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
1018: Ryan Thorman CEO and Co-Founder of Bango Bowls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:54:05
Ryan Thorman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bango Bowls. After getting his business degree and working in some impressive companies, such as LinkedIn, Ryan opened Bango Bowls with childhood friend (and past RU guest) James…
1017: James Bonanno CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58:09
James Bonanno is the CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group. James began his hospitality career as a bartender in college. He worked and saved money through his 20s and, in 2011, opened his first bar, The Taproom. He and his…
1016: Nick Mathews CEO and Founder of Mainvest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:34
Nick Matthews is the CEO and Founder of Mainvest. Nick began his career as a ground level Uber employee in 2011. He spent 6.5 years there working in the ares of marketing and community management. In 2019, he left to sta…
1015: Matt Poepsel Author and Vice President at The Predictive Index [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:46
Matt Poepsel spent time in the Marine Corps. before heading off to college and studying psychology and business. He eventually realized his passion is to "guide other leaders as they climb." Today, Matt is there Vice Pre…
1014: James and Johanna Windon Founders of Buena Papa Fry Bar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:57:52
Husband-and-wife team, James and Johanna Windon, founded Buena Papa (Spanish translation, Good Potato) in 2021 in Raleigh, N.C., after the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to temporarily shut down their cleaning business. I…
1013: Jon Seelbinder Founder of Local Icon Hospitality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:10:18
Jon Seelbinder is from the mountains of North Carolina. While growing up, he learned to cook and be a great host and leader through his grandmother. After leaving the Airfare academy, Jon began working in bars. He worked…
1012: Gary Crunkleton Owner of The Crunkleton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:02
Gary Crunkleton is the Owner of The Crunkleton, specializing in antique drinks. Gary has been a "barman" since 1992. He is a veteran of the navy and a veteran bar tender. He opened his first location in 2008 with "The Cr…
1011: Kevin Barrett and Drew Schenk Co-Owners of Dram and Draught [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58:34
Kevin Barrett and Drew Schenk are the co-owners of Dram and Draught based in and around Raleigh, North Carolina. Drew truly began his restaurant career with Applebees in 1990. he then opened his first restaurant, Remingt…
1010: Wil Brawley Podcast Host, Author, and Co-Owner of Schedulefly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:14
Wil Brawley is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Schedulefly, a scheduling software for restaurants. He is also the author of Restaurant Owners Uncorked and Restaurant Owners Uncorked Part II. He is also the host of the Res…
1009: Dave Nitzel and Dave Domzalski Authors of Hospitality DNA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:52:31
Dave Nitzel is the co-author of Hospitality DNA: Career Journeys with Unprecedented Insights from Industry Award Winners and The Bar Shift: 41 Short Management Lessons You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way! He left execut…