Hospitality Strategy Lab with Jason Littrell

<p>Welcome to <a href="https://hospitalitystrategylab.com" target="_blank"><i>Hospitality Strategy Lab</i></a>, the podcast where science meets service. Join host <a target="_blank">Jason Littrell</a> as he dives into the cutting-edge world of hospitality covering industry pioneers, tech innovators, and behavioral economics.</p> <p>Each episode explores how AI, automation and data-driven strategies can enhance guest experiences and drive repeat business. From practical tips to big-picture insights, we’re here to give you the strategies you need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry.</p> <p><i>Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, this podcast is your playbook for creating habit-forming guest experiences and sustainable growth.</i></p> <p><b>Tune in and transform the way you think about hospitality.</b></p> <ul><li>Templates, Tools, and Training: <a href="https://hospitalitystrategylab.com" target="_blank"><b>https://hospitalitystrategylab.com</b></a></li><li>Automate your Restaurant with KMS Connect: <a href="https://kmsops.com" target="_blank"><b>https://kmsops.com</b></a></li><li>Chat with Jason directly: <a href="https://jlittrell.com" target="_blank"><b>https://jlittrell.com</b></a></li></ul>

How Bars & Restaurants Can Easily Boost Local SEO with AI-Powered Listicles

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast, hosted by Jason Littrell. In this episode, Jason dives into practical strategies for leveraging AI—specifically ChatGPT—for effective SEO in the hospitality industry. Whether you're a bar or restaurant owner looking to boost your local online presence without breaking the bank, or just curious about how digital tactics can drive more foot traffic, this episode lays out a step-by-step playbook you can implement in minutes. **[00:00:00] – Introduction and Purpose**   Jason welcomes listeners to the show and explains that this is a bonus episode, focused on a crash course in AI-powered SEO specifically geared toward hospitality businesses. **[00:00:45] – Understanding SEO for Hospitality**   He explains the fundamentals of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and why showing up in localized “near me” searches is critical for bars and restaurants. **[00:01:45] – Listicle Strategy for SEO**   Jason discusses the power of listicles (“top 10s”, “best of”, etc.) for capturing search intent and relevance, highlighting the rise of this content format in search results and consumer media. **[00:02:20] – Using AI (ChatGPT) for Content Creation**   He outlines his own tactic: using ChatGPT to swiftly generate top-10 lists (for example, “10 Automations Every Bar Needs”) as evergreen, schedule-ready content to boost search engine rankings. **[00:03:09] – Implementation Tips for Operators**   Jason shares a hands-on, cost-effective hack for creating and scheduling listicle-style content for your business, so you don’t have to pay for pricey SEO agencies. **[00:04:22] – Crafting Effective Prompts and Targeting Long-Tail Keywords**   He explains how to tailor your ChatGPT prompts for hyper-local and long-tail search terms (e.g., “10 Best Old Fashioneds in the Lower East Side”) to outperform bigger competitors on focused searches. **[00:06:26] – Optimize for What Customers Actually Search**   Jason stresses the importance of using common, recognizable cocktail or menu item names over branded or esoteric ones, as these are what guests actually search for online. **[00:07:52] – Building Community and Authority with Listicles**   He recommends tagging friends and neighbors in your lists, encouraging cross-promotion and link building, which increases SEO authority for everyone involved. **[00:08:24] – Supercharge Your Content for SEO**   Jason gives practical optimization tips: alt tags for images, meta keywords, and even embedding quick videos to further enhance discoverability. **[00:09:42] – Consistency and Long-Term Success**   He underscores how a simple, 15-minute-per-week content habit can yield strong, consistent ranking results over time, especially for businesses with limited budgets. **[00:10:25] – Final Thoughts and Resources**   Wrapping up, Jason urges listeners to check out the Hospitality Strategy Lab community for more support and exclusive content. --- - https://hospitalitystrategylab.com - https://kmsops.com - https://jlittrell.com --- Tune in and get the actionable strategies you need to turn local searches into loyal guests—and transform the way you approach hospitality marketing.

