The Marketing Medic

In this episode of The Marketing Medic Podcast, Anthony Clarke breaks down three restaurant headlines and the marketing lessons operators can apply immediately.1) Starbucks: Why licensed locations (airports, hospitals, etc.) can create inconsistent customer experiences, and how Starbucks is using a new performance system to evaluate, rank, and improve stores to create a more consistent brand experience.2) Jack in the Box: A smart 75th anniversary promotion using mini sliders plus app-based rewards incentives to drive engagement and repeat visits, plus how smaller restaurants can run similar campaigns without massive budgets.3) Taco Bell: A textbook example of audience engagement plus first-party data, letting rewards members vote on a limited-time menu item, turning customers into participants and strengthening brand loyalty.If you’re a restaurant owner, don’t just watch the big brands. Extract the lesson and implement it fast.

In this solo episode, Anthony Clarke shares an update on where the podcast is headed,adding a new layer of restaurant news, broken down through a digital marketing lens, so operators can pull real lessons from what’s happening in the industry. He also talks about potentially adjusting the show name so it better matches what the podcast is becoming. Then we jump into three headlines:AI in restaurants: why owners don’t want “one more dashboard,” and what a survey revealed about where AI is actually valued (labor + scheduling vs dashboards). Loyalty + first-party data: what Zaxby’s is doing and why every restaurant should be building customer data to market smarter (and rely less on Meta/Google over time). Shareables + menu strategy: Little Caesars’ shareable move and the bigger takeaway, your menu items are marketing assets, not just food.

On this episode of The Marketing Medic Podcast, Anthony Clarke sits down with Cassidy Jones, Founder & CEO of LOL Burger Bar in Atlanta, to break down how she built a brand designed for scale before having dozens of locations. Cassidy shares her path from project management and a hookah lounge concept to buying a burger spot, pivoting the entire brand for scalability, and creating a marketing engine powered by intentional branding, packaging, and collaborations (including a major SpongeBob anniversary activation and an artist collab that shows how culture + food can drive demand).They also talk operations and growth: fresh, cooked-to-order burgers with premium ingredients, how the food truck acts as the brand’s “arms and legs,” why catering is a major revenue play, and the long-term vision behind LOL’s franchising model (including a larger concept with a full bar). Plus Cassidy explains what LOL really stands for: “Live Out Loud.”Follow & find LOL Burger Bar: @LOLBurgerBar (TikTok: lolburgerbaratl) | lolburgerbar.com | Download the LOL Burger Bar app.

On this episode of The Marketing Medic Podcast, Anthony Clark sits down with Chris Minadakis, founder of DaVinci Gelato Miami, to unpack how a Greek-born, New York–hustle background turned into one of Lincoln Road’s most eye-catching dessert experiences. Chris shares why he built DaVinci around in-house made gelato and a mission that started at home: finding a frozen treat his family could enjoy without the usual “ice cream bloat.” That search led him to grass-fed A2/A2 milk, cleaner ingredients like organic cane sugar and agave, and even new flavors made with buffalo milk for extra creaminess and protein.You’ll also hear how DaVinci’s bold yellow storefront, kid-friendly display design, and “walkable” menu (gelato, gelato-filled donuts, crepes, waffle cones, mini waffles, sorbets, and sugar-free options) helped it take off—even before heavy marketing. Chris closes with real operator advice on costs, timing, strategy, quality, and service, plus what’s next: more locations and franchising.📍 Visit: 645 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach📲 Instagram: @DavinciGelatoMiami

In this guest episode of The Marketing Medic Podcast, Anthony Clark sits down with Zach Buccolo, the owner of Ital Bowls in Stuart, FL, to break down what it really takes to build a lifestyle brand with staying power. Zach shares how “Ital” (inspired by island + reggae culture) became the foundation of his clean-food mission, why he chose a food truck as the lowest-investment path, and how consistency more than hype creates longevity. He also shares an unexpected COVID success story (yes, really), plus the mindset shifts that helped him push through the hardest seasons and keep evolving into 2026.Connect with Zach / Ital Bowls:IG: @italbowls | @zachbucolo | @vitalsurfretreats

