Whether you're a passionate chef who's turned your love for food into a thriving eatery, or a savvy entrepreneur looking to expand your restaurant empire, there's one secret ingredient you can't afford to miss: marketing magic.
Let's face it, in a world where new restaurants pop up faster than soufflés rise, standing out isn't just important—it's survival. With thousands of eateries opening their doors each year in the U.S., your mouthwatering menu alone won't cut it. You need to be the name on everyone's lips, the first choice when hunger strikes.
I understand you're feeling overwhelmed by the fierce competition and constantly evolving marketing landscape. You're searching for reliable, actionable advice that fits into your already packed schedule. The good news? Restaurant marketing podcasts offer exactly that – expert guidance you can absorb while prepping for service or commuting to your restaurant.
We've done the prep work for you. We've stirred, simmered, and reduced countless hours of content to bring you the crème de la crème of restaurant marketing wisdom. Presenting our handpicked selection of the top restaurant marketing podcasts for 2024—each one a powerhouse of insights, strategies, and inspiration to help your restaurant not just survive, but thrive in this competitive industry.
Ready to turn up the heat on your marketing efforts? Let's dive in and transform your restaurant from a hidden gem to the hottest spot in town!
Why Listen to Restaurant Marketing Podcasts?
In an industry where margins are tight and competition is fierce, staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptation. Restaurant marketing podcasts offer a convenient, cost-effective way to gain valuable insights without taking time away from running your business. Here's why they should be part of your professional development routine:
Gain Expert Insights and Avoid Common Mistakes
A wise restaurateur learns from their mistakes, but a wiser one learns from others' mistakes. In 2024, restaurant marketing podcasts provide not only the strategies that led to success but also the pitfalls encountered along the way. By tuning into these restaurant marketing podcasts, you'll gain valuable insights into what worked and what didn't, allowing you to avoid common mistakes and apply proven tactics to your own marketing efforts.
For example, many podcast hosts share candid stories about marketing campaigns that flopped, saving you from making the same costly errors. This knowledge can save you time, resources, and potential setbacks, accelerating your path to success in an industry where trial and error can be expensive.
Stay Updated on Latest Restaurant Marketing Trends
Even though there are millions of blogs on top trends in marketing restaurants, it makes a big difference when you hear them directly from the experts. These restaurant marketing podcasts not only highlight the latest restaurant technology trends but also delve into how to implement them effectively in various situations.
The hosts discuss whether these trends are suitable for your specific business and the best approaches to take. Plus, you can engage directly by asking questions in the comments and getting personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstances. From social media strategies to email marketing techniques, staying current with industry trends gives you a competitive edge.
Build a Network of Industry Professionals
Connecting with podcast hosts is just one aspect of networking. Many podcasters create communities where their audience can interact, share ideas, and support each other. By following these restaurant business podcasts, you gain access to a network of like-minded individuals who can offer valuable insights and assistance.
These communities often extend to social media groups, forums, or even in-person events where you can meet fellow restaurateurs facing similar challenges. This collective wisdom can be incredibly beneficial in addressing challenges, brainstorming new ideas, and fostering collaborations that can help your restaurant business thrive in the long run.
Deep Dives into Niche Topics Like AI and SEO
Want to learn how AI can help your business grow? There's a restaurant marketing podcast for that. Every podcast channel specializes in specific topics, allowing you to choose content tailored to your current needs. Whether it's mastering social media marketing, understanding the nuances of SEO, or exploring the benefits of AI in the restaurant industry, these deep dives offer comprehensive knowledge.
The experts provide detailed explanations and practical advice on implementing these strategies, ensuring you gain actionable insights relevant to your unique business challenges. This specialized knowledge is particularly valuable in an era where digital marketing and technology integration are becoming increasingly important for restaurant success.
👉Also Read: - Top 10 AI Marketing Tools For Restaurant Marketing
Cost-Effective Learning on the Go
Podcasts allow you to access valuable information and training without the high cost of conferences or courses. No more traveling from one city to another to attend events or spending on expensive networking communities. By tuning into restaurant marketing podcasts, you gain insights from industry experts and learn the latest strategies and trends without breaking the bank.
The beauty of podcasts is their flexibility – you can listen while prepping ingredients, commuting to your restaurant, or even during slow periods between lunch and dinner service. This makes podcasts a convenient and affordable way to stay informed and improve your restaurant marketing skills, ensuring you never miss out on vital information despite your hectic schedule.
What Makes a Good Restaurant Marketing Podcast?
Not all restaurant marketing podcasts are created equal. When searching for podcasts to add to your listening rotation, consider these key factors that separate the truly valuable ones from the rest:
- Host Expertise: Look for hosts with real-world restaurant experience or proven marketing credentials who understand the unique challenges of the industry.
