The Restaurant Podcasts You Don't Want to Miss

No matter what role you have in the restaurant industry, chances are you work long days filled with dozens, if not hundreds, of tasks. This makes it hard to take the time to read up on how other restaurant people are running their business and dealing with the many challenges that pile up on their plates. 

This is where podcasts come in. 

If you’ve never listened to a podcast before, it’s basically like talk radio on demand, but with an extremely wide variety of formats and topics. You can listen to a podcast online on the podcast's website, or, even easier, you can get a podcast app on your phone (like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, or any other) to subscribe to a show and download episodes so you can listen to them anywhere without using data.

The best part about podcasts is that they’re often both entertaining and educational, and you can listen to them while you’re cleaning, doing menial paperwork, or on your commute to work. 

There are hundreds of podcasts about food out there, but not quite as many about the restaurant industry and what it’s like to run a restaurant — and how to do it better. Here are some of Toast's favorite restaurant industry podcasts you can try out when you’re staring down a pile of silverware that needs to be rolled.

The top 35 restaurant podcasts

Restaurant Influencers by Shawn P. Walchef

On the new Restaurant Influencers podcast, top leaders in the restaurant and hospitality industries share their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling and showing up where your customers are spending time online. This weekly digital series is hosted by Cali BBQ Media Founder Shawn P. Walchef and presented by Entrepreneur Media, Yelp, and Toast.

This podcast has a 5/5 star rating on Apple Podcasts, and has been viewed by over 25 million people. Check it out!

The Digital Restaurant by Carl Orsbourn and Meredith Sandland 

Hear what these two digital restaurant savants and best-selling authors, Meredith Sandland & Carl Orsbourn, have to say about the future of the restaurant industry and what possible challenges restaurant operators may face during the digital age.

Closed Monday by Kyle Inserra

In this podcast, we get to see the world through the eyes of the independent restaurant owner - hospitality, integrity, hard work, community, and innovation. This is a show for the progressive restaurateur and the curious cook looking to take the next step. Closed Monday has a 5/5 star rating on Apple Podcasts!

Kyle Inserra specializes in strategic growth and advisory services for emerging restaurant & retail brands on a national basis. A former hospitality professional, Kyle’s insider perspective of what it means to be an owner-operator day-in and day-out, allows him to relate to his clients’ ever-changing needs.

Digital Hospitality by Shawn P. Walchef

Here’s another digital publication from our friend, Shawn! Digital Hospitality is an interview podcast series that explores the ways successful people have harnessed the power of the Internet and social media. In case you forgot, the show is hosted by Cali BBQ Media Founder Shawn P. Walchef. It has a 4.7/5 star rating on Apple Podcasts – go listen today!

Restaurant Unstoppable by Eric Cacciatore

Restaurant Unstoppable is a must-listen podcast for all industry leaders or want-to-be successful restaurateurs. The goal of this show is to inspire, empower, and transform restaurant owners and operators around the world. Eric Cacciatore is able to accomplish his mission by sharing the stories, ideas, knowledge, values, energy, recommendations, and mentorship of proven successful restaurateurs.

Eric Cacciatore is on a mission to seek out and make an example of the industry's most successful and admirable professionals. Learn from him today!

RB Daily by Editors of Restaurant Business

If you’re looking for updates on the latest restaurant industry news, RB Daily is your new go-to podcasts in the mornings! This show is your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business. With a 4.6/5 star rating on Apple Podcasts, you’re sure to enjoy this informative, industry-trend-focused publication.

Restaurant Strategy by Chip Klose

Restaurant Strategy is a weekly podcast dedicated to helping restaurant owners build more profitable restaurants. Over the past 20 years, Chip Klose has built a career in restaurants. He’s worked with James Beard Award-winners and Michelin-starred chefs. So why’s he running a podcast? The answer is simple, to help chefs and operators build more profitable restaurants. 

Listeners of Restaurant Strategy already know many of the top frameworks and systems, but Chip’s Mastermind Program is about the deep dive, helping you stay actionable with those systems. 

