Restaurant

Laurent Vrignaud shares journey from 18-year-old windsurfer to Burton Snowboards super-rep to Nixon Watches co-founder to opening Moulin at age 50—now 8 authentic Parisian cafés serving 3,000 daily customers, revealing why fear is fuel and authenticity is non-negotiable.

Laura Dunlap shares her journey from personal struggles to leading HR at Tumble 22, revealing how inclusive culture and human connection drive success in Austin's competitive restaurant scene.

Kim Halloran, Managing Partner at Capital Grille, shares 30 years of hospitality leadership including mentorship transforming struggling employee into successful lawyer and child advocacy work.

Craig Bernstein shares journey from 10-year-old writing "Restaurant Entrepreneur" reports after Madison Square Garden floor seats to founding Doc B's honoring late father, pivoting fast-casual to full-service, surviving corporate chef ghost, and meeting Wendy Thomas discussing Number Six sandwich homage.

Carl Bachmann, President and COO of Riko's Pizza, shares his 30-year restaurant industry journey, near-death COVID experience, and how he's building a national tavern-style pizza chain through servant leadership and strategic growth principles.

In this inspiring episode, Eric Soller, founder of Old Scratch Pizza, shares his transformation from ITW corporate marketing director to successful restaurateur building a multi-location pizza empire in Ohio.

In this inspiring episode, Dan Simpson, CEO of Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, shares his unconventional path from healthcare technology to leading a 109-location restaurant chain dedicated to authentic Mediterranean cuisine and elevated hospitality.

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.