- Guest Quality: The best podcasts feature diverse guests with specialized knowledge and successful track records in restaurant marketing.
- Actionable Content: Valuable podcasts provide specific, implementable strategies rather than vague concepts.
- Production Quality: Clear audio, good editing, and a consistent release schedule indicate professionalism and respect for your time.
- Community Engagement: Active social media presence, listener Q&A segments, and community building show the podcast's commitment to its audience.
Remember, the ideal podcast for you will depend on your specific needs, restaurant type, and experience level. Don't hesitate to sample several episodes before committing to regular listening.
Top 10 Restaurant Marketing Podcasts to Follow in 2025
With countless hours of content available, finding the right restaurant marketing podcasts can be overwhelming. We've curated this list of the absolute best restaurant marketing podcasts that deliver exceptional value for restaurant owners and managers in 2024:
1. The Restaurant Marketing School
Host: Josh Kopel
Hosted by Michelin-rated culinary entrepreneur Josh Kopel, this restaurant marketing podcast is a collaboration with Yelp for Restaurants, blending insider knowledge with cutting-edge marketing strategies.
In just 4-7 minutes per episode, Josh dishes out a concentrated burst of marketing wisdom that you can implement before your next service. It's like having a marketing guru on speed dial, ready to share actionable tips, clever tricks, and powerful tools tailored specifically for the hospitality industry.
This isn't your grandmother's marketing playbook. Josh brings a fresh, innovative perspective to traditional restaurant promotion, helping you navigate the digital age while honoring the timeless art of hospitality. From leveraging social media to crafting compelling narratives about your establishment, each episode is packed with ideas to help your restaurant stand out in a crowded market.
Must-Listen Episode: "Five Ways to Increase Your Restaurant's Online Visibility" provides practical, low-cost strategies to boost your digital presence and attract more customers through search engines and social media.
2. Restaurant Unstoppable
Host: Eric Cacciatore
"Restaurant Unstoppable" is your backstage pass to the culinary world's greatest success stories. Twice a week, host Eric Cacciatore serves up a feast of wisdom from the industry's top restaurateurs and professionals.
This restaurant business podcast isn't just about mouthwatering recipes or trendy food fads. It's a deep dive into the secret ingredients that make restaurants thrive. From leadership strategies to marketing magic, and from management tips to operational excellence, Eric and his guests peel back the layers of restaurant success.
Each episode is a masterclass in turning gastronomic dreams into reality. Whether you're a seasoned chef, an aspiring restaurateur, or simply fascinated by the business of food, "Restaurant Unstoppable" offers a smorgasbord of practical advice and inspiring stories.
But it doesn't stop when the episode ends. At RestaurantUnstoppable.com, you'll find a treasure trove of resources, including detailed show notes, book recommendations, and tools mentioned by the guests. It's like having a consultant's rolodex at your fingertips.
Must-Listen Episode: The interview with Nick Kokonas (co-owner of Alinea and founder of Tock) offers invaluable insights on restaurant reservation systems and creating exceptional dining experiences that generate word-of-mouth marketing.
3. Marketing for Restaurants Podcast
Host: James Eling
James Eling, a restaurant marketing consultant with years of experience helping food businesses grow, delivers practical advice specifically tailored for restaurant owners. This podcast focuses on actionable digital marketing strategies that can be implemented regardless of your technical expertise.
What sets this restaurant marketing podcast apart is its focus on measurable results and return on investment. James doesn't just share trendy marketing ideas – he explains how to track their effectiveness and calculate their impact on your bottom line. This data-driven approach helps you make informed decisions about where to invest your marketing budget.
The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from Google My Business optimization to email marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and reputation management. James breaks down complex marketing concepts into digestible pieces, making them accessible even to those with limited marketing experience.
Must-Listen Episode: "How to Create a Restaurant Marketing Plan That Actually Works" walks you through the step-by-step process of developing a comprehensive marketing strategy tailored to your specific restaurant and target audience.
4. The Food Service Growth
Host: Carl Jacobs
"The Food Service Growth Show" is your exclusive pass to the inner circle of food and beverage industry titans. Hosted by Carl Jacobs, the innovative CEO and co-founder of Apicbase, this podcast serves up a feast of knowledge for ambitious food service professionals.
Picture having a personal advisory board of industry heavyweights and trendsetters, all focused on helping you scale your business. That's exactly what Carl delivers in each episode. He skillfully extracts golden nuggets of wisdom from his guests, transforming complex business concepts into digestible, actionable advice.
From operational efficiency to cutting-edge marketing strategies, from menu engineering to technology integration, Carl and his guests cover the entire spectrum of what it takes to thrive in the ever-evolving food service landscape. It's like a masterclass in business growth, tailored specifically for the F&B sector.
