All Episodes
Episodes
#45 : Beyond Labor Costs: Building Sustainable Restaurant Operations with Jim Taylor
In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Jim Taylor, founder of Benchmark 60 and author of "Bold Operations," to explore revolutionary approaches to restaurant operations and labor...
View Episode
#44 : Transforming Unwritten Kitchen Rules into Culinary Education Platform with Andre Natera
Chef Andre Natera's evolution from culinary leader to media mogul showcases the changing landscape of professional mentorship. Over his 27-year career, he mastered every position from dishwasher to executive chef,...
View Episode
#43 : Recovery, Redemption, and Restaurants: A Coach's Journey from Addiction to Advocacy with Kimberly Flear
Kimberly Flear shares her transformative journey from a 15-year-old server at a truck stop to becoming a recovery coach for hospitality professionals. Through raw honesty and deep insight, she reveals how the...
View Episode
#42: Building Better Restaurant Teams Through Self-Awareness with Christine Smith
In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Christine Smith, founder of CS Consulting, to explore how self-awareness transforms restaurant operations and team dynamics. From her early days...
View Episode
#41: No Nonsense Kitchen Fundamentals
Discover the power of fundamentals as Simon Zatyrka shares essential strategies for restaurant excellence. From menu costing to building a learning culture, this episode delivers actionable insights for immediate...
View Episode
#40: Simon's Journey: Vol. 4
In this milestone 40th episode, host Simon Zatyrka opens up about his dramatic career pivot and the valuable lessons learned along the way. From impromptu consulting gigs to building a personal brand, discover how one...
View Episode
#39: Reshaping Restaurant Careers: A Blueprint for Restaurant Success with Christin Marvin
In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, host Simon Zatyrka welcomes back Christin Marvin, a dynamic force in the hospitality industry. Christin brings fresh perspectives on restaurant leadership and employee well-being,...
View Episode
#38: Finding Your Rhythm with Systems and Success with Aja Beard
In this episode, we dive deep into the latest restaurant industry trends with expert consultant Aja Beard, founder of Ask Aja Restaurant Consulting. Aja shares her wealth of experience and insights, offering valuable...
View Episode
#37: Continuous Learning and Adaptability as a Career Strategy with Robert Simmelink
In this episode of Culinary Mechanic, we sit down with Robert Simmelink, Director of Culinary Services at Ignite Food Service Solutions, for a deep dive into the evolving world of food service and culinary careers....
View Episode
#36: Engineering Restaurant Success: Lessons from The Restaurant Boss with Ryan Gromfin
Join Ryan Gromfin, 'The Restaurant Boss,' as he shares his journey and insights on revolutionizing restaurant management. Discover the power of micromanaging systems, not people, and why the industry desperately needs...
View Episode
#35: From Chef to Breath: Managing a Career and the Stress of the Kitchen with Dave Gieselman
In this eye-opening episode of the Culinary Mechanic podcast, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Dave Gieselman, a former chef who's transformed his career into a breath work expert and stress management coach. Dave...
View Episode
#34: Flames, Leadership and Community: A Chef's Culinary Adventure with Cory Untch
Experience the primal allure of cooking with fire as Chef Cory Untch shares his passion for outdoor cuisine. From Forbes five-star restaurants to mountaintop dinners, Corey reveals how he creates unforgettable dining...
View Episode