing back and redefining what it means to be a chef. Jacobs, the co-owner of DanDan and EsterEv and runner-up on “Top Chef: Wisconsin,” opens up about navigating the kitchen after being diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease, redefining leadership beyond the line, and how chefs can evolve as they age without walking away from the craft.