#110.

In this special meez podcast feature, Amy Guittard of the namesake chocolate brand leads a discussion with acclaimed chefs Suzanne Goin and Michael Mina, and hospitality tech founders Ryan Handel and Josh Sharkey, on the intersection of creativity and profitability—where inspiration meets the realities of running a business. They explore the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of running independent restaurants. Key topics include balancing passion with profitability, fostering creativity within constraints, and the vital role restaurants play in community building. The discussion also delves into strategies for driving revenue, understanding the true costs of a dish, and the importance of teamwork in the kitchen. The episode underscores the collective effort needed to preserve independent restaurants, which are essential for reflecting broader humanity and culture.

A huge thank you to Brad Metzger and the BMRS team for putting on another spectacular LA Chef Conference this year!

Links and resources 📌

Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.com

Follow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeez

Follow Josh: @joshlsharkey or Linkedin here

Follow Michael Mina: @chefmichaelmina

Follow Suzanne Goin: @suzannegoin

Follow Amy Guittard: @guittardchocolate

Follow Ryan Handel: @getmyfixe

Follow Brad Metzger @metzger_brad

The La Chef Conference: https://www.lachefconference.com/

#109.

Join Josh as he moderates a compelling discussion with Eric Bromberg, co-founder of Blue Ribbon Restaurants, and John Karangis, executive chef at Shake Shack, exploring the fascinating intersection between fine dining and food at scale. This engaging conversation reveals the mutual lessons these two culinary worlds can teach each other, diving deep into the critical importance of precision, consistency, and innovation that drives success across both restaurant segments. The trio examines how scaling operations can actually sharpen efficiency and creativity, challenging traditional assumptions about what it means to deliver quality food at different service levels.

The discussion ventures into the evolving landscape of the food industry, touching on exciting possibilities for elevating food quality in unexpected places like hospitals and envisioning the future of quick service restaurants that refuse to compromise on high-quality dining experiences. Bromberg and Karangis share insights from their respective expertise in upscale dining and fast-casual innovation, while Josh guides the conversation through practical applications and industry trends. The summit concludes on an optimistic note, celebrating the next generation of chefs and the promising future of food businesses that are breaking down barriers between speed and quality, efficiency and excellence.

Links and resources 📌

Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.com

Follow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeez

Follow Josh: @joshlsharkey or Linkedin here

Follow Dan: @dan.giusti

Visit Brigaid Summit: https://www.brigaidsummit.com

Follow Eric: @blueribboneric

Follow John: john_karangis

#108.
Josh sits down with Blake Hudelson, founder of BoomPop, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the event planning and hospitality landscape. Blake shares his journey from architecture to product design and how it shaped his approach to building BoomPop as a comprehensive platform that simplifies event management through technology while maintaining the personal service that makes events truly memorable. They examine the power of design thinking in understanding guest needs before crafting solutions, discussing how successful events engage all five senses and create lasting emotional connections through thoughtful details and brand experiences.

The conversation touches on the supportive nature of founders' communities and their essential role in providing networking opportunities and fostering innovation. Blake demonstrates how his architectural background influences his product design philosophy, emphasizing that memorable experiences stem from personal touches and meticulous attention to detail rather than just technology alone. They unpack how AI is revolutionizing the industry by enhancing human creativity rather than replacing it, while exploring BoomPop's mission to become the leading platform for all types of events and the delicate balance between technological efficiency and the human elements that make events truly special.

Links and resources 📌

Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.com

Follow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeez

Follow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkey

Visit BoomPop: http://www.boompop.com

Follow Blake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakehudelson