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Sebastian Stahl, former hospitality operator and now founder of Breadth, joins the show to talk about how restaurants can build marketing systems that actually work. As the host of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Sebastian shares how guest experience starts long before a diner walks through the door—and how to align your team, tech, and messaging to make every touchpoint count.

Zack and Sebastian discuss:

• Why systems are the foundation of strong marketing
• How to plan campaigns instead of winging them
• The role of tech in enhancing guest experience
• Why every touchpoint shapes brand perception
• How to scale hospitality with the right people
• The connection between employee and guest experience

Tune in to hear Sebastian’s operations-first take on restaurant marketing and how structure creates standout experiences.
Thanks, Sebastian!

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Chef Troy Guard, founder of TAG Restaurant Group, joins the show to share how creating a vibe, embracing the unexpected, and mentoring talent have helped him grow multiple restaurant concepts across states. From dishwasher to executive chef, Troy reflects on his journey and how guest experience is driven by feeling—not formulas.

Zack and Troy discuss:

• Why “vibe” is the first thing he notices in a restaurant
• How to scale a brand while staying true to its soul
• The power of mentorship and opening doors for others
• Why hospitality is more than food—it’s emotion
• How to keep concepts fresh without losing consistency
• Why feedback and change go hand in hand

Tune in to hear how Troy’s people-first philosophy creates lasting guest impressions and sustainable growth.
Thanks, Troy!

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Dr. Melissa Hughes joins Zack to explore the neuroscience behind the guest experience. As a keynote speaker and author, Melissa breaks down why small missteps in a restaurant can have an outsized impact, and how operators can respond to reviews with empathy and intention.

Zack and Melissa discuss:

• How the brain's negativity bias affects guest perception
• Why noise can ruin a meal regardless of food quality
• The power of thoughtful responses to negative reviews
• Why most feedback contains hidden truth
• How service recovery can create more loyal guests
• How personalization and empathy influence customer retention

Tune in to hear how Melissa’s brain-based insights can transform the way you handle feedback and build guest loyalty.

Thanks, Melissa!