08-26
10:42

Deep Listening

Mastering Hospitality: How to Make Every Guest Feel Seen & Understood! Want to boost customer loyalty and create unforgettable experiences in 2025? Discover the power of "illuminators" vs. "diminishers" in service. Learn practical strategies to foster genuine connection and elevate your hospitality. [00:00] Intro: Why "How to Know a Person" matters for your business [01:30] The core of hospitality: Making guests feel seen [03:45] Illuminators vs. Diminishers: Identifying impactful behaviors [05:10] Practical tips: Loud listening, deepening questions, acts of care Subscribe for weekly insights on building a thriving hospitality business! What's one small change you can make today to make a guest feel more seen? Hit the notification bell so you don't miss our next video! Free Guide: https://www.hospitalitystrategylab.com/guide #HospitalityStrategy #CustomerExperience #Service

08-19
09:16

Consistent Cocktails- The "How You Do Anything" Secret

Crafting consistent cocktails on draft? 🍹 Discover the secrets to systematizing beverage programs for fast-casual restaurants and avoid common pitfalls! Learn how to maintain quality with non-expert staff, master batching techniques, and troubleshoot draft system carbonation. [00:10 - Consistency Philosophy] [00:54 - Draft System Implementation] [03:03 - Carbonation Troubleshooting] Subscribe for weekly hospitality strategies to elevate your business! 🛎️ Leave a comment: What's your biggest beverage program challenge? Subscribe to never miss a tip! Related Resources: More hospitality tips: https://hospitalitystrategylab.com Optimize your bar program: https://jlittrell.com Connect on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jlittrell #HospitalityStrategy #DraftCocktails #BarManagement

08-12
10:32

Restaurant Project Management Secrets REVEALED

Want to manage projects like a pro in 2025? 🚀 Discover the project management system I use to stay focused and crush restaurant projects. In this video, I'll show you how I use Nifty (or similar tools) to organize my thoughts, prioritize tasks, and boost productivity. We'll cover: 0:00 - Why Project Management Matters 6:45 - My Project Management Software 75:48 - Balancing Personal & Professional Goals 244:31 - How I use Nifty 🔔 Subscribe for weekly systems & process tips to streamline your business and life! Leave a comment below: What's your biggest project management struggle? Turn on notifications so you don't miss out! Resources: Nifty: [https://nifty.pm/] Get the newsletter! [jlittrell.com] Hospitality Strategy Lab: [https://hospitalitystrategylab.com/] #ProjectManagement #Productivity #SystemsAndProcesses

08-05
15:06

Don't sleep on WiFi or Waitlists...

1. Title: Enhancing Guest Engagement with Technology 2. Summary: In this episode, Jason from the Hospitality Strategy Lab shares innovative strategies for increasing guest engagement in bars and restaurants. He discusses two main updates that leverage technology: a Wi-Fi customer information collection system and a waitlist management system. These tools aim to build customer databases and improve overall guest experiences. 3. Key Takeaways:    - Utilizing free Wi-Fi to collect guest information can enhance customer engagement and build a robust database.   - Implementing a waitlist management system can streamline the guest experience and reduce waiting times by allowing guests to receive notifications via text.   - It is crucial to balance marketing outreach with guest preferences, ensuring communications are optional and respectful of their time and space. 4. Timestamped Chapters:   - 00:00 - 01:01: Introduction and the idea of using Wi-Fi for guest engagement.   - 01:02 - 02:09: Description of the Wi-Fi information collection feature.   - 02:10 - 03:12: Introduction of the waitlist management system.   - 03:13 - 04:11: Explanation of the text notification process for guests on the waitlist.   - 04:12 - 05:09: Discussion on the importance of optional marketing communications.   - 05:10 - 05:46: Conclusion emphasizing the goal of enhancing guest experience without overwhelming them.

07-31
05:46

Introducing KMS Community

**This episode is 100% Ai Generated -- Case Studies are Fictional** KMS Community presents itself as a platform designed to cultivate engaged online communities for various sectors, including content creators, educators, brands, and hospitality. The document highlights the financial burdens of customer churn and disengaged audiences, positioning its platform as a solution.  Key features emphasized include branded spaces, real-time interaction tools, membership tiers, and data ownership for creators. For businesses, it outlines benefits like reduced support costs, enhanced feedback, and improved loyalty through discussion forums, gamification, and personalized re-engagement. The platform also offers dual solutions for hospitality by connecting both guests and staff, alongside showcasing success stories and the impact of community on SaaS businesses. Finally, it details monetization strategies and the use of AI and analytics to drive engagement and reduce churn, emphasizing its all-in-one, enterprise-ready nature.

03-17
21:42

Social Media: A necessary Pain in the A$$ for Restaurants (and how to automate it)

I don't actually love making social media content, but it's essential for my business (and yours).   Here's a workflow on how to get a lot of content out, spread it out over time, and how to use ai and automation to make it SO much easier. Same (modest) results, very little time. At the end of the day, just hit record and tell your story -- then let the machines edit it and send it everywhere.

