Eric shares how growing up around restaurants shaped his passion for the industry, what he’s learned from interviewing hundreds of restaurant owners, operators, and chefs, and the common traits he sees in the people building truly great businesses.

We also get into some of the biggest challenges restaurants are facing right now—from staffing and sustainability to burnout and rising costs—and why Eric believes collaboration, transparency, and stronger community between operators could be the key to helping more restaurants survive and thrive.

It’s an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation for anyone who loves restaurants or works in hospitality.

The episode also dives into the unique dynamic of working together as a couple: how they divide responsibilities, handle pressure, and stay aligned through constant change. Plus, in a fast-evolving city where trends move quickly and competition is fierce, they open up about the ongoing challenge of staying relevant while staying true to their brand.

She shares how she built her platform organically, what makes content resonate in 2026, and how she approaches authenticity in a saturated space. The conversation also pulls back the curtain on how she manages influencer partnerships for the Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group—what works, what doesn’t, and how restaurants can build meaningful relationships with creators.

Whether you’re a restaurateur, content creator, or just curious about the business behind the posts, this episode offers an honest look at the intersection of hospitality, marketing, and modern influence.

They dig into the small, often invisible steps behind big projects, the role of resilience in building a business, and how Jamie carved out time to write in the middle of a full restaurant life. At the center of it all is belief—the willingness to trust an idea before it fully exists, and the discipline to see it through.

This is a conversation about starting, continuing, and finishing—held together by the power of taking even the tiniest steps forward.

Colleen gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how she builds standout cocktail programs, from her creative process to the systems that keep her nimble in a constantly evolving industry. We dive into the rise of spirit-free cocktails, the growing role of THC beverages, and what it really takes to stay ahead of the curve in today’s bar scene.

Whether you’re a bartender, server, restaurant owner, or just someone who loves a great drink, this conversation is packed with insight, perspective, and a glimpse into where the future of beverages is headed.

Jen also shares the inspiring origin story of the organization, which began with an Atlanta restaurant later named Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurant about eight years ago. It’s a powerful look at how one community’s compassion grew into a nationwide effort to care for those who serve us every day.

If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, love the restaurant world, or just want to hear an inspiring story about turning tragedy into positive change, this episode is for you.

The conversation also gets cracking over farm-fresh vs. regular eggs — does the difference really show up on the plate? And finally, they tackle the big question: can brunch actually make money, or is it just a labor of love?

Pull up a chair (and maybe a mimosa) for a candid, flavorful look at the sweet, sour, and sunny side of brunch.