PODCAST · arts
CULINARY MECHANIC
by Simon Zatyrka
Join Chef Simon Zatyrka, as he opens the door to candid conversations with the hospitality industry's most innovative leaders. Each episode runs the gamut from chefs talking about the community and cultures of kitchens to tech innovators talking about their concept to push the hospitality industry forward. You can expect a blend of battle-tested restaurant wisdom and modern leadership insights that challenge "the way it's always been done". You never know when the conversations about the business of hospitality are going to shift gears to discuss wood fired cookery, the camraderie of kitchen teams or the delusions of friends wanting to open a bar because they like sitting in one.New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe now to join a community of leaders who are as passionate about the business of hospitality, people and leadership as they are about food and cooking. Welcome to our sandbox.
Episodes
-
Burnout Is Bad Business: The Case for Operational Clarity with Patrick Cassata
Burnout isn't a badge. It's a leak. Chef Patrick Cassata and I get under the hood on what actually keeps kitchens running: leadership reps, clean handoffs, and systems that protect people and profit. We talk delegation without martyrdom, expectations that stick, and why hospitality is the job…
more -
Words That Win Guests. Systems That Keep Teams with Zana Devine
If your team is guessing instead of executing, this episode is your tune-up. Zana Devine grew up inside hotels and restaurants, then spent years building cultures where standards stick, onboarding is consistent, and language turns conflict into loyalty. We break down fundamentals that actually…
more -
Removing Inconveniences Before Guests Notice: A Playbook for Hospitality with Jesus Mendez
You don't scale a taquería with vibes—you scale it with standards. In this episode, Jesus "Chuy" Mendez (Salud, Birmingham) shows how culture plus simple, repeatable systems drive operational clarity you can taste at the table. We get into writing real recipes (no "secret pinch"), rewarding the...
-
Restaurant Systems That Win: Covers per Labor Hour, Culture, Clarity with Jeffrey Boland, Sr.
If your labor is "fine" but your profits aren't, you've got a leadership and systems problem—not a math problem. In this episode, Mac's Hospitality's Jeff Boland (9-unit beer-bikes-barbecue group in the Carolinas) gets real about building restaurant systems that actually run, cutting bloaty menus...
-
Tools That Work, Not Just Look Cool: A Pro's Guide to Real Edges with Josh Donald of Bernal Cutlery
If your knives feel "sharp" but still fight the carrot, this episode will save you time and fingertips. We get into the craft behind truly effective edges with Josh Donald of Bernal Cutlery—what geometry really means, why knives get "wedgy" over time, and how to think about tools like an…
more -
Relentless Growth: Building Excellence Moment by Moment with Chef Franck Desplechin
Build a kitchen where you're the accelerator - not the crutch. In this episode, Chef Franck Desplechin lays out a straight path from talented-but-chaotic to calm, accountable, and scalable. We break down why sous chefs stall, how to teach leadership like a skill, and the mindset shift that turns...
-
The Weekly Manager Rhythm That Grows Real Kitchen Leaders
If your kitchen is held together by heroics, this episode is your reset. Chef Gerald Chin (Head of Culinary, MINA Group) breaks down how 30+ restaurants stay sharp: a non-negotiable expediting system, real SOPs everyone can find and use, and weekly manager reviews that grow leaders instead of...
-
How to Teach More, Yell Less, and Still Run a Tight Kitchen
Show Notes Old-school training meets modern leadership. Chef Andrea Pancani spent eight years scaling teams across San Ambroeus Hospitality Group, and he's blunt about what has to change: ego down, teaching up. We dig into why "meet them where they are" isn't soft—it's the key to operational...
-
Ditching the "Superhero" Mentality in Restaurants
Burnout Isn't a Badge—It's a Warning Light Nio DiPietrantonio stepped into the kitchen at 16 because someone didn't show up—and she's been showing up ever since. In this episode, Nio and Simon get real about burnout, kitchen trauma, and how to build operations that don't rely on heroics. They…
more -
Local Flavor, Real Impact: A Playbook for Making Hotel Restaurants Not Suck
Death to the Beige Lobby Bar Most hotel F&B programs feel like an afterthought—bland menus, zero community connection, and a dining room that might as well be in any city, anywhere. Kenneth Scharlatt is on a mission to change that. In this episode, Kenneth shares how Savage Orchid Hospitality is...