The Restaurant Marketing Podcast by David Rev Ciancio

Do you ever find yourself wondering how multi-unit brands successfully market at the location level? You can buy ads on TV, you can post to social media, you can send an email blast ... but are these effective in a 3-mile radius around the store? These conversations will give you insights on how brands are doing it so that you can do it, too.

David Rev Ciancio is a former bar owner and knows exactly how hard it is to operate and brand a hospitality business. He is now a hospitality marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience in B2B digital marketing and business development. You can call David an industry expert for sure, tune in to learn from him.

Hospitality Hangout with Michael “Shatzy” Schatzberg & Jimmy Frischling

Sometimes restaurant management can have strong hospitality skills, but might be lacking the financial know-how. The Restaurant Guy (Michael Schatzberg) and The Finance Guy (Jimmy Frischling) bring the two strategies together on Hospitality Hangout. Together they connect hospitality, technology, innovation, and capital.

On this show, the hosts chat with top CEOS & founders exploring exciting trends, happenings, and breakthroughs in hospitality technology, innovation, and food & beverage. Schatzy and Jimmy bring their gregarious and entertaining personalities in every episode – go check out Hospitality Hangout today!

Give an Ovation by Zack Oates

Give An Ovation is a show where the team at Ovation talks to multi-unit brands and industry experts to get their strategies and tactics you can use to create a 5-star guest experience. Give an Ovation is available on all major podcasting sites. Topics on this show range from the science behind restaurant location to evaluating restaurant technology.

Wisking It All by Angelo Esposito

Wisking It All is a podcast where the team interviews hospitality professionals who put everything on the line to do what they do. Contrary to most businesses, the service industry is mainly made up of people who are passionate about their trade. Not many people necessarily go into food service for the money, but go into it for the passion of delivering a unique customer experience. This show interviews these people. Listen to Wisking It All to hear from passionate individuals in the restaurant industry.

The Feed by Matt Newberg

As we know at Toast, the line between food and tech is increasingly blurring. The Feed is a series of in-depth conversations from Matt Newberg, of HNGRY, and food industry insiders who are leveraging technology to shape the way we eat.

During the pandemic, technology like online ordering and QR codes saved many restaurants. This podcast discusses different cutting-edge restaurant technologies that successful restaurants are using. Tune in on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get the latest!

Restaurant Marketing Secrets by Matt Plapp

Matt Plapp has worked with over 1,000 restaurants to understand what works and what doesn’t. He helps restaurants better understand marketing in the industry. He’s also published some of these findings in his three restaurant marketing books. The Restaurant Marketing Secrets podcast dives into Matt Plapp's top marketing tips. Posted daily, host Matt Plapp takes an in-depth look into what he sees in the Restaurant Marketing landscape.

Smart Pizza Marketing by Bruce Irving

Bruce Irving teaches restaurants and pizzerias how to use social media to grow their business. It’s through this podcast that you can learn what it’s really like to own a pizzeria and the best ways to market it. It also features interviews with pizza entrepreneurs and marketing experts. This show has a 5/5 star rating on Apple Podcasts- if you’re a pizzeria owner looking for some marketing help, this might be the secret sauce for your business!

Restaurant Technology Guys by Jeremy Julian

If you’re aiming to take your restaurant technology to the next level, this might just be the podcast for you! The host, Jeremy Julian, is the COO of Custom Business Solutions, Inc., a family business focused on hospitality software, service, and support for leading enterprise and chain brands around the world. At Custom Business Solutions, Jeremy is in charge of the implementation of technology systems for CBS customers. The Restaurant Technology Guys discusses restaurant technology trends, tips on operations efficiency, and advice from restaurateurs.

Restaurant Owners Uncorked by Wil Brawley

You may already know Schedulefly, but did you know they have a podcast? If you’re unfamiliar, Schedulefly is a restaurant scheduling software that’s been around since 2007. Restaurant Owners Uncorked is a podcast by the Schedulefly team that contains conversations with successful independent restaurant owners who share their stories, advice, wisdom, lessons learned and more.

You can listen to this show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google. You can also watch the interviews on YouTube. Check ‘em out!