02-03
10:15

Cold and Brutal Truths about Loyalty in Restaurants

This is a tough one for me. (Zip to the bottom for hard data) I really feel for the people I hear about closing their restaurants every day.  The business is RUTHLESS, unrelenting, and always changing. In my numerous conversations, and discussions on this topic, the subject always comes back to competency and resources. The less competent you are, the more resources you need.   If you're well resourced, but incompetent, you can hire talent who knows more than you. If you're competent but under-resourced, you are racing against the clock.   After your first 3-6 months, you're not new any more, and you probably don't have enough to weather the storm. And you get desperate. Your Team starts to quit for greener pastures, and you're in a tragic downward spiral. I don't have to tell most of you this. You've probably lived it at least once. I always hear the same things.... I don't have time. I don't have money. Even if I did have the time and money, I don't have the skill. So.... With this in mind. And having run a failed bar myself... I think I solved a few problems: What to say to people. How to get them back. How to look really cool on the internet. Automatically.   Here's the last 45 days:  -653 missed calls captured & turned into bookings with AI-powered text back.  -11K customer contacts managed and reactivated.  -4.5K emails sent → 2.2K opened → 490 clicked (50%+ open rate!) -22K website visits (+100% YoY Growth) driven by database reactivation. -146 new 5-star reviews added in just two months (+62% growth). -113 positive reviews vs. 33 negative—helping businesses control their online reputation. -100%+ increase in guest engagement & return visits. Do you want this for your bar?

01-30
11:54

The Hunter who Chases Two Rabbits -- Makes it work

Welcome to another episode of Hospitality Strategy Lab! I'm your host, Jason Littrell. In today's episode, we dive into some exciting developments and challenges in my ever-evolving journey between the hospitality and liquor worlds. Over the past few months, I've been working on two groundbreaking projects that promise to revolutionize how brands grow and how restaurants retain loyal customers. First, we're unveiling a new system aimed at helping liquor and CPG brands with off-premise sales. This innovative method, developed with my business partner, has shown astonishing results, including record-breaking sales in just a few hours. Next, we discuss a plug-and-play retention and loyalty system designed specifically for restaurants. This system automates guest engagement, tracks precise metrics, and offers tangible, trackable results—all with minimal effort from restaurant staff. If you're a brand owner or a hospitality operator, you won't want to miss this deep dive into strategies that can drive growth and create habit-forming guest experiences. So stay tuned! This is Hospitality Strategy Lab, where science meets service to transform the hospitality industry. Let's get started! Viral Topic: The Importance of Consistency in Organic Content: "It's important to stay consistent and do it, but, you know, if you miss a week or or something like because because of life events, whatever." — Jason Littrell [00:00:00 → 00:00:34] **Balancing Passion and Opportunity**: "I always like to make things. I always like to be new. I always like to, leverage a new piece of technology or find another way to gain a foothold in the marketing and gain some sort of an advantage." — Jason Littrell [00:00:34 → 00:01:07] Viral Topic: Leveraging Liquor Sales Strategies Quote: "The idea is that he is extremely good at selling liquor off premise. That means in liquor stores. And so, for the last week, I've been building, a system around that system." — Jason Littrell [00:01:18 → 00:01:31] "Game-Changing Brand Growth Strategy": "If you own a liquor brand, if you own a spirits brand, wine brand, CPG brand, anything, could be any could be a coffee brand, could be anything, then this is the method that you will need to grow your brand." — Jason Littrell [00:01:49 → 00:02:00] Record-Breaking Sales Through Tastings: "The biggest, the record sales date is 26 cases in a three hour tasting. And this is for an unknown product for it's an unknown product, unknown category." — Jason Littrell [00:03:12 → 00:03:24] ### Viral Topic Title: The Power of Inbound Marketing "I have to manufacture and engineer a scenario where people come to me and they say, Jason, I want your stuff because of what you did for them. And that removes the entire sales conversation. You know, that's what's called inbound." — Jason Littrell [00:03:52 → 00:04:38] "How High-Level Expertise Can Save You Time": "I'll save you six months of time at least, in, full time learning how to use it." — Jason Littrell [00:04:57 → 00:05:03] **Effortless Business Growth Technology**: "It requires 0 staff training, and we do the work on the front end, and we can have you up and running in about forty eight hours max." — Jason Littrell [00:06:20 → 00:06:29] Tangible Marketing Results: "But the best part of it is that you have tangible, trackable results. Like, we track every redemption." — Jason Littrell [00:06:36 → 00:06:42] Exciting Tech Rollout in Quick Service: "But, if you're a quick service or, I mean, even borderline fast food, then this will make a lot of sense for you and drive a lot of sales for you." — Jason Littrell [00:07:58 → 00:08:06]