-
Why Food Waste Prevention Beats Food Waste Reduction
You don't need more prep cooks—you need less waste. Chef and zero-waste pioneer Vojtech Vegh joins Simon to dismantle the myths around food waste in restaurants. This isn't about compost bins or turning scraps into soup—it's about rethinking your menu planning to design for profit, efficiency…
more -
#72 : Building Leadership from the Bottom Up with Christopher McFadden
Leadership Isn't a Title—It's a Daily Choice Christopher McFadden doesn't just talk about leadership—he lives it. From teenage retail hustler to wine-soaked restaurant GM to executive career coach, he's walked the line between burnout and breakthrough. In this episode, we get into what makes…
more -
#71 : Numbers Don't Lie - Margin Contribution, Waste and Why Tech Still Fails Chefs with Nina Weiland
The system isn't the point—what it unlocks is. Nina Weiland went from making pizzas at Domino's to helping restaurant operators modernize the back-of-house with COGS-well's intuitive, chef-friendly software. In this episode, we dive deep into what makes a system actually usable in a kitchen—not...
-
#70 : From NYT Bestseller to BBQ Truth Teller: Meathead Gets Real
Still soaking your wood chips? You're doing it wrong. In this fire-breathing episode of Culinary Mechanic, Simon sits down with Barbecue Hall of Famer and grilling myth-buster Meathead to dismantle decades of backyard lore—and rebuild it with science, precision, and damn good meat. They cover...
-
#69 : The 5% Fix: Ewan Thompson on Unlocking Six Figures in Guest Loyalty
Your food's great. Your service is solid. So why aren't your guests coming back? In this episode, Simon sits down with Ewan Thompson of Hospitality Benchmark Solutions (HBS) to dismantle one of the most dangerous assumptions in independent restaurants: that a great first visit guarantees a…
more -
#68 : Guy Leggatt on the Hidden Drivers of Restaurant Profitability
If your kitchen's running hot but your margins are cold, this one's for you. Guy Leggatt didn't just work the line—he studied the system. From Vancouver fine dining to corporate ops and back again, Guy built a career turning chaos into clarity. Now, through his consultancy Line Check Strategy…
more -
#67 : Building Leaders Who Don't Know They're Leaders with Noelle Labrie
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon sits down with Noelle Labrie, founder of Tri Skill Consulting, to explore how frontline experiences in the industry—from bartending in Deep Ellum to building restaurant teams in Kuwait—shaped her passion for developing "fresh leaders." Noel's story…
more -
#66 : Calm in the Chaos: Lessons from a Hospitality Natural with Luca Giorgiantonio
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka welcomes Luca—a seasoned front-of-house professional with roots in Italy and a career forged in the heat of both European and American restaurants. What begins as a story of necessity (a broke college student in Milan needing date money) evolves...
-
#65 : Find Your Culinary Identity: Chef Ron Duprat on Leadership, Legacy, and Top Chef Fame
Chef Ron Duprat, Top Chef Season 6 contestant and culinary diplomat, brings his unfiltered perspective on today's restaurant industry. Born in Haiti and classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Ron has worked in prestigious establishments from The Montauk Club to Ritz Carlton…
more -
#64 : Beyond the Kitchen Line: Justin Brunson's Journey from Chef to Meat Industry Innovator
Justin Brunson, founder of Brunson Meat Company, joins Simon Zatyrka to reveal how he developed his revolutionary "noble mold" meat aging process after transitioning from acclaimed chef-owner to meat industry innovator. Discover how Brunson's Iowa farm roots and restaurant experience at Old Major...
-
#63 : Dialed in Operations: Creating More Great Days in Restaurants with Matt Wampler
Matt Wampler, CEO, Co-Founder of Clear Cogs, joins CULINARY MECHANIC to share how his predictive analytics platform is transforming restaurant operations across four countries. With a background in restaurant turnarounds and multi-unit management, Matt brings hard-earned wisdom on scaling...
-
#62 : Leading from Within: The Journey of Becoming a Respected Sous Chef with Hanalei Souza
Simon Zatyrka welcomes Hanalei Souza, author of "Nice Work Boys" and creator of LadyLineCook.com, for an in-depth conversation about culinary leadership and professional kitchen dynamics. Hanalei shares her remarkable journey from snowboarding in ski resort towns to deliberately seeking out the...
-
#61 : Bringing Chefs Back to Their Passion and Into Your Home with Petko Petkov
Ever wondered what happens when passionate foodies decide the traditional dining model isn't working? In this episode, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Petko Petkov, founder of Chefin, a global platform connecting private chefs with clients for in-home dining experiences. From impromptu dinner…
more -
#60 : Chef Life Radio: Intention and Purpose, The Secret Ingredients of Successful Chefs with Simon Zatyrka
HERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL!! Somewhere in the time construct Adam Lamb and Simon Zatyrka got together for a series of conversations. In this episode Simon joins Adam on Chef Life Radio. What ensues is a stark contrast from the conversation on CULINARY MECHANIC (previous episode). I hope you enjoy…
more -
#59: The Art of Kitchen Presence: Talking About Culinary Leadership with Chef Adam Lamb
Ever wondered what makes a great chef different from a good one? In this soul-stirring conversation, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with culinary leader Adam Lamb to uncover the human side of professional kitchens. From dishwashing beginnings to leadership wisdom, they dive into the beautiful chaos...