The David Chang Show by David Chang

David Chang is the founder of the Momofuku restaurant group. In 2009, Momofuku Ko was awarded two Michelin stars. Besides being the chef of the Momofuku restaurants and the creator and host of Netflix’s 'Ugly Delicious,' Dave is a fan of many other topics. His podcast ranges in conversations that cover everything from the creative process to his guest’s guiltiest pleasures. Dave and a rotating cast of smart, thought-provoking guests talk about their inspirations, failures, successes, and fame on this show. Don’t miss it!

Full Comp by Josh Kopel

Created with Yelp for Restaurants, Full Comp is a weekly podcast available on both Yelp and Apple Podcasts. Full Comp discusses the past and future of the hospitality industry, and how we can learn from the past to succeed in the future. The show aims to ask the tough questions, supplying listeners with the tools and resources needed to thrive.

The host, Michelin-rated restaurateur Josh Kopel, challenges conventional wisdom by hosting both hospitality professionals and thought leaders from outside of the industry, offering a new perspective on an old business. This is a well-rounded podcast, give it a listen!

Take Away by Sam Oches

Sam Oches is the award-winning Editorial Director of Informa's Restaurant & Food Group, which publishes Nation's Restaurant News, Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News, and Food Management. His podcast features interviews with CEOs and founders of restaurant companies big and small. Take Away shares stories and ideas for the future but also real, tangible insights for how to innovate in our food service future.

Each episode breaks down real takeaways that any restaurant professional can apply to their own business.

The Pre-Shift by D.J. Costantino 

The Pre-Shift Podcast is presented by 7shifts, the scheduling and team management platform. This show breaks down everything about running a restaurant better. It features conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators. On The Pre-Shift, guests bring important key insights and share how they grew their businesses.

Host D.J. Costantino, Senior Content Marketer at 7shifts, asks probing questions to get to know industry professionals better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.

No Hesitations Restaurant Leadership Podcast by Christin Marvin

Christin Marvin has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. She has managed a variety of different restaurant concepts and now uses her experience to help others. Each week, Christin brings you content and conversation to make you a more effective leader. This includes tips, tricks, and stories from real people.

This podcast will help you answer the following questions:

1. How do I increase my confidence?

2. How do I accelerate my leadership?

3. How do I lower my stress as a leader?

4. How do I prevent burnout?

5. How do I improve my mental health?

Tune in weekly!

Extra Serving by Nation’s Restaurant News

Extra Serving is a series of weekly podcasts hosted by the editorial team at Nation’s Restaurant News. This show covers the latest and most relevant topics in food service including emerging chains, food trends, technology, and more. Extra Serving features a recap of the week’s biggest headlines, and brings on a variety of different guests ranging from restaurant owners to CEOs, founders, and other experts.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube!

QSR Uncut by Editors of QSR Magazine

QSR Magazine is a digital publication that delivers timely and in-depth reporting on the quick-service restaurant industry. For 25 years, QSR has defined this market, including traditional fast food, fast casual, coffee, snacks, concessions, and related segments of the food service industry.

Their podcast, QSR Uncut, discusses the current state and future of the fast-food restaurant industry. Made for restaurant executives, entrepreneurs, consumers, and leaders, each episode candidly shares expert advice from some of the industry's most insightful leaders.

Restaurant Punk by Kara Restaurant Group 

If you’re looking for a podcast that keeps it real, check out Restaurant Punk. This show is by Kara Restaurant Group, which has been around since 2002. Cut through the noise and tune in to hear hilarious anecdotes, humbling advice on how to create a hospitality business that doesn't suck, and much more. New podcast episodes air every Tuesday & Thursday.

Restaurant Rockstars by Roger Beaudoin

Host Roger Beaudoin has been in the industry for over 25 years. He’s the founder of Restaurant Rockstars, an award-winning restaurateur, and a published author. Roger acknowledges that over 50% of restaurants fail, and Restaurant Rockstars is here to change that.

This show features engaging weekly conversations with industry leaders and fellow restaurateurs as they discuss their tips, tricks, and best-kept secrets to help you rock your restaurant. This podcast is available on every listening platform from Soundcloud to Spotify.

