Lauren Coulter didn’t plan to be a restaurant leader—but she’s become one of the most intentional voices in hospitality today.

In this episode, the Co-Founder and Chief Biscuit Eater of Biscuit Belly shares her journey from pharmacy to franchising, how she’s scaled a people-first brunch brand, and what it means to lead with “ruthless hospitality.”

We explore everything from team development and franchising culture to real community engagement—and how to hire for the things you can’t teach.

🔍 Topics Covered:
00:00 Morning Rituals and Culinary Adventures
04:05 From Pharmacy to Restaurant: A Leap of Faith
06:48 Building a Restaurant Empire: Lessons Learned
10:15 The Art of Hospitality: Creating Memorable Experiences
12:56 Balancing Culture and Operations in Franchising
26:25 Ruthless Hospitality and Coaching Dynamics
33:01 Fostering Internal Team Growth
38:13 Community Engagement and Brand Values
44:57 Leadership Horizons and Personal Growth

🎧 If you’re growing a brand with heart—or thinking about taking the leap—this one’s for you.

Adam Hayes, CFO & Co-Owner of Larkin’s Restaurant Group, shares his journey from fry cook to executive chef to financial leader — and how he’s building a people-first hospitality brand that thrives.

In this episode, we talk about:

• His transition from chef to CFO
• Building a leadership bench across multiple locations
• Scaling culture without compromise
• Why “Be NICE” guides every decision
• How to hire and retain the right people
• The unexpected leadership boost of a kitchen pushup challenge

🎧 Watch & Listen:

• Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9_cvNzHkBzs
• “Be NICE” Teaser: https://youtube.com/shorts/BANepIgLIrg?feature=share
• Pushup Challenge Teaser: https://youtube.com/shorts/cW7t9TRVL_w

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more: https://www.jasonebrooks.com/podcast
• Join the Leadership Circle: https://www.aimdrivescale.com/

The Virtuous Act of Hospitality: Restoring Generosity and Culture with Steve Fortunato

👤 Guest:

Steve Fortunato
Founder & CEO, Hospitality Collaborative
Author of The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality

📝 Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Leadership Table, Jason E. Brooks sits down with Steve Fortunato to explore hospitality as a virtuous act—one rooted in generosity, intentionality, and human connection.

From his early experiences in a hosting home to founding roomforty, Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen, and the broader Hospitality Collaborative, Steve’s journey reframes catering not as an afterthought—but as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for meaning and impact.

Steve also shares insights from his book The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality, unpacking how value creation, not value extraction, defines the future of great leadership. The conversation covers practical frameworks for speaking the good, building team culture, and creating virtuous cycles that elevate both guest experience and internal growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Hospitality is fundamentally about creating meaningful, affirming experiences.
• Foundational moments—especially in childhood—shape leadership instincts.
• Catering should be mind-blowing, not “good for catering.”
• Intentionality matters more than appearance or volume.
• Value creation is the defining trait of future-ready leaders.
• Recognizing and celebrating others fosters lasting loyalty.
• Small, authentic check-ins build strong team culture.
• Leaders grow by noticing, affirming, and re-centering on purpose.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – The Essence of Hospitality
01:59 – Foundational Experiences in Leadership
04:56 – Convergence of Values and Intentions
07:57 – Redefining Catering in Hospitality
13:50 – The Virtuous Act of Hospitality
19:48 – Creating a Virtuous Cycle in Leadership
26:22 – Building Culture and Accountability
30:38 – Leadership Lessons from Influential Figures

💬 Sound Bites:

🔗 Guest Links:

• Website: stevefortunato.com
• Instagram: @steve_fortunato
• LinkedIn: @Steve Fortunato

📣 Subscribe & Share:

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

If this conversation resonated with you, please:

• ✅ Subscribe and leave a review
• 💌 Share it with a hospitality or service-minded leader in your circle

For more insights, tools, and frameworks to scale smarter and lead stronger, visit jasonebrooks.com and check out the weekly coaching circle at aimdrivescale.com.