About the Podcast
Conversations at the intersection of food, culture, and the restaurant business
Your Host
Jay Bandy
President of Goliath Consulting Group
Jay has built a broad foundation of expertise during his 30 plus years in the restaurant industry. He is a past board member of the Georgia Restaurant Association, a member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International, a volunteer for ACE, and has previously served as an officer for the IFSEA (International Food Service Executives Association) in Atlanta.
He's developed expertise in business strategy, restaurant development and project management. He has overseen operations at hundreds of restaurants, built restaurant operating systems, and developed multiple brands. He has the knowledge to bridge the critical areas of strategic planning, operations, menu development, marketing, supply chain, and restaurant development. In addition to his role with Goliath Consulting supporting clients in the US and internationally, Jay owns Goliath Restaurant Management that operates restaurants in the greater Atlanta area, and helps run restaurant groups in Atlanta, GA and Greenville, SC.
Your Co-Host
Amanda Leesburg
Founder of Leesburg PR
A 27-year veteran of the public relations industry, Amanda Leesburg has deep experience in local, regional, and national media relations, currently specializing in promoting hospitality, restaurants, chefs, wellness and sustainability. As an independent publicist, Amanda has partnered with television networks such as Discovery and has worked one-on-one with celebrity clients.
She has secured three front page stories in The New York Times as well as front page coverage in other major market publications including the L.A. Times, Washington Post, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and Chicago Tribune. Her broadcast media successes include Oprah, Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX News, CBS, NBC, PBS, The View, NBC Nightly News, CBS Sunday Morning, Entertainment Tonight, E! News, Access Hollywood, Bloomberg, HGTV, DIY, ESPN, Associated Press, WWD, VOGUE, Vanity Fair, Lucky, Glamour, Town & Country, W, USA Today, Redbook, Woman's Day, People Magazine, InStyle, Los Angeles Times, Traditional Home, Veranda, Southern Living, Forbes, Fortune and The Wall Street Journal.
Why This Podcast Exists
The restaurant industry is one of the most challenging — and rewarding — businesses in the world. Yet too many operators are left to figure things out on their own. This podcast exists to change that. Every episode brings real conversations with real operators who have faced real challenges and found ways to succeed.
What We Cover
Restaurant Operations
Efficiency, systems, and the day-to-day realities of running a successful restaurant.
Marketing & SEO
How to get found online, build your brand, and turn digital presence into real guests.
Guest Experience
What makes guests return, recommend, and drive 45 minutes for a meal.
Profitability
Menu engineering, cost control, and the financial strategies that separate thriving restaurants from struggling ones.
Growth & Expansion
When and how to scale — from second locations to regional brands.
Food Culture
The stories, trends, and cultural forces shaping what and how we eat.
Ready to Listen?
New episodes drop every week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
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