Think you need years of restaurant experience to run a successful franchise? Think again. Today, Kyle sits down with Carl Comeaux, the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the Southeast. Carl’s journeyfrom personal trainer to smoothie entrepreneur is anything but conventional. Packed with actionable insights on strategy, culturebuilding, franchising, and leadership, Carl’s story proves there’s no single path to restaurant success.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Leveraging diverse experiences to drive innovative leadership

• Building and nurturing a strong, scalable company culture

• Effective franchising strategies for rapid, sustainable growth

• Common leadership pitfalls to avoid when scaling a restaurant brand

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Restaurant entrepreneurs looking to scale through franchising

• Leaders seeking fresh perspectives on culture and strategy

• Anyone intrigued by non-traditional pathways to restaurant industry success

• Operators eager to learn how diverse backgrounds can fuel innovation and growth

Connect with Carl on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-comeaux-2ab87a3b/

Learn more about franchising with Crust Pizza Co.

https://www.crustfranchise.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Still relying on gut feelings and scattered notes when selecting your restaurant’s next location? In this practical, hands-on episode, Kyle walks you through his "Location Viability Calculator and Site Tracker," tools he personally uses to guide restaurant brands to profitable, data-driven real estate decisions. Learn how to systematically assess site viability, track important details, and confidently scale your restaurant without risking what you’ve already built.

Key Conversations:

• The critical criteria you must evaluate before signing a lease

• How to remove emotional bias from your site selection process

• Leveraging free tools and resources to gather key market data

• The real cost of ignoring detailed site analysis and relying solely on broker flyers

• Why tracking and rating potential sites systematically can be the difference between success and failure

  
  

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Step-by-step guide to using Kyle’s custom Location Viability Calculator

• Easy-to-implement methods for gathering demographic and market-specific data

• Strategies for effectively comparing multiple potential locations side by side

• Common site-selection pitfalls and how to avoid them

  
  

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Restaurant entrepreneurs looking to expand into new locations

• Operators seeking a more systematic, data-driven approach to real estate

• Multi-unit managers who need consistent tools for site evaluation

• Anyone considering signing a restaurant lease who wants to avoid costly mistakes

  
  

  Download the FREE Location Viability & Site Tracker here!

  
  

  Want a second opinion on site?

  Are you considering a site and want a Custom Site Analysis? Schedule a 15min call here - and we can talk through the details.

  If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

  
  

  Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

  Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

  The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

  Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

  Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

  
  Thanks,

  Kyle

Think restaurant financing has to mean crippling debt or invasive investors? Think again. In this weeks conversation, Kyle sits down with Johann Moonesinghe, founder and CEO of InKind, a revolutionary financing model reshaping how restaurants grow and succeed. Johann shares his unique journey from tech entrepreneur to restaurant owner, and reveals how InKind has infused nearly $392 million into top-tier restaurants without the strings attached by traditional lending. From creating vibrant dining experiences at his own restaurants to funding celebrated groups like José Andrés, Johann is redefining financial sustainability in hospitality.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Evaluating alternative financing solutions to boost your restaurant's profitability.

• Understanding the true cost of traditional lending vs. revenue-based models.

• How to strategically use funding to enhance guest experience and grow sustainably.

• Pitfalls to avoid when choosing financial partners for your restaurant.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Restaurant owners frustrated with traditional financing methods.

• Operators seeking innovative solutions for sustainable growth.

• Investors and entrepreneurs looking to understand cutting-edge financial strategies in hospitality.

• Anyone passionate about the future of restaurant growth and sustainability.

  
  

  Connect with Johann on LinkedIn:

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/moonesinghe/

  Check out InKind Capital

  https://inkindcapital.com/

  If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

  Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

  Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

  The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

  Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

  Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

  
  Thanks,

  Kyle

Is it time to rethink how restaurants are built—literally from the ground up?

On this episode Kyle sits down with Nipun Sharma, CEO and co-founder of Appetronix, to talk about how robotics, AI, and first-principles thinking are completely transforming what a “restaurant” can be. With nearly two decades of global food experience and a sharp eye for operational pain points, Nipun is leading the charge with fully autonomous restaurant pods that slash labor, rent, and delivery inefficiencies—all while delivering chef-quality food.

From launching in Columbus Airport with Donato's Pizza to raising funds in a post-hype market, Nipun shares how thinking like a restaurant operator—not a tech bro—is what sets Appetronix apart.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• The future of food service isn’t Jetsons—it’s profit-driven design

• Automating a bad system won’t fix the economics—start from zero

• Use AI for food quality, inventory prediction, and real estate strategy

• Choose launch partners based on food credibility, not novelty

• Embrace automation as an extension of hospitality, not a replacement

  
  

  🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

  • Franchise executives exploring automation for expansion

  • Real estate developers seeking 24/7 food solutions

  • Restaurant tech investors evaluating next-gen platforms

  • Operators struggling with labor costs, late-night coverage, or staffing gaps

  • Food founders rethinking traditional kitchens

    
    

    Connect with Nipun on LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/nipun-sharma-to/

    
    

