480: Creating an ecosystem that thrives with Ian Redshaw

480: Creating an ecosystem that thrives with Ian Redshaw

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee May 22, 2018 Duration: 1:18:47

In this episode with Ian Redshaw, we discuss:

  • How being a star in this industry is about who you are, not just what you do. 
  • Why the "corporate scene" didn't jive with Redshaw. 
  • How fish rots from the head, so check your ego and attitude. 
  • How lies and cutting corners won't take you far. 
  • The weight your reputation has in this industry.
  • Letting your weakness become strengths for others. 
  • Knowing your demographic. 
  • Being mindful and intentional about who you're creating opportunities for. 
  • When opening a restaurant, knowing when to outsource (i.e. construction, design, architecture).
  • Managing egos when there are multiple owners.  
  • The importance of good communication with multiples owners. 
  • Not getting into this industry for the money.  
  • Growing your business for the pure purpose of creating opportunities for you community. 
  • Not being a afraid to get down and dirty in jobs that are "below you". 

Ian Redshaw is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. After a couple years in New York, Redshaw made the move to Charlottesville, VA. He quickly got to work in some of the cities best restaurants. In 2013 at Tavola Restaurant, he met future business partners, Mitchell Beerens, Loren Mendosa, and Andrew Cole, Shelly Robb the vision for their own restaurant came into focus. In 2014 LAMPO Pizza opened. 3 years later they opened their second location, Prime 109.


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
1157: Damian Sansonetti, Chef/Owner of Chaval and Ugly Duckling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:55
Damian Sansonetti is the Chef and Co-Owner of Chaval and Ugly Duckling, both located in Portland, ME. Damian is the husband of previous guest Ilma Lopez, who was featured on episodes 1148 and 1156. Damian's father was a…
1154: Emily Curry, Co-Founder, GM, & Head of Marketing at Big Trouble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:59
Emily Curry is the Co-Founder, GM, and Head of Marketing at Big Trouble, located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Emily began working in restaurants in the early 2010's, when she was in her very early 20's. She worked at Sou…
1153: Robert St. John, CEO of New South Restaurant Group [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:51
Robert St. John grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. At age 19, Robert entered the restaurant industry at a delicatessen where he became the manager. During his very first shift at that job, he decided that he wanted to…
1152: Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:53
Fred Langley is the CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro. Fred got his first job in the restaurant industry at the age of 12 as a dishwasher. He worked his way up the ranks and became a restaurateur, opening his first restauran…
1151: Jason Sobocinski, President and Co-Founder of Haven Hot Chicken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:42
Jason Sobocinski is the Co-Owner and President of Haven Hot Chicken. Jason grew up loving food and business. He got two degrees, travelled the world, then returned to New Haven, his hometown, and opened his first busines…
1150: David Vargas, Chef/Partner at Vida Cantina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:01
David Vargas was previously on the show for episode 755 back in 2020. David Vargas is a chef who co-owns Vida Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is also a partner in Ore Nell's, a Texas BBQ re…
1149: Deb Simmons, Owner of Cake. Vegan Bakery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:56
Deb Simmons went studied nutritional science and biology in college and went on to work with Americorps and the Peace Corps. When she left those jobs, she started working in restaurants in the seacoast NH area. She worke…