The Restaurant Prosperity Formula

I opened this episode with a simple truth: restaurants don’t win on one great meal — they win on the second and third visits. In my conversation with hospitality pro Darren Denington, we unpack what really drives repeat business right now: first impressions that stick, value guests can feel (beyond price) and service that creates a personal connection. You’ll hear how to turn a first-time guest into a regular, what “value” actually means to today’s diners, where operations quietly erode loyalty and how to use systems, training, accountability — and yes, secret shopping — to keep experiences scoring in the 90s. This is a playbook for owners who want more visits, higher check averages and a reputation that markets itself. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Service with Style: www.servicewithstyle.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: https://www.davidscottpeters.com

Who doesn’t love a comeback story? In episode 135 of “The Restaurant Prosperity Formula” podcast, I sit down with Linda Grace Zadoian, owner of Piccadilly Grace Café & Market in San Marino and South Pasadena, California, to trace her path from middle-market finance to multi-unit operator who rediscovered joy in the business. You’ll hear how she stabilized after inflation shocks, literal wildfires and personal loss — not through heroics, but by embracing leadership, systems, training, accountability and taking action. Expect to learn what changed in her mindset, the specific levers she started pulling, and why community and the right implementer turned overwhelm into momentum. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Service with Style: www.servicewithstyle.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: https://www.davidscottpeters.com

What happens when the coach becomes the one in the hot seat? In this episode of “The Restaurant Prosperity Formula” podcast, I hand the mic to longtime friend and Mastery Plus member, Brian Sandel, co-owner of Creekwood Grill in Cypress, Texas. Sandel brings decades of restaurant experience to the table — and plenty of tough, thoughtful questions. Together, we dive into leadership lessons, the realities of restaurant ownership and even personal stories that shaped my journey. If you tune in, you’ll hear candid insights about success, failure, impostor syndrome, and why systems and processes are the foundation of lasting prosperity in the hospitality and restaurant business. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Service with Style: www.servicewithstyle.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: https://www.davidscottpeters.com

When money’s tight, creativity has to be tighter — and that’s exactly what you’ll learn about in episode 133 of the “Restaurant Prosperity Formula” podcast. I share how the most resilient operators innovate without big tech, big teams or big checks. You’ll learn how to spot high-impact opportunities right under your nose, pressure-test ideas cheaply, measure what matters (so you stop guessing) and either scale the winners or kill the losers — quickly. You’ll also hear real results from fellow owners who trimmed food cost, simplified menus, boosted repeat visits and turned “dead space” into revenue. This is a blueprint for using leadership, systems, training, accountability and action to create momentum when the margin for error is paper thin. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Service with Style: www.servicewithstyle.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: https://www.davidscottpeters.com

If your restaurant feels like it’s running your life, this episode of “The Restaurant Prosperity Formula” podcast is for you. I invited leadership expert and author of “Watch Me Rise Dr. Doug “Dr. Luff” Luffborough — who went from homelessness to Harvard and a career coaching leaders — to join me and talk straight to restaurant owners about why prosperity starts with leadership. We connect his story to the Restaurant Prosperity Formula I teach and focus on what you can expect to learn: how your personal life fuels your leadership, how your default style shapes results and how balanced teams create freedom and profit. Learn more about Dr. Luff at https://www.drluff.com 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – America’s Best Restaurants: https://dsp.coach/ABR-podcast Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: https://www.davidscottpeters.com

What does it take to go from pulling double shifts in your family’s restaurant to running four successful locations while still making time for family? In this episode of “The Restaurant Prosperity Formula” podcast, I sat down with Matt Jacobs, a Pennsylvania-based restaurant entrepreneur who built Ben Franklin’s Tap Room and now owns three Jersey Mike’s franchises. Matt shares his journey of starting out overwhelmed, underpaid and stuck in the day-to-day grind to creating systems, building a strong leadership team, and ultimately gaining both financial and personal freedom. Listeners will walk away with inspiration and clarity on what’s possible when you commit to systems, accountability and scaling with purpose. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – America’s Best Restaurants: https://dsp.coach/ABR-podcast Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