But this isn't just theory - it's battle-tested, real-world advice from those who've been in the trenches. Whether you're running a cozy café or dreaming of a restaurant empire, you'll find strategies you can implement immediately to drive sustainable growth.
Must-Listen Episode: "Maximizing Profitability Through Strategic Menu Design" offers fascinating insights into how small changes to your menu layout and pricing can significantly impact your average check size and overall revenue.
5. The Digital Restaurant
Hosts: Abhinav Kapur and Kyle Inserra
Hosted by industry experts Abhinav Kapur and Kyle Inserra, this show is designed to help restaurateurs navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape and turn it into a powerful tool for business growth.
In each episode, Abhinav and Kyle serve up a feast of digital marketing wisdom, tailored specifically for the restaurant industry. They break down complex online strategies into bite-sized, actionable advice that even the most tech-averse restaurant owner can digest and implement.
From social media marketing to search engine optimization, from email campaigns to mobile ordering apps, "The Digital Restaurant" covers all the ingredients needed to create a robust online presence. The hosts explore how to leverage these digital tools not just to attract new customers, but also to keep them coming back for more.
But this isn't just about following trends - it's about understanding how to use digital channels to authentically represent your restaurant's unique flavor and atmosphere online. Abhinav and Kyle provide insights on how to tell your restaurant's story across various platforms, creating a cohesive brand image that resonates with your target audience.
Must-Listen Episode: "Building a Digital Ecosystem That Drives Direct Orders" explores how to create an integrated online presence that encourages customers to order directly from your restaurant rather than through third-party platforms.
6. Rock My Restaurant
Hosts: Paul Barron and Paul Molinari
Hosted by industry visionaries Paul Barron and Paul Molinari, this podcast isn't just about keeping up with the restaurant industry - it's about leading the charge into a new era of culinary innovation.
From building a brand that sizzles to implementing marketing techniques that make mouths water, Paul and Paul cover it all. They dive deep into cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping the restaurant experience, from AI-powered ordering systems to augmented reality menus. It's like getting a sneak peek into the restaurant of tomorrow, today.
But this restaurant marketing podcast isn't just about high-tech gadgetry. The hosts also explore the human side of innovation, discussing how to create unforgettable dining experiences that keep customers coming back for more. They delve into the psychology of modern diners, helping you understand and anticipate the needs of the next generation of food enthusiasts.
Each episode is a brainstorming session with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Paul and Paul bring in guest experts, successful restaurateurs, and tech innovators to share their insights and success stories. It's like having a round-table discussion with the who's who of the restaurant world.
Must-Listen Episode: "Creating Instagram-Worthy Moments That Drive Traffic" provides practical tips for designing shareable experiences that encourage customers to market your restaurant on social media.
7. The Local Marketing Lab
Host: Justin Ulrich
Brought to you by marketing maestro Justin Ulrich and the team at Evocalize. Every Wednesday, this podcast transforms into a virtual laboratory where marketing experiments come to life and local business success is the hypothesis proven time and time again.
From cracking the code of local SEO to mastering the art of geo-targeted social media campaigns, "The Local Marketing Lab" covers it all. Justin and his expert guests explore how to make your brand not just visible, but unmissable in your local community. They delve into strategies for engaging your target audience in meaningful ways, turning casual browsers into loyal customers.
But this isn't just theory - it's practical, hands-on advice backed by real-world success stories. Each episode is packed with case studies and examples that demonstrate how these strategies have driven tangible business results for local enterprises just like yours.
Must-Listen Episode: "Hyperlocal Marketing Strategies for Restaurants" offers a blueprint for targeting potential customers within a specific radius of your location, perfect for driving foot traffic during slow periods.
8. Secret Sauce – A Marketing Podcast for Restaurants
Host: James Eling
"Secret Sauce" is exactly what its name suggests – a treasure trove of hidden marketing gems that can transform your restaurant's performance. Host James Eling, a restaurant marketing consultant with over 15 years of experience, shares the closely-guarded tactics that have helped his clients achieve remarkable growth.
What makes this restaurant marketing podcast particularly valuable is its focus on digital marketing strategies specifically tailored for restaurants. James breaks down complex concepts like search engine optimization, email marketing, and social media advertising into practical, actionable steps that any restaurant owner can implement.
Each episode combines strategic insights with tactical advice, ensuring you understand not just what to do but why it works. James frequently shares case studies from real restaurants, demonstrating how these marketing techniques have delivered measurable results in terms of increased bookings, higher average checks, and improved customer retention.
Must-Listen Episode: "Email Marketing Automation for Restaurants" reveals how to set up automated email sequences that bring customers back at precisely the right intervals, increasing lifetime customer value with minimal ongoing effort.
