Think restaurant financing has to mean crippling debt or invasive investors? Think again. In this weeks conversation, Kyle sits down with Johann Moonesinghe, founder and CEO of InKind, a revolutionary financing model reshaping how restaurants grow and succeed. Johann shares his unique journey from tech entrepreneur to restaurant owner, and reveals how InKind has infused nearly $300 million into top-tier restaurants without the strings attached by traditional lending. From creating vibrant dining experiences at his own restaurants to funding celebrated groups like José Andrés, Johann is redefining financial sustainability in hospitality.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Evaluating alternative financing solutions to boost your restaurant's profitability.

• Understanding the true cost of traditional lending vs. revenue-based models.

• How to strategically use funding to enhance guest experience and grow sustainably.

• Pitfalls to avoid when choosing financial partners for your restaurant.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Restaurant owners frustrated with traditional financing methods.

• Operators seeking innovative solutions for sustainable growth.

• Investors and entrepreneurs looking to understand cutting-edge financial strategies in hospitality.

• Anyone passionate about the future of restaurant growth and sustainability.

  
  

  Connect with Johann on LinkedIn:

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/moonesinghe/

  Check out InKind Capital

  https://inkindcapital.com/

  If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

  Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

  Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

  The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

  Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

  Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

  
  Thanks,

  Kyle

Is it time to rethink how restaurants are built—literally from the ground up?

On this episode Kyle sits down with Nipun Sharma, CEO and co-founder of Appetronix, to talk about how robotics, AI, and first-principles thinking are completely transforming what a “restaurant” can be. With nearly two decades of global food experience and a sharp eye for operational pain points, Nipun is leading the charge with fully autonomous restaurant pods that slash labor, rent, and delivery inefficiencies—all while delivering chef-quality food.

From launching in Columbus Airport with Donato's Pizza to raising funds in a post-hype market, Nipun shares how thinking like a restaurant operator—not a tech bro—is what sets Appetronix apart.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• The future of food service isn’t Jetsons—it’s profit-driven design

• Automating a bad system won’t fix the economics—start from zero

• Use AI for food quality, inventory prediction, and real estate strategy

• Choose launch partners based on food credibility, not novelty

• Embrace automation as an extension of hospitality, not a replacement

  
  

  🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

  • Franchise executives exploring automation for expansion

  • Real estate developers seeking 24/7 food solutions

  • Restaurant tech investors evaluating next-gen platforms

  • Operators struggling with labor costs, late-night coverage, or staffing gaps

  • Food founders rethinking traditional kitchens

    
    

    Connect with Nipun on LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/nipun-sharma-to/

    
    

    Appetronix Website

    https://appetronix.com/

    If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

    Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

    Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

    The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

    Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

    Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

    
    Thanks,

    Kyle

From a challenging upbringing to becoming the CEO and founder of Aspire 2B Hospitality Group, Chris Olexa shares his entrepreneurial journey. Chris dives deep into his franchising experiences, with Quiznos and Buffalo Wild Wings, offering practical insights and hard-earned lessons. He emphasizes resilience, the significant influence of sports on his business mindset, and strategic methods for evaluating franchise opportunities. Chris candidly discusses balancing ambition with family responsibilities, navigating the complexities of franchise real estate, and maintaining strong leadership and team engagement. Packed with real-world advice, this episode is essential for anyone interested in getting ahead in the franchise space.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Conduct comprehensive market analyses before franchise expansion

• Embrace resilience to effectively handle business setbacks

• Plan carefully to balance aggressive growth with financial stability

• Foster a strong team environment for sustained operational success

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Aspiring and current restaurant franchise owners

• Franchisors dealing with expansion and real estate challenges

• Entrepreneurs seeking advice on balancing work-life dynamics

• Individuals interested in applying sports psychology to business

  Connect with Chris on LinkedIn:

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-olexa-2580151a6/

  Aspire 2B Podcast

  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire2b-podcast/id1657424112

  Follow Aspire 2B on Instagram

  https://www.instagram.com/aspire2bhospitality/

  If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

  Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

  Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

  The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

  Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

  Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

  
  Thanks,

  Kyle