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  • A restaurant manager smiling while reviewing guest feedback on a tablet, with diners seated in the background, representing how independent restaurants use guest experience platforms to stay connected with their guests.

6 Best Guest Experience Platforms for Independent Restaurants

Ovation2026-04-16T12:56:00-06:00April 16, 2026|Articles, Tips|

Running a great restaurant has always been about the guest experience. But in 2026, "guest experience" doesn't end when ...

  • Matt Calabrese & David Youngberg, both in suits, stand before a blue gradient background with text highlighting Stonefire Grill’s 5,500-person catering. Stonefire Grill and Ovation logos are also featured.

The Secret Behind Stonefire’s 5,500-Person Catering Machine with David Youngberg and Matt Calabrese of Stonefire Grill

Ali Özbay2026-04-14T09:36:33-06:00April 14, 2026|Business Tips, Podcasts|

David Youngberg is the CEO of Stonefire Grill, bringing decades of operational leadership experience, including over ...

  • Smiling Jessica Serrano, with curly hair, glasses, and a floral blazer, stands next to text: Building a Breakfast Brand That Wins the Morning. Bagel Brands and Ovation logos are displayed at the bottom.

Building a Breakfast Brand That Wins the Morning with Jessica Serrano of Bagel Brands

Ali Özbay2026-04-14T07:20:34-06:00April 9, 2026|Business Tips, Podcasts|

Jessica Serrano is the Chief Marketing Officer at Bagel Brands, overseeing a portfolio that includes Einstein ...

  • A person holding a smartphone displaying an Ovation guest feedback survey that asks "How was your experience?" with emoji rating options, representing how restaurants collect guest feedback digitally.

What Is Guest Feedback Software? A Guide for Restaurants

Ovation2026-04-09T08:23:08-06:00April 9, 2026|Articles, Tips|

If you've ever watched a guest leave your restaurant and wondered what they actually thought — you already understand ...

  • Chef Steven Droulis, in uniform and black cap, poses before a blue gradient backdrop featuring the text: Teaching Through Food Content with Steven Droulis, alongside the Vivaldi and Ovation logos.

Teaching Through Food Content with Steven Droulis of Resto Vivaldi

Ali Özbay2026-04-02T11:50:57-06:00April 7, 2026|Business Tips, Podcasts|

Steven Droulis is the owner of Resto Vivaldi, a family restaurant in Montreal that has gained ...

  • Smiling Chris Gannon in a light gray suit stands next to text: Why Celebration Matters in Restaurant Leadership. Logos for Bolay Kitchen and Ovation appear at the bottom on a blue gradient background.

Why Celebration Matters in Restaurant Leadership with Chris Gannon of Bolay

Ali Özbay2026-04-06T14:01:08-06:00April 6, 2026|Business Tips, Podcasts|

Chris Gannon is the founder and CEO of Bolay, a fast casual restaurant brand focused on ...

  • A woman with blonde hair in a navy top smiles at the camera. The headline reads: “Turning Seafood Steam Pots Into a National Brand with Danielle Mahon.” Logos for Topsail Steamer and Ovation are at the bottom, set against a blue and purple background.

Turning Seafood Steam Pots Into a National Brand with Danielle Mahon of Topsail Steamer

Ali Özbay2026-03-04T14:34:28-06:00March 30, 2026|Business Tips, Podcasts|

Danielle Mahon is the founder and CEO of Topsail Steamer, a seafood concept known for its ...

  • A smiling Kyle and Maggie Gordon, both in branded Dillas shirts and hats, stand together on a blue gradient background. Text reads: The Persistence Behind a 12 Year Restaurant Journey with Kyle and Maggie Gordon. Logos are below.

The Persistence Behind a 12 Year Restaurant Journey with Kyle and Maggie Gordon of Dillas Quesadillas

Ali Özbay2026-03-20T11:42:51-06:00March 16, 2026|Business Tips, Podcasts|

Kyle and Maggie Gordon are the founders of Dillas Quesadillas, a Texas based fast casual restaurant ...

  • A man in a light blue shirt stands smiling next to text that reads, TURNING FOOD ALLERGY CHAOS INTO CLARITY with Dylan McDonnnell. Logos for foodini and Ovation are at the bottom, set against a blue and purple gradient background.

Turning Food Allergy Chaos Into Clarity with Dylan McDonnell of Foodini

Ali Özbay2026-03-04T10:59:47-06:00March 9, 2026|Business Tips, Podcasts|

Dylan McDonnell is the founder and CEO of Foodini, a technology platform that helps restaurants manage ...

  • Smiling John F. Maggio, in a dark jacket over a checked shirt, stands beside the text: “Building Breakout CPG Brands with John F. Maggio.” The Give an Ovation logo appears below on a blue to purple gradient background.

Building Breakout CPG Brands with John F. Maggio of JM Enterprises

Ali Özbay2026-02-24T13:00:34-06:00March 2, 2026|Business Tips, Podcasts|

John F. Maggio is a seasoned CPG entrepreneur and investor with decades of experience building and ...

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Recent Podcasts

Ali Özbay2026-05-04T12:35:52-06:00

Turning a Simple Bagel Into a Premium Experience with Tom Selementi of Spread Bagelry

Ali Özbay2026-05-04T12:35:52-06:00May 14, 2026|

Ali Özbay2026-05-04T12:21:41-06:00

Why Bold Brands Win Big with Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan

Ali Özbay2026-05-04T12:21:41-06:00May 11, 2026|

Ali Özbay2026-05-08T09:51:42-06:00

The Real ROI Is Your General Manager with Melissa Doolin-Koehne of Elevate Four

Ali Özbay2026-05-08T09:51:42-06:00May 8, 2026|

Ali Özbay2026-05-04T00:21:31-06:00

How to Compete in a Crowded Pizza Market with David Cole of i Fratelli Pizza

Ali Özbay2026-05-04T00:21:31-06:00May 6, 2026|

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