01-27
08:52

Hospitality Data Magic: Turning Guests into Regulars

In today's episode, Jason dives deep into the crucial concept of database reactivation. If you're using platforms like Resy, OpenTable, 7 Rooms, or even Square, you're sitting on a goldmine of guest data that often goes underutilized. Jason will guide you through a powerful yet straightforward strategy to not only reactivate these dormant contacts but also ensure you’re sending targeted, permission-based emails that convert. From cleaning your email lists to crafting the right subject lines and messages, you'll get a step-by-step workflow designed to maximize engagement and drive immediate revenue. Whether you're running a busy restaurant or a cozy bar, these data-driven techniques can revolutionize your guest experience and boost your bottom line.  Unlocking the Power of Your Data: "If you are using Resi, if you're using OpenTable, if you're using, 7 rooms, talk, any any kind of database collection system, then you're sitting on a gold mine of data." — Jason Littrell [00:00:07 → 00:00:17] The Importance of Asking Permission Before Marketing: "So the the first step that you do is you ask permission. You say, hey. Listen. Like, we found you in our one of our databases, and we'd like to ask you for permission if you'd like to be in our loyalty program so you can get either free stuff or some loyalty perks or some VIP access to some events that we have coming up." — Jason Littrell [00:01:12 → 00:01:26] **Leveraging Square for Marketing Leads**: "And also just a note that this works with Square as well. So if somebody pays for you with Square, and and they've previously opted into another Square vendor, then you are likely in into their database." — Jason Littrell [00:01:44 → 00:01:55] Game Changer in Email Marketing: "We don't blast them all at the same time because we wanna keep our data hygiene." — Jason Littrell [00:02:30 → 00:02:33] **Engagement Strategy in Restaurant Marketing**: "We found you in our database, but we wanted to make double sure that we could send you emails with free stuff and secret events." — Jason Littrell [00:03:33 → 00:03:38] Email Marketing Success: "90 99.20 0.22 percent delivered, 34 34 a half, 34 almost 35% opened. 10% clicked, which is which is outrageous." — Jason Littrell [00:04:35 → 00:04:45] Email Marketing Best Practices: "If it hits 3%, then we stop the campaign, because that is a spam trigger right there." — Jason Littrell [00:05:01 → 00:05:05] **Respecting Unsubscribes:** "We wanna make sure that we're not spamming people that, that don't want our stuff." — Jason Littrell [00:05:31 → 00:05:35] "Boost Your Business": "It's so simple, so straightforward, that so many people screw it up, and this is a great way to to end up in your spam filter. It's a great way to piss off people. But if you do it right, it's it's a great way to drive immediate revenue into your business immediately." — Jason Littrell [00:06:23 → 00:06:35] **Viral Customer Retention Strategy**: "This by itself is, like, one of the most powerful strategies that you can use. And most people like, this is a reason by itself to pay $4, $5, $600, $700 a month for Resy depending on your volume, just for this data." — Jason Littrell [00:07:05 → 00:07:14] Hospitality strategy, database reactivation, guest engagement, Resi, OpenTable, 7 rooms, marketing strategy, email marketing, loyalty program, email engagement, customer data, data hygiene, spam filters, trigger links, email workflows, lead generation, hospitality industry, restaurant marketing, guest experiences, data-driven strategies, email validation, response rates, email click-through rates, CRM systems, customer segmentation, email bounce rate, hospitality podcast, AI in hospitality, automation, behavioral economics, repeat business.