When restaurant burnout hits its peak, what comes next can be your most powerful transformation. In episode 130 of The Restaurant Prosperity Formula podcast, I flip the script, literally. Longtime restaurateur and community favorite Bob Cady takes over the mic to interview me in a deeply personal and insightful conversation. We dive headfirst into the mindset challenges that make or break independent restaurant owners, the pivotal moments that lead to transformation, and why systems alone won’t save your business unless your brain is in the game. Whether you're exhausted from years in the trenches or just hitting your stride, this episode is a raw and energizing look at what it really takes to create a prosperous, sustainable business. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – America’s Best Restaurants: https://dsp.coach/ABR-podcast Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

Ever wonder why some restaurants seem to hum along like a perfectly tuned engine while others grind through each shift with staff drama and burnout? In this episode of “The Restaurant Prosperity Formula” podcast, I dig into one of the most overlooked drivers of restaurant profitability and long-term success: staff well-being. This isn’t fluff. It’s about results — better retention, higher morale, and ultimately, more money in your pocket. You’ll learn why mental health, work-life balance and building a culture of safety and recognition aren’t just good intentions — they’re mission-critical strategies for thriving in today’s restaurant industry. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – America’s Best Restaurants: https://dsp.coach/ABR-podcast Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

What does it take to save a restaurant that’s drowning in costs, even when customers love your food and rave about your beer? In this episode of the Restaurant Prosperity Formula Podcast, I sit down with Ian McCall of ISM Brewing to unpack his journey from overwhelmed restaurateur to confident, profitable business owner. Ian’s story is a wake-up call for every restaurant and bar owner who thinks passion alone is enough to survive. In this episode, we reveal the behind-the-scenes struggles Ian faced and the game-changing moves he made to transform his brewpub into a success story—proving that with the right systems and mindset, you really can take control of your restaurant and your life. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – America’s Best Restaurants: https://dsp.coach/ABR-podcast Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

When restaurant owners dream of freedom from the grind — financial, operational and emotional — what they really need is a system. In episode 127 of the “Restaurant Prosperity Formula Podcast,” I sat down with CJ Lewis, co-founder and COO of Jolt, a restaurant operations platform that has redefined how accountability, food safety and systems should work in the real world. If you’ve ever struggled to get your team to follow checklists, keep temps in line or stay consistent without you breathing down their neck, this episode is for you. Lewis shares how Jolt was born out of frustration — and a $10,000 ice cream meltdown — and how it’s evolved into a must-have for restaurant operators serious about success. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – America’s Best Restaurants: https://dsp.coach/ABR-podcast Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

What happens when the coach becomes the one in the hot seat? In this episode of “The Restaurant Prosperity Formula,” we shake things up with a special “Flip the Table” segment. This time, the questions come from restaurant owner Jeff Fitter, a straight-shooting operator with a knack for digging deep and cutting through the fluff. If you’ve ever wondered how restaurant coaching works behind the scenes, how to become a stronger leader in your restaurant, or how to truly build a business that serves your life — not the other way around — this is the episode for you. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – America’s Best Restaurants: https://dsp.coach/ABR-podcast Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

Let’s be real — this industry is tough. In today’s podcast episode of The Restaurant Prosperity Formula, I dive deep into one of the most make-or-break elements of restaurant success: the guest experience. With fewer guests walking through the door and competition tighter than ever, delivering a memorable visit isn’t optional — it’s survival. Episode 125 is a masterclass in creating experiences so remarkable your guests can’t wait to come back. I explore what truly defines hospitality, why vague standards are your silent killer, and how lazy hiring — not “this generation” — is often the real problem. Whether you’re struggling to retain staff or haunted by bad Yelp reviews, this episode is your roadmap to turning things around. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

In this episode 124 of “The Restaurant Prosperity Formula” podcast, I sit down with longtime friend, client and now colleague, David Militello. Militello is a restaurant owner in South Haven, Michigan, and one of the first five members I ever coached. Over the years, he’s evolved from a struggling operator to a master of restaurant systems and now serves as a member mentor in my group coaching program. In this episode, Militello shares his journey from burnout to balance, the lessons he’s learned about leadership, and why the shift from operator to owner is so critical. Listeners will hear what it really takes to implement systems, build empowered teams and stay disciplined even when the restaurant world pulls you in a thousand directions. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

