Restaurant Finance, Culture, and Growth with Rick Miller of RLM Hospitality | EP206

Step into Episode 206 of On The Delo as Delo sits down with Rick Miller of RLM Hospitality to talk about what really happens when a lifelong restaurant operator shifts from running the floor to helping restaurant groups understand their numbers. From growing up in Scottsdale and building his career in New York and Austin to returning to Arizona to launch RLM, Rick shares the experiences that shaped his views on hospitality, leadership, profitability, and quality of life.​This conversation goes deep on the realities many operators avoid: late P&Ls, weak AP processes, unclear prime cost, hidden third-party delivery fees, and the risks of running a business by just looking at cash in the bank. Delo and Rick also unpack restaurant culture, training, sobriety, and why cutting costs the wrong way can damage service and become “a formula to go out of business.” If you’re a restaurant owner, operator, finance leader, or hospitality entrepreneur, this episode delivers practical perspective on building a stronger and more sustainable business.​Chapter Guide (Timestamps):​(0:16 - 2:15) Intro, the Foodist Awards, and Why Hospitality Community Still Matters​(2:26 - 5:24) Scottsdale Roots, New York City, and Falling in Love with Restaurants at Craft​(5:25 - 8:06) Austin, Big Restaurant Projects, Marriage, and Life Changes​(8:07 - 12:20) Hospitality Lifestyle, Drinking Culture, and Choosing a Better Path​(12:21 - 15:34) Leadership, Financial Knowledge, and Why Culture Drives Restaurant Success​(15:35 - 17:36) What RLM Hospitality Does and How Restaurant 365 Fits In​(17:37 - 20:13) Weekly Soft Closes, Prime Cost, and Getting Financials on Time​(20:14 - 21:58) Ideal Clients, White-Glove Implementation, and Restaurant Accounting Support​(21:59 - 26:00) Low-Hanging Fruit, Bad AP Processes, Profit Leaks, and Profitability Gains​(26:01 - End) Fit, Change Management, and Building Month-to-Month Client Partnerships​👉 If this conversation about restaurant finance, leadership, and operational clarity resonated with you, hit Subscribe for more real conversations with operators, founders, and hospitality professionals.​💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this episode with someone who needs a better handle on their numbers, systems, and team culture⚡Check out RLM Hospitality https://rlmhospitality.com🔗 Connect with DELO: https://linktr.ee/iamthedelo💡 Entrepreneur Community: https://www.builtdifferentcommunity.com 📚 Grab DELO’s Free eBook: https://toastability-production.s3.amazonaws.com/iiaxm3o0iqiawpe96g9o5efki5gh📲 DELO’s Preferred Business Service Partners: https://iamthedelo.com/connect📋 Restaurant Resources: https://www.runningrestaurants.com/subscribe DISCOUNT CODE: DeLo2025