Episode 174: From Cringe Posts to Killer Growth with Bruce Irving

An episode of the The Restaurant Coach Podcast podcast, hosted by Donald Burns, titled "Episode 174: From Cringe Posts to Killer Growth with Bruce Irving" was published on July 10, 2025 and runs 54 minutes.

July 10, 2025 ·54m · The Restaurant Coach Podcast

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Summary

Most restaurant owners think they’re doing “marketing.”But what they’re actually doing is noise. In this raw and real conversation with Bruce Irving—founder of Smart Pizza Marketing and one of the most respected voices in restaurant marketing—we pull back the curtain on what’s really holding restaurant owners back. We talk about the outdated tactics that make you look desperate, the cringe-worthy content that’s pushing guests away, and the simple moves that actually create momentum and drive growth. This isn’t another fluffy conversation about social media trends or the next shiny tool.This is a masterclass in clarity. You’ll learn: What Bruce would do if dropped into a failing pizzeria with only $1,000 and one week to save it The most common marketing mistakes that make restaurants look like amateurs How to create a brand story people actually care about—and want to follow The difference between visibility and relevance (and why most restaurant owners get this wrong) The mindset shifts required to play the long game in an industry addicted to shortcuts And just to keep it interesting—we also dive into some fun curveballs:What’s Bruce’s spirit animal?What’s the weirdest DM he’s ever received from a restaurant owner?What advice would he give his younger self starting Smart Pizza Marketing? This episode is full of real talk, bold insights, and practical wisdom from someone who’s not theorizing from the sidelines—he’s been in the game for decades, helping restaurants build brands that last. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or just stuck trying to figure out what actually works…This is your wake-up call. Listen to Episode 174 now.And start moving from cringe posts to killer growth. Want to see if coaching is right for you and your restaurant? Apply for a 1:1 Profit Recovery Call with my team.

Episode Description

Most restaurant owners think they’re doing “marketing.”But what they’re actually doing is noise.

In this raw and real conversation with Bruce Irving—founder of Smart Pizza Marketing and one of the most respected voices in restaurant marketing—we pull back the curtain on what’s really holding restaurant owners back.

We talk about the outdated tactics that make you look desperate, the cringe-worthy content that’s pushing guests away, and the simple moves that actually create momentum and drive growth.

This isn’t another fluffy conversation about social media trends or the next shiny tool.This is a masterclass in clarity.

You’ll learn:

What Bruce would do if dropped into a failing pizzeria with only $1,000 and one week to save it
The most common marketing mistakes that make restaurants look like amateurs
How to create a brand story people actually care about—and want to follow
The difference between visibility and relevance (and why most restaurant owners get this wrong)
The mindset shifts required to play the long game in an industry addicted to shortcuts

And just to keep it interesting—we also dive into some fun curveballs:What’s Bruce’s spirit animal?What’s the weirdest DM he’s ever received from a restaurant owner?What advice would he give his younger self starting Smart Pizza Marketing?

This episode is full of real talk, bold insights, and practical wisdom from someone who’s not theorizing from the sidelines—he’s been in the game for decades, helping restaurants build brands that last.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or just stuck trying to figure out what actually works…This is your wake-up call.

Listen to Episode 174 now.And start moving from cringe posts to killer growth.

Want to see if coaching is right for you and your restaurant? Apply for a 1:1 Profit Recovery Call with my team.