How Bushfire Kitchen Grew To 11 Locations | Chat w/ Oliver Barwin

Oliver Barwin, CEO of Bushfire Kitchen, shares how he left Wall Street to lead his family’s restaurant business and grow it to 11 Southern California locations. From choosing a strategic capital partner to building the systems and team needed for expansion, he explains why a strong foundation comes before growth. With roughly half of sales coming from off-premise orders, Barwin details how kitchen design, thoughtful packaging, and connected technology support the guest experience. He explains why local influencers drive results and how reducing administrative work gives restaurant teams more time to focus on great food and hospitality. Build the Foundation Before You Grow – Oliver Barwin credits Bushfire Kitchen’s expansion to investing in people, systems, and training before adding locations. A strong foundation keeps growth manageable, while technology and head office support reduce administrative work so restaurant teams can focus on food and hospitality. Design for the Off-Premise Experience – With roughly half of Bushfire’s business coming from off-premise orders, delivery influences everything from kitchen layouts to menu development. The team considers how every new dish travels and chooses packaging that protects the experience beyond the restaurant. Local Voices Build Community Trust – Bushfire Kitchen works with local micro-influencers who reach people in the neighborhoods its restaurants serve. Barwin has found authentic content and personal recommendations more effective than highly produced ads, with a more compelling return on investment. Episode Links Oliver Barwin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverbarwin/ Bushfire Kitchen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bushfire-kitchen/ Bushfire Kitchen: https://www.bushfirekitchen.com/ Bushfire Kitchen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Bushfirekitchen Bushfire Kitchen Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bushfirekitchen Bushfire Kitchen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BushfireKitchen/ Where to find Cali BBQ MediaVisit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services