In this episode of The Restaurant Prosperity Formula podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark McShaffry, a seasoned restaurant owner with nearly 40 years of industry experience. After starting his career with Houston's, McShaffry eventually took the leap into independent ownership, opening The Backyard Grill in 2001. Since then, he’s grown to operate multiple concepts, including Creekwood Grill and Aero Crafters, all while becoming deeply rooted in his community. In this conversation, McShaffry shares his journey from corporate manager to thriving multi-unit owner, the tough lessons he learned along the way, and why systems, leadership and continuous learning have been the keys to his long-term success. If you’re a restaurant owner who wants to grow, get your life back and achieve true prosperity, you won’t want to miss this inspiring episode. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

In this special episode of the Restaurant Prosperity Formula podcast, I turn the mic over to one of my longtime members and friends, Raul Gonzalez, for a segment we call Flip the Table. Gonzalez is not only an inspiring restaurant owner but also a shining example of what happens when you commit to systems, leadership and constant improvement. In this episode, Gonzalez asks the questions — diving into my background, the lessons I’ve learned and the core of what drives me to help restaurant owners every single day. You’ll get an inside look at the mindset and systems behind the Restaurant Prosperity Formula — and how Gonzalez used them to completely transform his business. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

One of the most common (and frustrating) issues restaurant owners face is managers who bring you every little problem instead of solving things themselves. If you feel like you can’t get anything done without being interrupted, I have some solutions for you. In this episode of The Restaurant Prosperity Formula podcast, I tackle exactly why it happens and, more importantly, how to stop it. You’ll learn how to retrain your managers to think like owners, make decisions with confidence, and stop relying on you for answers—freeing up your time and restoring your sanity. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

Running a restaurant can feel like an endless grind — long hours, constant stress and financial uncertainty. But what if you could step back from the day-to-day operations and still have a successful, profitable restaurant? In this episode of The Restaurant Prosperity Formula Podcast, I sit down with Deja Wakefield, a former teacher turned restaurant owner, who shares her journey from being overwhelmed by restaurant ownership to running two thriving businesses with systems that give her true freedom. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

Running a restaurant is no small feat — especially when life throws unexpected challenges your way. In this episode of The Restaurant Prosperity Formula podcast, I sit down with Tina Wary, owner of Dixie Grill Barbecue and Crab Shack in Hawaii. Wary shares her powerful journey from working behind the scenes in her family’s restaurant to stepping up as the owner after the sudden passing of her husband in 2020. Her story is one of resilience, leadership and the power of systems. After struggling with financial inconsistencies despite a great team and excellent food, Wary attended my seminar in Las Vegas. She left with the tools to transform her restaurant, and in this episode she shares her journey putting those systems in place and the other tools she’s found since. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com

One of the biggest reasons restaurants struggle with sales isn’t always the food or service — it’s awareness. Either people know about you but don’t care, or they would care if they knew about you. My guest today, Josh Kopel, calls this the Awareness Formula, and in this episode of my podcast, The Restaurant Prosperity Formula, he shares powerful strategies that help restaurant owners become known in their market. Kopel has mastered a critical component of restaurant success: marketing. He is not just a restaurateur — he’s a tech pioneer, a Michelin-rated fine dining operator, and one of the best marketing minds in the industry. If you’ve been struggling with getting more customers in the door, keeping your tables full, and making marketing work for your restaurant, this episode is for you. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com Learn more about Josh Kopel at www.JoshKopel.com and on his podcast Full Comp.

If you’ve ever struggled to get your managers on board with new systems or changes, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Restaurant Prosperity Formula podcast, I dive into exactly why managers resist change, how you can turn that resistance into results and how to empower your restaurant managers to lead change. Managing your managers and getting them on board with change isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely necessary for your success — and theirs. I encourage you to listen to this episode, then pick one strategy and start implementing it this week. You will soon be on your way to a team of restaurant managers working with you rather than against you. 🖥️ Get My Latest Training Video: https://dsp.coach/training-opt-in 👍 Book a Call ­– https://dsp.coach/podcast-ryan-call Sponsor – Margin Edge: http://www.marginedge.com/dsp Visit my website for more information about my restaurant coaching program: www.davidscottpeters.com