01-13
07:45

How to Effectively Communicate Business Changes to Customers Online

Today, we're diving into a crucial aspect of running a successful hospitality business: updating your business information online. Whether you're changing your hours or revamping your menu, even small adjustments can have huge impacts. In this episode, I'll walk you through the exact steps to ensure your updates are reflected accurately across all platforms, like Google Business, Yelp, and social media. We'll also explore advanced strategies, including using ConversationAI and Yext, to automate and streamline the process. Plus, I'll share how to effectively market these changes to avoid frustrating your customers. So, buckle up and get ready to make seamless adjustments that keep your guests happy and Register Ringing. 0:00 - Making Important Business Adjustments 0:40 - Updating Website Information 1:07 - Ensure Textual Format for SEO 1:26 - Verify Social Media Profiles 2:04 - Train Your Conversation AI 2:16 - Update Online Listings Efficiently 3:20 - Promote Changes on Social Media 4:26 - Use Email for Higher Engagement 1. Importance of Correct Information Impact of small changes in business operations.Frustration caused by incorrect information for customers.Example of a client changing operating hours. 2. Steps to Update Business Information Website UpdatesImportance of updating information in text format on Squarespace.Ensuring search engines crawl and display correct information.Social Media UpdatesUpdating Instagram, TikTok, and other active social media profiles.Importance of accurate information for indexed search terms.Use of ConversationAITraining AI with correct business information.Responding to customer queries via AI (e.g., gluten-free menu options). 3. Updating Listings Across the Internet Importance of updating TripAdvisor, Bing, yellowpages.com, etc.Challenges of manual updates.Using Yext service for bulk updates.Wholesale rates through KMS for efficient updates. 4. Marketing the Changes Creating AwarenessAnnouncing changes via posts on TikTok and Instagram.Importance of avoiding customer frustration.Email MarketingImportance of email copy for broader reach.Using Canva for creative email content.Comparison of engagement rates: Instagram vs. email.Benefits of higher open rates in email marketing. "The last thing that you wanna do is, is have incorrect information on your Google Business profile or your Yext or your Yelp profile or something like that because, you know, what ends up happening is people, they go and they are frustrated." — Jason Littrell [00:00:19 → 00:00:32] "Maximizing Social Media Presence": "And the next thing you wanna do is you wanna head over to your Instagram profile and your TikTok profile, or whatever social media channels that you're active on and make sure that that information is is is accurate, because that is not only a search term, it is indexed for search, but it's also, you know, where a lot of people are gonna find you." — Jason Littrell [00:01:28 → 00:01:43] "Managing Online Listings Across Platforms": "So we use a service called Yext, which is embedded, and we get have wholesale rates through KMS, that you can update all of these listings across the Internet in one swoop." — Jason Littrell [00:02:48 → 00:02:57] **Business Marketing Insights**: "We're just trying to get people to not be frustrated." — Jason Littrell [00:03:38 → 00:03:40]

01-10
05:29

Strategies for Maximizing Takeout and Delivery Sales

In today's episode, we're diving deep into some insights from Touch Bistro's 2025 State of Restaurants report. We'll explore key trends, such as the rise in food costs, evolving consumer behavior, and the critical importance of guest retention. Plus, I'll break down why AI and automation are no longer optional— they’re essential for survival in today’s competitive landscape. I'll also share actionable strategies on how to create an engaging "unbagging" experience for delivery and takeout orders, driving customer loyalty directly to your business instead of third-party platforms. So, whether you're running a cozy cafe or managing a bustling restaurant, this episode is packed with tips and strategies to help you thrive. 00:00 Adapting loyalty, automation crucial for evolving retail.03:50 Enhance unbagging to boost direct customer loyalty.06:19 Automate reminders, influence choices, redeem offers efficiently. Jason Littrell is a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, sharing key insights and strategies through the Hospitality Strategy Lab. Drawing from reliable sources like Touch Bistro's 2025 State of Restaurants report, Jason provides crucial data-driven guidance to restaurateurs. Highlighting significant trends such as the rise in the average restaurant profit margin to 9.8% in 2024 and a 34% year-over-year increase in food costs, Jason emphasizes the evolving nature of consumer behavior. He notes that customers increasingly use technology and personal preferences to make dining decisions, underscoring the need for restaurants to adapt to these changes. Through his expertise, Jason helps industry professionals navigate the dynamic landscape of the hospitality sector. Hospitality Strategy Lab, Jason Littrell, Touch Bistro, 2025 state of restaurants report, restaurant profit margin, food costs, consumer psychology, guest retention, loyalty program, AI automation, delivery and takeout sales, unbagging experience, Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Net Promoter Score, customer acquisition cost, lifetime value of a customer, QR code, loyalty offer, discount incentive, restaurant loyalty club, email reminders, customer feedback, driving revenue, hospitality industry strategies, scaling businesses, TikTok marketing, data-driven strategies, guest engagement, repeat business.