    Appetronix Website

    https://appetronix.com/

    If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

    Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

    Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

    The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

    Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

    Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

    
    Thanks,

    Kyle

From a challenging upbringing to becoming the CEO and founder of Aspire 2B Hospitality Group, Chris Olexa shares his entrepreneurial journey. Chris dives deep into his franchising experiences, with Quiznos and Buffalo Wild Wings, offering practical insights and hard-earned lessons. He emphasizes resilience, the significant influence of sports on his business mindset, and strategic methods for evaluating franchise opportunities. Chris candidly discusses balancing ambition with family responsibilities, navigating the complexities of franchise real estate, and maintaining strong leadership and team engagement. Packed with real-world advice, this episode is essential for anyone interested in getting ahead in the franchise space.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Conduct comprehensive market analyses before franchise expansion

• Embrace resilience to effectively handle business setbacks

• Plan carefully to balance aggressive growth with financial stability

• Foster a strong team environment for sustained operational success

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Aspiring and current restaurant franchise owners

• Franchisors dealing with expansion and real estate challenges

• Entrepreneurs seeking advice on balancing work-life dynamics

• Individuals interested in applying sports psychology to business

  Connect with Chris on LinkedIn:

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-olexa-2580151a6/

  Aspire 2B Podcast

  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire2b-podcast/id1657424112

  Follow Aspire 2B on Instagram

  https://www.instagram.com/aspire2bhospitality/

  If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

  Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

  Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

  The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

  Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

  Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

  
  Thanks,

  Kyle

From courtroom to kitchen: in this episode, Kyle sits down with Denise Tran, the visionary founder and CEO who traded her law career for the high-stakes world of restaurant entrepreneurship. Hear the raw, unfiltered story behind Bun Mee's journey from passionate concept to scalable franchise powerhouse. Denise pulls back the curtain on how her Vietnamese heritage shapes every aspect of her business, the unexpected challenges of airport locations, and the critical systems that transformed her personal passion into a replicable model. If you've ever dreamed of turning your cultural food heritage into a thriving restaurant brand, this conversation delivers both the inspiration and the practical blueprint you've been searching for.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• How to define your purpose before launching a restaurant concept
• Critical steps for standardizing operations when preparing to scale
• Financial preparation strategies that prevent common growth disasters
• The real estate lessons Denise learned the hard way (so you don't have to)
• How to navigate market differentiation in an increasingly competitive landscape

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• First-time restaurant entrepreneurs looking for a realistic roadmap
• Established operators considering the franchise model
• Restaurant owners navigating cultural representation in their concepts
• Anyone interested in the intersection of personal heritage and commercial food
• Operators evaluating airport or non-traditional location opportunities

Connect with Denise on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-tran-aa97734/

Follow Bun Mee on IG:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-tran-aa97734/

Interested in learning more about becoming a franchisee at Bun Mee?

https://bunmee.co/franchise

If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Thanks,

Kyle

Is your personal brand helping or hurting your restaurant's growth? In this candid conversation, Kyle sits down with Josh Halpern, the driving force behind Big Chicken, to explore the powerful intersection of personal branding and franchise success. From navigating the influence of celebrity partner Shaquille O'Neal to making tough decisions about franchisee selection, Josh shares unfiltered insights on building an authentic leadership presence that resonates with partners, customers, and communities. Whether you're a single-unit operator or managing multiple concepts, this episode reveals why your personal brand might be the most undervalued asset in your restaurant portfolio.

Key Conversations:

• How authenticity in leadership creates accountability throughout an organization
• The delicate balance of managing your personal brand alongside your restaurant brand
• Why shared values trump experience in franchisee selection
• How Shaquille O'Neal's personal brand influences Big Chicken's business decisions
• The critical role community connection plays in sustainable franchise growth

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Practical approaches to developing an authentic leadership presence
• Common personal branding pitfalls that restaurant leaders should avoid
• Strategic real estate considerations that align with your brand values
• How to leverage your personal presence to strengthen business relationships
• Techniques for maintaining open communication across multi-unit operations

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Restaurant owners looking to strengthen their leadership presence
• Franchise operators navigating growth challenges
• Multi-unit leaders building systems for communication and accountability
• Independent restaurateurs considering franchise opportunities
• Anyone interested in the human side of restaurant business success

If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Thanks,

Kyle

Think finding the perfect restaurant location is just about foot traffic and rent? Think again. In this revealing Deal Diaries episode, Kyle pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of commercial real estate for franchisees, taking you behind the scenes of a challenging Long Island City deal. From soaring rents to new development complexities, this real-world case study showcases the unexpected obstacles that can derail even the most promising location. Whether you're a seasoned operator or planning your first expansion, this episode delivers invaluable insights on navigating today's competitive real estate landscape.

Key Conversations:

• The unique challenges franchisees face in premium urban markets• How rising rent trends are reshaping location strategies in NYC• The hidden complications of securing space in new developments• Why timing and market knowledge can make or break a deal• The strategic pivot that led to exploring Brooklyn alternatives

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• How to properly assess if a hot market is actually right for your concept
• Tactics for strategic positioning when negotiating in competitive areas
• Red flags to watch for when considering spaces in new developments
• When to walk away from a location that looks perfect on paper
• How to adapt your expansion strategy when market conditions shift
• 
  

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Franchisees planning their next location
• Independent operators considering expansion
• Restaurant groups evaluating new market entry
• Real estate decision-makers in the food service industry
• Anyone fascinated by the real-world complexities of restaurant deals

• If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

  Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

  The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations.

  Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

  Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

  Thanks,

  Kyle