In this Q&A episode of The Marketing Medic, Anthony Clarke answers three real questions restaurant owners are asking right now: how to market your restaurant when you don’t have time to be on social media every day, whether you should prioritize new customer acquisition or reactivating existing guests, and what to do this month if you want more traffic fast. Anthony breaks down practical ways to schedule content, empower your team to create in-store videos, and why the real “fast traffic” play is building and using third-party customer data: emails, phone numbers, and purchase behavior to drive repeat visits with email/SMS and targeted offers.

In this Q&A episode of The Marketing Medic, Anthony Clarke breaks down what’s working right now for restaurant marketing on social media: whether you should post polished “pro” content or raw iPhone videos, how often to post without worrying about “burnout,” and what to fix first when your marketing feels all over the place. You’ll learn why the algorithm rewards content quality (not follower count), why testing formats matters, and how choosing one primary platform can create faster momentum plus a reminder to thrive (not just survive) as marketing evolves with AI.

Restaurant owners wrote in with real marketing problems. Low engagement, slow days, influencer confusion, and unclear results. In this episode, Anthony breaks down what’s actually working right now, what’s a waste of time, and how to market with intention instead of guesswork.

On this episode of The Marketing Medic Podcast, we sit down with Eddie Esteves, Founder of Don Eddie’s Kitchen a Latin-Cuban concept in Delray Beach. Eddie shares his journey from Miami to Manhattan to the Bahamas, decades of restaurant leadership, and what finally pushed him to launch his own business—starting as a food truck in March 2025. In this conversation, we cover:How living in Puerto Rico and Venezuela shaped his worldviewWhat he learned from New York’s restaurant sceneWhy he treats every ingredient with “love and honor” (including his house mustard + cured/smoked ham)The biggest differences between corporate restaurants and owning a food truckScaling plans: growing sales, catering, paella parties, and the path to brick & mortar Find Don Eddie’s Kitchen (Delray Beach): 📍 801 NE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 🗓️ Open Tuesday–Saturday (currently closed Sunday & Monday)

Welcome to our first ever Q&A episode! Anthony is answering restaurant marketing questions with insight, strategy and guidance. Be sure to send your questions in to be featured on the next Q&A episode. Peace, blessings, cheers!

In this episode of The Marketing Medic, Anthony Clarke sits down with the founder of Lit Miami Sandwiches and Arepas, Tomas Iglesias one of the hottest new food trucks turning heads and taste buds in South Florida.

In this episode of The Marketing Medic, host Anthony Clarke sits down with Jorge Llapur, co-founder of Cuban Guys, to unpack the bold leap from corporate leadership to carving out a legacy in South Florida’s fast-casual food scene.Jorge opens up about:Walking away from a stable corporate career to build something of his ownThe mindset shift required to go from managing systems to starting from scratchHow Cuban Guys was designed to deliver authentic Cuban flavor at fast-food speedThe sacrifices, surprises, and small wins that shaped the brand’s early daysWhat motivates him to keep growing—and what he wants future entrepreneurs to knowThis episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever thought about walking away from the “safe” path to build something personal, powerful, and purpose-driven.

Anthony Clarke’s journey started with $15 flyer gigs and a front-row seat to his parents’ work ethic. That foundation shaped how he thinks, works, and serves. And today, he leads an award-winning agency helping restaurants grow through smart, relentless marketing. In this episode, he shares how he found his calling, why "unlimited" value is non-negotiable, and the lessons he learned the hard way. If you're thinking about taking the leap from side hustle to full-time founder, this episode is for you. More on Anthony's story: https://localitybank.com/resources/podcast-anthony-clarke-acc-unlimited/

In this episode of The Marketing Medic, host Anthony Clarke sits down with Flower, the powerhouse behind Shangul’s a Jamaican restaurant and juice bar that's been serving the Margate, FL community for nearly a decade.Flower shares how she went from creative design school to carving out a unique space in South Florida’s Caribbean food scene offering not just traditional Jamaican meals, but also a natural juice bar, vegetarian, and vegan options, all rooted in health-conscious practices inspired by Dr. Sebi.