-
#58 : Optimizing Restaurant Labor with Cijoy Olickal
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Cijoy Olickal, COO of GM Pilot, to explore how innovative tech solutions are transforming restaurant management. From his unexpected entry into the hospitality industry to developing game-changing labor optimization tools, Cijoy...
-
#57 : Restaurant Business Foundations: Connection, Sustainability and Systems with Jen Quist
When restaurant dreams crash against business realities, what separates survivors from shuttered doors? In this revealing conversation, Simon Zatyrka talks with Jen Quist of Wishwell about the crucial balance between culinary creativity and business fundamentals. From her career pivot at 30 to...
-
#56 : Mentors, Michelin & Making It: Building Culinary Excellence with Ismael Torres
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka welcomes Chef Ismael Torres, host of Chef Ismael's Kitchen Quest podcast and owner of Rough Chop private chef services. Ismael shares his journey from starting as a 15-year-old dishwasher at "the happiest place on Earth" to becoming a successful...
-
#55 : How to Break Through Growth Barriers in Your Restaurant with Charlie Wilkinson
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Charlie Wilkinson, founder of Bridge to Opportunities. Charlie shares his journey from selling HVAC systems to becoming a restaurant industry powerhouse, working with iconic brands like Bennigan's, TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut, Boston...
-
#54 : Making Today Better Than Yesterday: A Chef's Guide to Meaningful Leadership with Don Christie
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka connects with Don Christie, a culinary leader currently managing food operations at Raffe Hotels in Fiji. Don shares his journey from starting as a kitchen hand in Australia to leading culinary operations across prestigious establishments...
-
#53 : "The Art of Kitchen Adaptability with Chef Brent Weathers
In this captivating episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Chef Brent Weathers, whose journey from dishwasher to accomplished chef embodies the essence of kitchen culture at its best. Starting with zero experience in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Weathers shares how beginning…
more -
#52 : Restaurant Financial Management: Real-Time P&Ls and Operational Excellence with Geordy Murphy
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Geordy Murphy, founder of Fobesoft, to explore the critical intersection of culinary excellence and financial acumen. With over two decades of experience from busboy to restaurant owner, Geordy shares his journey from the...
-
#51 : Kitchen Leadership and Team Building: Chef Glenn Cybulski on Restaurant Success
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka welcomes Chef Glenn Cybulski, leader of Chefs Feeding Kids, for an engaging discussion about restaurant leadership and kitchen culture. Chef Glenn shares his journey from early restaurant work to international training in Italy, emphasizing...
-
#50 : Leading with Obsessive Execution: Solving for Excellence with Alfredo Miro
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Alfredo Miro, a fast-food industry veteran and current leader at Baker's Drive-Thru. From his early days at Carl's Jr. to executive positions at Wendy's and consulting roles with major brands, Miro shares his journey through...
-
#49 : Get Back Your Time - Technology, Leadership and the Future of Hospitality with Michael Beck
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Michael Beck, CEO of Ink Tank GTM, for an engaging conversation about the intersection of hospitality and technology. Beck shares his journey from growing up in his family's restaurants to serving in the military, attending...
-
#48 : The Evolution of Restaurant Operations - The Modern Realities of Restaurant Costs with Angelo Esposito
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Angelo Esposito, founder of Wisk AI, to explore the evolution of restaurant inventory management. Angelo shares his journey from grocery store roots to developing one of the industry's leading inventory management solutions....
-
#47 : Building Successful Restaurants Through Care and Detail with Roger Beaudoin
Join host Simon Zatyrka as he sits down with Roger Beaudoin, whose journey from country club dishwasher to successful multi-restaurant owner embodies the essence of hospitality industry success. In this engaging conversation, Beaudoin shares how his early experience and a chance encounter with...
-
#46 : Leadership Lessons for Restaurants: Building Trust in High Pressure Environments with Rachel Burr
In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with executive coach Rachel Burr to explore the complexities of leadership in the restaurant industry. Rachel shares her journey from psychology to executive coaching, discussing how she helps leaders develop from being excellent…
more -
#45 : Beyond Labor Costs: Building Sustainable Restaurant Operations with Jim Taylor
In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Jim Taylor, founder of Benchmark 60 and author of "Bold Operations," to explore revolutionary approaches to restaurant operations and labor management. Key Discussion Points: The fundamental difference between corporate and...
-
#44 : Transforming Unwritten Kitchen Rules into Culinary Education Platform with Andre Natera
Chef Andre Natera's evolution from culinary leader to media mogul showcases the changing landscape of professional mentorship. Over his 27-year career, he mastered every position from dishwasher to executive chef, holding nine executive chef positions across diverse culinary environments. Chef's...
