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.
Podcasting since 2020 • 417 episodes
Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast with Zack Oates
Latest Episodes
Teaching Through Food Content with Steven Droulis of Resto Vivaldi
Zack Oates sits down with Steven Droulis, owner of Resto Vivaldi in Montreal, to explore how a family restaurant built an enormous online following while staying authentic to its roots. With hundreds of videos and hundreds of millions of views ...
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19:00
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Why Celebration Matters in Restaurant Leadership with Chris Gannon of Bolay
Zack Oates sits down with Chris Gannon, founder and CEO of Bolay, to discuss what it takes to build a restaurant brand that lasts. After more than a decade in business and over 20 locations, Chris shares lessons from navigating growth, challeng...
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19:26
Turning Seafood Steam Pots Into a National Brand with Danielle Mahon of Topsail Steamer
Zack Oates sits down with Danielle Mahon, founder and CEO of Topsail Steamer, to discuss how a simple seafood steam pot concept turned into a fast growing franchise brand. Danielle shares the origin story behind the idea, how she transitioned f...
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20:22
The Persistence Behind a 12 Year Restaurant Journey with Kyle and Maggie Gordon of Dillas Quesadillas
Zack Oates sits down with Kyle and Maggie Gordon, founders of Dillas Quesadillas, to discuss how they built a fast growing restaurant brand rooted in operational excellence and consistency. From bootstrapping their first location in Dallas to e...
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30:34
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Turning Food Allergy Chaos Into Clarity with Dylan McDonnell of Foodini
Zack Oates sits down with Dylan McDonnell, founder and CEO of Foodini, to discuss how restaurants can better serve guests with food allergies and dietary needs. Inspired by his own experience living with celiac disease, Dylan built Foodini to b...
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17:59