9. The Resilient Restaurant Marketing Podcast
Host: Karen Brennan
In an industry known for its high failure rate and thin margins, resilience isn't just a virtue – it's a necessity. Host Karen Brennan, a restaurant marketing strategist who helped dozens of establishments survive and thrive during the pandemic, focuses on building marketing systems that can weather any storm.
This restaurant business podcast stands out for its emphasis on sustainable, long-term marketing strategies rather than quick fixes or trends. Karen advocates for building owned marketing assets – from customer databases to content libraries – that provide restaurants with stability and independence from third-party platforms
Each episode combines strategic marketing wisdom with practical resilience-building tactics. Karen frequently brings on guests who have overcome significant challenges in their restaurant businesses, providing listeners with both inspiration and actionable takeaways.
Must-Listen Episode: "Building a Crisis-Proof Marketing System" outlines how to create a diversified marketing approach that continues to drive business even during economic downturns or unexpected disruptions.
10. The Tech Chef Podcast
Host: Skip Kimpel
Technology is rapidly transforming every aspect of the restaurant industry, from customer ordering to kitchen operations. "The Tech Chef Podcast," hosted by restaurant technology expert Skip Kimpel, helps restaurant owners navigate this complex landscape and leverage technology to gain a competitive edge.
What sets this podcast apart is Skip's ability to translate technical concepts into practical applications for restaurants of all sizes. He cuts through the jargon and hype to identify which technologies actually deliver ROI for restaurants and which are merely passing fads.
Each episode explores a specific technology or digital trend, explaining how it works, what problems it solves, and how restaurant owners can implement it effectively. Skip frequently interviews technology providers, early-adopting restaurateurs, and industry analysts to provide multiple perspectives on each topic.
Must-Listen Episode: "Leveraging Online Ordering Technology to Maximize Profits" explores how restaurants can use their own online ordering systems to increase average order value and build customer loyalty while avoiding the high commissions of third-party platforms.
How to Use These Podcasts to Uplevel Your Restaurant Marketing Strategy
Listening to restaurant marketing podcasts is just the first step. To truly benefit from the wealth of knowledge they provide, you need a strategic approach to implementation. Here's how to turn podcast insights into tangible results for your restaurant:
- Create a listening schedule: Dedicate specific times in your week for podcast learning. Even 15-20 minutes during prep time or commuting can be valuable. Consistency is key to continuous improvement.
- Take actionable notes: Don't just passively listen. Keep a dedicated notebook or digital document for podcast takeaways. Note specific strategies, tools mentioned, or concepts you want to explore further.
- Prioritize implementation: After each episode, identify one key strategy you can implement immediately. Start with quick wins that require minimal resources but can deliver noticeable results.
- Build a marketing calendar: Use insights from various podcasts to develop a comprehensive marketing calendar for your restaurant. Plan campaigns around seasonal events, local happenings, and your restaurant's unique strengths.
- Join podcast communities: Many restaurant marketing podcasts have associated Facebook groups, forums, or social media communities. Join these to connect with like-minded restaurant owners and get additional support.
- Test and measure results: When implementing strategies from podcasts, establish clear metrics to track their effectiveness. This data-driven approach helps you refine your marketing efforts over time.
- Share with your team: Forward relevant episodes to your staff or discuss key takeaways in team meetings. Building a marketing-aware culture throughout your restaurant multiplies the impact of your efforts.
Remember, the goal isn't to implement every strategy from every podcast. Instead, focus on selecting the approaches that align best with your restaurant's unique brand, target audience, and business objectives. Quality implementation of a few well-chosen strategies will yield better results than scattered efforts across too many initiatives.
Build a Strong Digital Presence with Restolabs Commission-Free Online Ordering
As you absorb valuable marketing insights from these restaurant marketing podcasts, you'll quickly recognize a common theme: the critical importance of owning your digital presence and customer relationships. This is where implementing the right technology becomes essential to executing the marketing strategies you're learning.
If you want to implement the latest solutions in your restaurant marketing strategy, there's no better way to learn, unlearn and then learn some more. But before you get started with these podcasts, you first need to build a solid digital presence for your restaurant. Being visible online builds credibility, helps your customers order food directly from you, and improves your bottom line.
Want to set up an online ordering system for your restaurant? Restolabs can be a great pick. It's a commission-free platform that allows you to set up a fully customized, on-brand food ordering system. With POS and delivery integrations, Restolabs helps you deliver stellar customer experience and bumps up your sales.
The best part? Many of the marketing strategies you'll learn from these restaurant marketing podcasts can be seamlessly implemented through your Restolabs platform – from email marketing campaigns to loyalty programs, from menu optimization to promotional offers.
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