Restaurant

Discover how Danilo Di Nardo transformed from a 13-year-old runaway barista in Italy to VP of Operations at Lombardi Family Concepts, leading 20 restaurants across Texas. Learn about overcoming business failure, building wine expertise, and creating authentic family culture in hospitality.

Wahoo’s Fish Taco Story In this episode of Inspired Stories, Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, shares how a surf-inspired idea turned into an iconic California restaurant brand with 40+ locations. From his Brazilian-Chinese upbringing to infusing teriyaki, black beans, and global flavors into the SoCal surf scene, Wing built more than a restaurant — he built a cultural movement.

In this inspiring episode, Amy Hom, Chief Operating Officer at Barcelona Wine Bar, shares her remarkable 30-year journey from working double shifts at McDonald's and Burger King to leading one of America's most beloved tapas restaurant groups.

In this inspiring episode, James Walker, CEO and Board Member at Lunchbox, shares his remarkable 30-year journey from pastry chef to restaurant technology leader.

In this inspiring episode, Monte Silva, CEO of 10 Tables Hospitality and Monte Silva Coaching, shares his remarkable journey from dishwasher to Wolfgang Puck protégé to restaurant industry innovator.

In this compelling episode, Taylor DeHart, Principal at Mercato Partners Savory Fund, shares his remarkable journey from turning down a full-time offer at Apple to building one of the most successful restaurant investment firms in the country.

In this fascinating episode, Rishi Nigam, CEO and co-founder of Franklin Junction, shares how he's revolutionizing the restaurant industry through the world's first and largest host kitchen marketplace.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dawn Nielsen, Chief Operating Officer at Kolache Factory, shares her raw journey from a 9-year-old scrubbing baseboards to leading a 60+ location franchise empire.

In this compelling episode, Craig Dunaway, Chief Operating Officer at Penn Station East Coast Subs, shares his remarkable journey from small-town CPA to restaurant industry leader.

In this fascinating episode, Chris Demery shares his unique journey from managing complex military communications systems to becoming a Chief Technology Officer focused on creating seamless guest experiences in the restaurant industry.

In this captivating episode, JC Gonzalez-Mendez shares his remarkable journey from being the very first McDonald's employee in Mexico to serving as President of Latin America and North American Chief Supply Chain Officer before becoming Partner and CEO at Bien Trucha Group.

In this inspiring episode, Shawn Harrs, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Red Lobster, shares his transformational journey from Disney engineer to tech leader at America's largest seafood restaurant chain.