01-09
08:32

The Flywheel Effect: Building and Retaining Your Customer Database

Today we're delving into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to thrive as a business owner in the hospitality industry. I'll be sharing my personal journey— the highs, the lows, and the hard lessons learned from my restaurant ownership experience. We'll discuss the importance of prioritizing strategic tasks over urgent distractions and unveil a powerful tool we've developed to optimize your operations: the missed call, text-back system. This simple yet effective technology engages your customers automatically, answers their common queries, and even grows your database. Plus, we'll explore ways to boost your Google discoverability and ensure your business stands out. So, if you're ready to transform your bar or restaurant, stay tuned! 00:00 Shiny objects hinder my business growth plans. 04:51 Automated text conversion for unanswered business calls. 07:16 Optimizing Google Business Profile for better ranking. 10:08 Converting contacts to lifetime value quickly. 1. Introduction by Jason Littrell Brief introduction and greetingPersonal background as a restaurant owner 2. Challenges of Managing a Bar/Restaurant Constant work and lack of days offDealing with staff issues and operational problemsSacrificing long-term goals for urgent tasks 3. Transition to the Tech World Current involvement in the tech industryThe impact of AI and emerging technologies 4. Importance of Focusing on Key Areas for Business Growth Research on delivering high ROI for clientsSticking with proven strategies and "boring, unsexy stuff"Development of a new program 5. Introduction to the "Missed Call, Text Back" System Description of the system and its functionalityOnboarding process for the system 6. Benefits and Features of the "Missed Call, Text Back" System Transforming missed phone calls into text responsesAI training to handle common customer inquiriesSeamless integration with existing operations 7. Case Study: Burrito Shop Implementation High volume of phone callsAutomatic responses to common questionsIncreased efficiency and customer satisfaction 8. Onboarding and Database Building 14-day onboarding processConnecting Google Business ProfileImplementing a new phone number and automated systems 9. Enhancing SEO and Discoverability Use of Yext to increase citations and backlinksImportance of Google Maps for local searches 10. Automating Customer Feedback and Reviews Collecting and responding to customer reviewsImproving business practices based on feedback 11. Building a Sustainable Customer Database Taking control of customer interactions from third-party platformsIncremental growth in customer databaseWeekly performance reports for clients 12. Long-term Value and Client Satisfaction Increasing lifetime value of customersTangible results and customer loyalty hospitality strategy, Jason Littrell, business owner, restaurant management, bar ownership, guest experience, employee management, vendor issues, business growth, AI in hospitality, automation, restaurant tools, guest engagement, missed call text back, reservations system, dietary restrictions, menu management, client onboarding, database building, customer feedback, Google reviews, SEO for restaurants, Google Business Profile, phone call management, customer service, loyalty programs, digital marketing, social media conversion, business discoverability, lifetime value, client retention

01-06
11:34

Interview with Shawn Soole LIVE on the Post Shift Podcast

Join Shawn Soole and expert Jason Littrell as they delve into the intersections of hospitality and artificial intelligence in this engaging episode. Learn actionable insights and strategies to thrive in today’s evolving industry landscape. Challenges faced by independent bars and restaurants.Importance of automation and AI in staffing, HR systems, and review management.The significance of implementing effective onboarding and continuous staff engagement practices.Leveraging AI for reputation management, marketing integration, and operational efficiency.Jason's advice on AI's potential, the critical first 100 days for new employees, and the art of listening. 00:00 AI in hospitality is today's podcast topic. 05:46 Uses AI for interview questions, simulating Sean Seul. 09:13 AI personalizes and automates feedback request responses. 12:46 Assign marketing-focused client contact; automate review management. 13:35 Utilize NPS surveys to improve customer feedback. 19:09 Focus on strategy and utilize free tools. 19:55 AI assists, but storytelling maintains emotional connection. 26:13 Automated HR systems manage onboarding and reminders. 29:10 Pool shrinking; career advancement needed in hospitality. 30:18 Innate service gene influences hospitality career choices. 33:29 Teamwork enables success beyond individual efforts. 39:34 Dead Rabbit surprises guests, boosting spending and partnerships. 43:13 Mindset evolves; past doesn't define future. 45:35 "My legacy is my son growing quickly." 48:05 Hospitality tech needs updating; sharing links soon. -- In this episode, I sit down with ‪@jasonlittrellofficial‬ of Kinetic Management Systems to chat about the rise of AI in the hospitality industry and how he shows clients how to implement it in their everyday for guest retention to staff on boarding. Really eye opening conversation about the future of AI in the hospitality space. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole   / shawnsoole  Soole Hospitality Concepts / soolehospitalityconcepts  FOLLOW US ON TWITTER -   / shawnsoole  FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - / @postshiftpodcast  Independent bars, restaurants, customer engagement, AI, automation, Applebee's solutions, software as a service, business plans, HR systems, continuous recruiting, staff incentives, onboarding, staff retention, pandemic impact, career progression, reputation management, Google ratings, review responses, AI in hospitality, Dead Rabbit strategy, feedback systems, Jason Littrell, Kinetic Management Systems, AI tools, marketing integration, technology in bars. 