The Restaurant Coach Podcast by Donald Burns 

This business podcast gives you cutting-edge tools, techniques, tips, and straight talk from restaurant coach Donald Burns. Donald is known for unique programs and methods that create dramatic results for his clients.

Are you ready to take your business and life to the next level?

The Local Marketing Lab by Justin Ulrich

You can tune in every Wednesday to Evocalize's weekly episodes of the Local Marketing Lab Podcast: Your source for local marketing expertise. Here you can listen to marketing experts discuss proven strategies and actionable insights to elevate your local marketing game. Uncover how to boost brand visibility, engage your target audience, and drive business success in digital marketing. You can subscribe on any of your favorite podcast apps: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and Google Podcasts.

The meez Podcast by Josh Sharkey 

meez is inspired by the same principles applied to great cooking– an uncompromising attention to detail and a constant drive to evolve and improve. On The Meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey (Entrepreneur, professional chef, and founder/CEO of meez, the culinaryOS for food professionals) interviews world-class entrepreneurs in the food space who are shifting the paradigm of how we innovate and operate in our industry.

Recent episodes include interviews with the CEO of Lunchbox, the CEO of 7shifts, and much more!

Rock My Restaurant by Paul Barron and Paul Molinari

This show is your ultimate guide to the next generation of restaurant innovation. With Rock My Restaurant, you’ll learn insights on branding, marketing, cutting-edge tech, and the tantalizing future of the restaurant industry. Whether you're dreaming of launching your restaurant, spicing up your existing business, or just craving a bite of the best digital strategies, Rock My Restaurant is your must-listen podcast.

DeliveringMore by Ben Alkire

The DeliveringMore Podcast was first released in January of 2022 to create further conversation and provide a voice for our independent contractors. By having an open dialogue with familiar restaurant partners, delivery drivers, and prominent industry figures, this podcast will be able to close the gap on miscommunication. Avoid misunderstandings between delivery drivers, third-party platforms, and the restaurants they strive to help every day with learnings from this show.

Restauranttopia by David Ross, Brian Seitz, and Anthony Hamilton

Restauranttopia focuses on all things related to restaurant management and operations from hosts David Ross, Brian Seitz, and chef Anthony Hamilton. The show features interviews and restaurant success stories, along with insights on cost control, marketing, management, and personnel issues. Tune in for marketing ideas and tactics from restaurant business experts, gathered from lessons from restaurants around the US.

Doughboys by Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger

If you want to laugh while also learning, check out Doughboys. This podcast is hosted by 2 comedians who are forward-thinking and tech-savvy. The co-hosts review chain restaurants with a weekly guest. As of June 2019, the Doughboys Patreon is the 9th most popular podcast Patreon and the 25th most popular Patreon overall. Check it out on Apple Podcasts!

Back of House News by Back of House

Back of House News is a weekly podcast that gets down to business, covering the restaurant and foodservice industry headlines that independent operators need to know. Recent episodes include trending topics such as text message marketing, restaurant professional development, and so much more. This show has a 5/5 star rating on Apple Podcasts, go check it out!

The Restaurant Growth Podcast by 7shifts

Here’s another 7shifts podcast! The Restaurant Growth Podcast by 7shifts brings together restaurant leaders from all corners of our industry: full-service, quick-service, tech, and everyone who helps push hospitality forward. It features 15- to 20-minute episodes that will enable you to come away with practical tips, new insight, and tactics to help your restaurant grow.

Cooking Issues with Dave Arnold

Dave Arnold, chef and inventor, uses this platform to answer questions on the latest innovative techniques, equipment, and ingredients in the food world. Each week on Cooking Issues, Dave solves cooking dilemmas. Have a question about pimping your oven to make great pizza? Give Dave a call. Occasionally Dave will invite special guest chefs, bartenders, authors, and columnists to join the show. This is a great option for BOH workers to learn and improve their skills.

Start tuning in

These are only a few of the outstanding restaurant podcasts that are out there, but they're all definitely worth a listen. Each one has a distinct voice, and focuses on different areas of the restaurant business, so you're sure to find something that speaks to you. For more useful restaurant resources check out Toast’s free tools and templates here.