In this inspiring episode of the Marketing Medic Podcast, host Anthony Clark sits down with Tia Doster, founder and CEO of Juice Defined, Opa-Locka’s first and only full-service cold-pressed juice bar. What started as a personal wellness journey to combat preeclampsia and kidney failure became a thriving business grounded in purpose, resilience, and community.

In this inspiring episode of The Marketing Medic, host Anthony Clark sits down with Anna, co-founder of Dora’s Bakery & Bistro—Miami’s only 100% gluten-free bakery. Named after her husband’s grandmother who unknowingly pioneered gluten-free baking out of necessity, Dora’s is more than a bakery, it’s a mission-driven brand built from love, legacy, and health awareness.Anna shares how she transitioned from a 30-year corporate career to launching a niche bakery from scratch, the challenges of COVID as a new business, and the creative pivots (like frozen goods and nationwide shipping) that kept them thriving. If you’re an entrepreneur, especially in the food space, this episode is packed with insight on resilience, innovation, and staying true to your vision, one cupcake at a time.📍 Located in Coral Gables? Don’t miss out on a visit to Dora’s. 📦 Nationwide shipping available on select items.

In this delicious episode of The Marketing Medic, Anthony sits down with Monika, the visionary behind Trattoria Di Vakis, a handcrafted pasta concept born from pure passion and culinary heritage. Monica shares how she turned a weekend hobby into a thriving artisan pasta brand inside the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, Florida.Learn how her Dominican roots, a love for fresh ingredients, and a deep respect for Italian culinary tradition led to vibrant, vegetable-infused pasta that captivates locals and tourists alike. She breaks down her journey—from homemade meal preps to a full-service kitchen and market stall, to launching her own e-commerce platform with national shipping, catering, and a subscription model.This is more than just a restaurant story, it’s a masterclass in niche branding, vertical integration, and customer connection. Whether you're a foodie, a founder, or a fellow visionary, this one’s for you.

In this flavorful episode of The Marketing Medic, host Anthony Clarke sits down with Richard Charleston, Managing Director of A'Lu Mexican Cuisine in Boynton Beach, Florida. Richard shares his unexpected journey from his Midwestern roots and California upbringing to creating one of South Florida’s most intentional and authentic Mexican restaurants.Discover how a love for family dinners, a strategic mindset, and a refusal to settle for average tacos led to the birth of A'Lu. From flying his chef to San Diego for taco R&D to emphasizing character over experience in hiring, Richard’s approach to hospitality is anything but ordinary.This episode is packed with insight on building a restaurant from the ground up, the power of planning (and re-planning), and why genuine care is the secret ingredient behind every great dining experience.

In this flavorful episode of The Marketing Medic, host Anthony Clarke sits down with Danny Omari, Co-owner of Happeas Mediterranean Grill, a vibrant, fast-casual concept bringing fresh, health-forward Mediterranean cuisine to South Florida.Danny shares the journey from early brand experiments to launching their flagship location built with intention, family energy, and a love for real food. From choosing the perfect location and curating their menu, to building local buzz and handling growing pains, this episode gives an inside look at how passion meets process in the restaurant industry.Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own spot, scaling a local brand, or just love a good founder story, this conversation is packed with flavorful insights.

In this episode of The Marketing Medic, we sit down with Nicole Lopez, founder of Mama Chea Café — a 100% premium vegan specialty café, juice bar, market, and commissary kitchen that’s redefining conscious living in South Florida.Nicole opens up about walking away from her 9–5 during the height of the pandemic to follow a calling rooted in wellness, culture, and community. She shares the challenges of launching a fully vegan business, what it’s like to build a brand from the ground up, and how Mama Chea has become more than a café — it's a movement.