01-11
48:56

Gratitude and Strategy: How Independent Bars and Restaurants Are Thriving

The biggest weekend of the year for bars and restaurants is here, and it’s time to make it unforgettable. In this video, we’re diving into: Why gratitude matters in hospitality. How independent bar and restaurant owners can maximize this weekend’s impact. Practical strategies to upsell, capture guest info, and set up January for success. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of holiday parties or planning your next AI-powered move, this video will help you thrive this weekend and beyond. What You’ll Learn in This Video: ✅ How to reflect on your success and show gratitude to your team, guests, and community. ✅ Three actionable tips to make this weekend your most profitable yet. ✅ How AI and automation can set you up for long-term success. 0:00 - Expressing Gratitude for the Busy Weekend 0:36 - Understanding the Impact of Your Work 1:22 - Automating for Guest Experience 1:50 - Sharing Success with Your Team 2:13 - Remembering the People Behind Your Business 2:25 - Tips for an Unforgettable Weekend 2:35 - Engage with Last Minute Ideas 3:03 - Final Thoughts and Best Wishes "By automating the things that can be automated and should be automated, you freed up some time to focus on what really matters, delivering unforgettable experiences for your guests." - 01:22 "Think about the guests whose lives that you've touched and the community of staff and people that you've impacted." - 01:50 "It's not, you know, food and drinks that make businesses. It's the people that make your business." - 02:13 "Here's to making this weekend unforgettable for your guests and for yourself with an incredible amount of gratitude." - 02:25 "If I don't come back, I was eaten by a bear and everything's going to be OK." - 03:03 Helpful Links: 📢 Join the Hospitality Strategy Lab: https://community.hospitalitystrategylab.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: hospitalitystrategylab.com 📩 Contact Me: jason@jlittrell.com Check out Voice Ai Demo: 917-983-2150

12-20
03:34

How Imperfect Action Fills Your Bar Faster Than Overthinking

Overthinking is costing bars and restaurants more than you think. Waiting for the perfect post, the perfect campaign, or the perfect strategy isn’t just delaying progress—it’s keeping your seats empty. In this video, I’ll show you why messy, imperfect action beats overthinking every time. Plus, I’ll give you three practical, no-fuss steps you can take today to get more guests through your doors. What You’ll Learn in This Video: Why visibility matters more than perfection in hospitality.The simple actions that consistently fill seats.How to take action today, even if it’s not perfect. Your guests aren’t waiting for perfection—they’re waiting for an invitation. Let’s get them through your doors. 0:00 - Understanding Overthinking in Marketing 0:10 - Recognizing the Impact of Imperfect Action 1:16 - The Importance of Taking Immediate Action 1:52 - Simple Ways to Attract Guests 2:12 - Crafting Engaging Emails for Your Audience 2:34 - Encouraging Your Team to Promote Specials 2:57 - Embracing the Mindset of Done is Better Than Perfect 3:08 - Consistency in Taking Messy Actions The Takeaway Is Done Is Better Than Perfect - 02:57 Your Guests Aren't Waiting For Perfection - 01:16 Just Take Out Your Phone, Take A Picture And Post - 02:57 Take One Messy Action Today And See What Happens - 03:08 If You Don't Give That To Them, Somebody Else Will - 01:16 f this episode gave you that ‘aha’ moment, don’t wait—start taking action now! Follow me for more episodes designed to help you work less and earn more.Visit community.hospitalitystrategylab.com to connect with like-minded operators.Have a question or need a nudge in the right direction? Send me a message (jason@jlittrell.com)—I’d love to help.

