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
420: Be a cook who cares with Maria Campbell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:35
In this episode with Maria Campbell, we discuss focusing less on titles and more on "just being", the story behind Cooks Who Care, adaptability, sharing knowledge, putting yourself out there, why connecting people is imp…
419: The Creative Process with Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:29
In this episode with Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg, we discuss the inspiration for their eleven books, following your curiosity, common habits of successful chefs and restaurateurs, the significance of listening, how…
418: #metoo in the restaurant industry with Kate Edwards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:15
In this episode with Kate Edwards, we discuss 1) The unaware customer service rep: folks in open kitchens who are now customer-facing and have to deliver some sort of customer service. 2) How being decent to your fellow…
417: Being present with Jonathan Blakeslee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:35
In this episode with Jonathan Blakeslee, we discuss doing something better every day, being patient when waiting for good things to happen, how Blakeslee got his start, calmness, focus, presence, following your passion,…
416: Crafting a positive holiday experience with Anese Cavanaugh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:16
In this episode with repeat guest Anese Cavanaugh, we discuss how to create a positive holiday experience for yourself and those you love, how taking care of others starts with taking care of yourself, the 5 steps of int…
415: 3 common wage violations with  Richard Celler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:54
In this episode, Richard Celler dives deep into the topic of common wage violations. Specifically, how tip crediting works, why you need to track your employee's tips, qualifying factors of paying someone a tip credit, t…
414: Being a student of the industry with Mario Del Pero [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:35
In this episode with guest, Mario Del Pero we discuss how you need to get better every day, starting with the core customer when opening a restaurant, being a student of the business, creating systems around "wow" experi…
413: Turning your team into sales stars with Roger Beaudoin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:11
In this episode with Roger Beaudoin, we discuss building your dream team staff, the three key elements of service, how to get your customers to be your best marketers, educating customers, informing customers, entertaini…
412: Focus your energy with Jennifer Desrosiers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:45
In Today's episode, we're joined by repeat guest, Jennifer Desrosiers. Jennifer and I discuss controlling your focus and energy, hiring good people, putting good people in the right place, getting clear on your mission,…
411: Getting back up with Chef Tim Boyd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:49
In this episode with Chef Tim Boyd, we discuss what drew him to the industry, following passion not paychecks, not sacrificing quality, greatness attracting greatness, the dilution of passion with bigger operations, not…