In this high-energy episode of The Marketing Medic, host Anthony Clarke reconnects with longtime friends and powerhouse entrepreneurs Kevin Hadden and Steven Dacres the duo behind the booming Shisha Lounge brand in South Florida.  The visionary/integrator dynamic that powers their partnershipHow they built a day-party culture that reflects their evolving audienceOvercoming a major licensing challenge that temporarily removed hookah from ShishaWhy true leadership means preparing for what will go wrongTheir mission to create a hospitality empire grounded in culture and community What started as frustration with venue owners and undervalued partnerships evolved into a bold leap into ownership, leading to two successful Shisha locations and a new open-air concept, Muse, on the horizon.Kevin and Steven open up about:If you’re building a brand, navigating a business partnership, or looking for a real behind-the-scenes look at nightlife entrepreneurship this is the episode for you.

In this heartfelt episode of The Marketing Medic, we sit down with Estefania Salazar, the inspiring owner of Caprichos Mexicanos a vibrant dessert café bringing the bold flavors and traditions of Mexico to South Florida.Estefania opens up about her upbringing, the roots of her entrepreneurial spirit, and the personal challenges she’s faced along the way. From heartbreaking losses to moments of triumph, she shares the raw and real journey behind building Caprichos from the ground up a brand that’s as much about family and culture as it is about flavor.This is more than a business story it’s a story of resilience, purpose, and passion.Real restaurants. Real stories. Real strategies.

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Marketing Medic, host Anthony Clarke sits down with Greg George, co-owner and CEO of the Peach Cobbler Factory. From selling notepads in the 4th grade to battling a 45-year addiction and becoming a national franchising leader, Greg shares his raw, unfiltered journey of redemption, resilience, and reinvention.He opens up about the turning point that saved his life—and his son’s—as well as the mindset shifts that helped him scale one of the fastest-growing dessert brands in America. You'll hear about his entry into franchising with zero experience, what it means to lead with purpose, and why creativity is his greatest asset in business.If you’ve ever faced obstacles, doubted your path, or needed a reminder that reinvention is possible—this episode is for you!

In this episode of The Marketing Medic, we sit down with Pai Dayan, owner and CEO of Dr. Juice Cafe and Everest Wellness, to uncover the secrets behind building two thriving health-focused brands.Pai shares how Dr. Juice Cafe has remained a staple in the community for over a decade, the lessons learned from balancing entrepreneurship with family life, and how his passion for wellness has led to incredible success with Everest Wellness — a performance and recovery brand trusted by elite NFL athletes.From smoothies to sports science, Pai’s journey is a masterclass in longevity, purpose, and evolving with your brand.

In this episode of The Marketing Medic, we sit down with Buddy Sherman, co-owner of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest raw bar — a beloved institution with deep roots and an even deeper history.Buddy started working at the bar in the 1970s as a young Busboy and never left. Over the decades, he climbed the ranks, weathered industry storms, and eventually earned his place as one of the owners. Now, with over 40 years in the business, Buddy shares his incredible journey, the secrets to staying relevant for generations, and what makes this raw bar a true local legend.Get ready for a story filled with grit, passion, and the kind of hospitality wisdom you can’t Google.Real restaurants. Real stories. Real strategies.

In this episode of The Marketing Medic, we sit down with the visionary founder and owner of The Thyme Machine Cafe — a groundbreaking 24-hour AI-powered food truck franchise that’s shaking up the fast food industry. From robot chefs to predictive ordering systems, this isn’t your typical food truck. We dive deep into how the idea came to life, the tech powering the operation, and the bold vision behind scaling a franchise model that never sleeps. Whether you're a restaurant owner, tech enthusiast, or just hungry for innovation, this episode delivers a fresh serving of insights on automation, customer experience, and what the future of food service looks like.

The Marketing Medic is a podcast that spotlights restaurant/hospitality owners, operators, and brands telling their stories while offering powerful marketing insight along the way. Each episode features either:A real-time social media audit, ORA one-on-one interview with a restaurant owner sharing their journey.