-
#43 : Recovery, Redemption, and Restaurants: A Coach's Journey from Addiction to Advocacy with Kimberly Flear
Kimberly Flear shares her transformative journey from a 15-year-old server at a truck stop to becoming a recovery coach for hospitality professionals. Through raw honesty and deep insight, she reveals how the industry's unique culture shaped both her struggles and her path to redemption . Key...
-
#42: Building Better Restaurant Teams Through Self-Awareness with Christine Smith
In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Christine Smith, founder of CS Consulting, to explore how self-awareness transforms restaurant operations and team dynamics. From her early days scooping ice cream to becoming a respected industry consultant, Christine shares...
-
#41: No Nonsense Kitchen Fundamentals
Discover the power of fundamentals as Simon Zatyrka shares essential strategies for restaurant excellence. From menu costing to building a learning culture, this episode delivers actionable insights for immediate implementation. Follow and Connect with Simon • www.culinarymechanic.com •...
-
#40: Simon's Journey: Vol. 4
In this milestone 40th episode, host Simon Zatyrka opens up about his dramatic career pivot and the valuable lessons learned along the way. From impromptu consulting gigs to building a personal brand, discover how one chef's quest for fulfillment evolved into a mission to transform restaurant...
-
#39: Reshaping Restaurant Careers: A Blueprint for Restaurant Success with Christin Marvin
In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, host Simon Zatyrka welcomes back Christin Marvin, a dynamic force in the hospitality industry. Christin brings fresh perspectives on restaurant leadership and employee well-being, drawing from her extensive experience and insights from her new book, "The...
-
#38: Finding Your Rhythm with Systems and Success with Aja Beard
In this episode, we dive deep into the latest restaurant industry trends with expert consultant Aja Beard, founder of Ask Aja Restaurant Consulting. Aja shares her wealth of experience and insights, offering valuable strategies for restaurant owners and managers navigating the challenges of 2024...
-
#37: Continuous Learning and Adaptability as a Career Strategy with Robert Simmelink
In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, we sit down with Robert Simmelink, Director of Culinary Services at Ignite Food Service Solutions, for a deep dive into the evolving world of food service and culinary careers. Robert shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings as a dishwasher to his...
-
#36: Engineering Restaurant Success: Lessons from The Restaurant Boss with Ryan Gromfin
Join Ryan Gromfin, 'The Restaurant Boss,' as he shares his journey and insights on revolutionizing restaurant management. Discover the power of micromanaging systems, not people, and why the industry desperately needs change. Follow and Connect with Ryan www.therestaurantboss.com…
more -
#35: From Chef to Breath: Managing a Career and the Stress of the Kitchen with Dave Gieselman
In this eye-opening episode of the Culinary Mechanic podcast, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Dave Gieselman, a former chef who's transformed his career into a breath work expert and stress management coach. Dave shares his remarkable journey from the chaos of professional kitchens to a life...
-
#34: Flames, Leadership and Community: A Chef's Culinary Adventure with Cory Untch
Experience the primal allure of cooking with fire as Chef Cory Untch shares his passion for outdoor cuisine. From Forbes five-star restaurants to mountaintop dinners, Corey reveals how he creates unforgettable dining experiences and ignites culinary passion in others. Follow and Connect with Cory...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Chef Simon Zatyrka, as he opens the door to candid conversations with the hospitality industry's most innovative leaders. Each episode runs the gamut from chefs talking about the community and cultures of kitchens to tech innovators talking about their concept to push the hospitality industry forward. You can expect a blend of battle-tested restaurant wisdom and modern leadership insights that challenge "the way it's always been done". You never know when the conversations about the business of hospitality are going to shift gears to discuss wood fired cookery, the camraderie of kitchen teams or the delusions of friends wanting to open a bar because they like sitting in one.New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe now to join a community of leaders who are as passionate about the business of hospitality, people and leadership as they are about food and cooking. Welcome to our sandbox.
HOSTED BY
Simon Zatyrka
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does CULINARY MECHANIC have?
CULINARY MECHANIC currently has 82 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is CULINARY MECHANIC about?
Join Chef Simon Zatyrka, as he opens the door to candid conversations with the hospitality industry's most innovative leaders. Each episode runs the gamut from chefs talking about the community and cultures of kitchens to tech innovators talking about their concept to push the hospitality industry...
How often does CULINARY MECHANIC release new episodes?
CULINARY MECHANIC has 82 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to CULINARY MECHANIC?
You can listen to CULINARY MECHANIC on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts CULINARY MECHANIC?
CULINARY MECHANIC is created and hosted by Simon Zatyrka.
URL copied to clipboard!