Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates
Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast is your backstage pass to the minds of hospitality leaders, innovators, and operators who are redefining what it means to serve. Hosted by Zack Oates, founder of Ovation, each episode dives into real-world tactics and inspiring stories from restaurant pros who know how to create five-star guest experiences—both in-store and off-premise.
From fast casual to fine dining, catering to curbside, learn how to drive loyalty, empower your staff, and deliver hospitality that hits home. Whether you're a restaurant owner, operator, marketer, or tech partner, this podcast will leave you with practical insights and plenty of reasons to celebrate and Give an Ovation.
Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates
Latest Episodes
Building an 80-Year Brand That Still Feels Personal with Jennifer Schuler of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and former CEO of Wetzel’s Pretzels, joins Zack Oates to talk about what really drives guest experience today. She shares why people are craving in-person connection more than ever, how small...
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Turning a Simple Bagel Into a Premium Experience with Tom Selementi of Spread Bagelry
Tom Selementi of Spread Bagelry joins Zack Oates to break down what actually drives guest loyalty in a crowded category. From premium positioning to operational discipline, Tom explains why winning in breakfast and lunch comes down to speed, co...
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Why Bold Brands Win Big with Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan
Pinky Cole, founder of Slutty Vegan, joins Zack Oates to share how bold branding, authenticity, and resilience built one of the most talked about restaurant concepts in the country. From creating a name that sparks conversation to navigating fa...
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The Real ROI Is Your General Manager with Melissa Doolin-Koehne of Elevate Four
Zack Oates sits down with Melissa Doolin-Koehne of Elevate Four to talk about what actually moves the needle in today’s restaurant environment. With decades of experience across operations, data, and leadership, Melissa brings a grounded perspe...
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How to Compete in a Crowded Pizza Market with David Cole of i Fratelli Pizza
Zack Oates sits down with David Cole of i Fratelli Pizza to talk about building a restaurant brand that lasts. With nearly four decades in the business, David shares what it takes to grow from a small family operation to a multi-location brand ...
