1164: FOH Layout Engineering Workshop with Stephani Robson, Pt. 1

1164: FOH Layout Engineering Workshop with Stephani Robson, Pt. 1

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee March 6, 2025 Duration: 1:22:43

Today's guest is Emeritus Faculty of The Hotel School of Cornell University, Stephani Robson. Until her recent retirement, Dr. Stephani Robson was a member of the faculty at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration for almost 30 years, where she taught literally thousands of students and executives about development and planning for hotels and restaurants. Prior to joining academia, she designed commercial kitchens for just about every kind of operation: restaurants, hotels, airports, hospitals, universities, and more.

This workshop covers part 1 of our 3-part series about FOH Layout Engineering. Workshops can be found every Thursday in the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast feed or on YouTube. Most have a visual component, so consider watching the video version here. Join the RUNetwork to take part in workshops and ask the experts YOUR questions!

Want more Stephani Robson? Head to www.restaurantunstoppable.com/stephanirobson to get the Stephani Robson Playlist and a link to schedule your one-on-one call with Stephani.

Join the Restaurant Unstoppable Network TODAY!

Restaurant Unstoppable - EVOLVE! - Eric of Restaurant Unstoppable is now taking consultation and coaching calls! Book a consultation today! Schedule your call to become UNSTOPPABLE! Check out the website for more details: https://www.restaurantunstoppable.com/evolve

Today's sponsors:

US Foods: US Foods is hosting the event of the year, Food Fanatics 2025. August 19-20, 2025, at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV. Network with over 5,000 Industry peers. Attend Zouk nightclub reception, expert breakout sessions, Keynote speeches, musical performances, and dramatic demonstrations, and sample the latest on-trend dishes. The Clock Is Ticking! Be Ready to Register on April 16 for Food Fanatics® 2025. To learn more, visit www.usfoods.com/foodfanatics2025

Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. 

Let's make 2025 the year your restaurant thrives.

Guest contact info: 

  • Email: skr4@cornell.edu

Thanks for listening! Rate the podcast, subscribe, and share! 

We are on Youtube: @RestaurantUnstoppable


Eric Cacciatore sits down with the people who actually run the show in the world of food service. Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore is built on conversations with established restaurateurs and seasoned professionals who have navigated the intense realities of the industry. Twice a week, these interviews dig past the surface, focusing on the tangible details of leadership, team management, and effective marketing that separate a thriving venue from a struggling one. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of what worked, what didn’t, and the often-overlooked decisions that shape a restaurant's path. This podcast serves as a direct line to collective experience, whether you're dreaming of your first opening or steering a multi-location group. The dialogue is practical, centered on the daily grind and long-term strategy needed to build something lasting. For anyone invested in the business of hospitality, these regular episodes compile a vital resource, turning shared insights into actionable knowledge for your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 1000

Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore
Podcast Episodes
907: Greg Provance Author of Butts In Seats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:09
Greg Provance is the owner of GP Hospitality Partners LLC,. GP Hospitality Partners LLC is a full-service restaurant hospitality consulting firm. In addition to being a consulting partner of Everbowl, Southern California…
906: Sue Bette Founder and Head Coach at Bluebird Hospitality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:14:15
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Sue Bette. Sue Bette is the founder and head coach of Bluebird Hospitality, a Vermont-based company focused on creating community and joy through food and gathe…
905: Erik Shewmaker Founder/Partner of 30Hop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:13:20
With excitement, allow me introduce today's guest, Founder/Partner at Blackstone, 30Hop, Tin Roost, Tribute, and The Iowa Athletic Club- Erik Shewmaker. After graduating from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Busi…
904: Nick Tillinghast founder of DMDT Hospitality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:12
Nick Tillinghast is the Founder of DMDT Hospitality and Lifestyle. Nick has an untraditional pathway into the hospitality industry. Prior to founding the DMDT Hospitality and Lifestyle Group with partners Ryan Hutchinson…
902: Kevin Scharpf Chef/Owner at Brazen Open Kitchen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:01
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Kevin Scharpf. Born and raised in Galena, Illinois, Kevin attended the Le Cordon Bleu of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis, MN. His past culinary experience includes…
901: Corey Mintz author of The Next Supper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:07
Corey Mintz is a freelance food reporter (New York Times, Globe and Mail, Eater and others), focusing on the intersection between food with labor, politics, farming, ethics and culture. He has been a cook, a restaurant c…
900: Matthew Swift Founder of Big Grove Brewery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:45:12
With Excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, the Founder of Big Grover Brewery, Matt Swift. Matt Swift grew up in the restaurant business. His mom, Faye Swift, opened Sluggers in Coralville, IA when Matt w…
899: Kelly Valentine on How to Get the Most Out of Pop-ups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:14
With Excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Kelly Valentine. Kelly Valentine is the Founder of Femmes in Food where she is a consultant + champion for #ladyowned Food & Beverage brands. She also has a dec…
898: Ben Smart Executive Chef/Partner at Big Grove Brewery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:57:50
With excitement, allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Executive Chef and Partner at Big Grove Brewery, Ben Smart. An Iowa City native, Ben studied Geo Science at the University of Iowa. After graduating, it didn't…