12-19
03:38

Why Charging Cocktail Prices for Mocktails Hurts Hospitality

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast, hosted by Jason Littrell. Today, we're diving into a topic that's taking the bar scene by storm: mocktails. However, Jason has a bold proposition—it's time to rethink how we're pricing and naming these alcohol-free drinks. From addressing the unfair pricing models to rebranding these beverages with respect, we'll explore how to transform nonalcoholic options into quality offerings that enhance the guest experience. So grab a pen and a drink, and let's shake things up as we explore the future of zero-proof creations. Stay tuned! "Reevaluating Mocktail Pricing": "There's a problem with how we're pricing and naming these alcohol free beverages. And there's and it's time that we rethink the entire approach." — Jason Littrell [00:00:13 → 00:00:19] "Mocktail Pricing Problem": "So for the guests, it feels like punishment for not drinking alcohol. They're already opting out of the primary profit driver, alcohol, and now they're chart now we're charging them more for for premium soda and juice." — Jason Littrell [00:00:59 → 00:01:10] The Real Cost of Hospitality: "Think about it, think about it, a nondrinker, think about it. A nondrinker at your bar isn't just a lost cocktail sale." — Jason Littrell [00:01:29 → 00:01:37] "Rethinking 'Mocktail' Culture: I hate this word. Mocktail. It's just, like, feels dismissive. Right? Like, the word implies it's a lesser version of a real drink, as if it's playing dress up or pretending to be something it's not." — Jason Littrell [00:01:37 → 00:02:06] Alcohol-Free Beverage Industry Rebrand: "The industry needs a to rebrand this needs a rebrand for this category, something like zero proof creations or alcohol free offerings, spiritless selections, the list goes on." — Jason Littrell [00:02:23 → 00:02:33] Viral Topic: The True Identity of Nonalcoholic Drinks "They're intentional crafted beverages that deserve their own identity." — Jason Littrell [00:02:38 → 00:02:41] Innovative Beverage Pricing: "Consider a pricing model that reflects the true value while still contributing to your bottom line." — Jason Littrell [00:03:11 → 00:03:15] Celebrate Unique Ingredients: "Instead of mimicking classic cocktails without the booze, create drinks that celebrate their own ingredients." — Jason Littrell [00:03:17 → 00:03:22] "Hospitality for All: Let's stop punishing non drinkers with inflated prices and condescending names. Let's craft drinks that are worth their weight in limes or lemons and show the world that hospitality truly is for everyone." — Jason Littrell [00:03:54 → 00:04:03] Viral Topic: The Essence of Great Hospitality "Great hospitality starts with understanding your guests whether they drink or not." — Jason Littrell [00:04:11 → 00:04:15] Jason Littrell is a renowned voice in the hospitality industry, celebrated for his expertise in bar management and innovative beverage strategies. As the host of the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast, Jason dives into trending topics that shape the bar scene. In a special bonus episode, he tackles the issue of mocktail pricing and naming conventions. Jason advocates for a reevaluation of the approach, arguing that current practices can feel punitive. With his insightful commentary, he invites listeners to rethink how alcohol-free beverages are positioned in the market, aiming to reshape industry standards for the better. mocktails, alcohol-free beverages, bar menus, pricing strategies, hospitality, guest experience, nonalcoholic offerings, premium spirits, fresh juices, house-made syrups, cost of goods, premium soda, juice, customer satisfaction, inclusive branding, nondrinkers, cocktail sale, raving fans, drink naming, zero-proof creations, spiritless selections, menu rebranding, crafted beverages, fair pricing, labor costs, presentation costs, ingredient innovation, storytelling, brand loyalty, guest treatment, inflated prices.

11-20
04:27

Rethinking Restaurant SEO: Using ChatGPT for Better Optimization and Higher Rankings

Welcome back to the Hospitality Strategy Lab, where science meets service. I'm your host, Jason Littrell, and today we're diving into a fascinating topic: Can ChatGPT influence SEO? Join me as we explore ChatGPT’s role in SEO strategy, its capabilities in generating keyword-rich content, optimizing meta descriptions, and creating engaging blog ideas. We'll discuss how it integrates with tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to craft high-quality answers that search engines prioritize. Remember, tech isn't a strategy—it's the tool that enhances your strategy. Stay tuned as we unpack these insights in today's bonus episode! hospitality strategy, Jason Littrell, bonus episode, ChatGPT, influence SEO, search engine optimization, keyword rich content, optimized meta descriptions, headers, alt tags, blog post ideas, content creation, search engines, engaging content, audience focused content, SEO best practices, short paragraphs, scannable headings, user intent, Semrush, Ahrefs, AnswerThePublic, high quality answers, search engine rankings, website rankings, answers to questions, crafting answers, competitive SEO tools, tech in strategy, hospitality podcast, guest experiences

11-19
02:28

Never Miss a Guest: How Missed Call Text-Back and AI Can Revolutionize Your Hospitality Business

In the hospitality industry, every missed call is a missed opportunity. Guests expect fast, responsive service, and if they can’t get the answers they need quickly, they may move on to a competitor. Fortunately, modern technology offers a solution: missed call text-back systems and conversational AI. These tools can provide exceptional service, even when your team is busy or off the clock, ensuring that your business is always “on.” Here’s how implementing these technologies can elevate your guest experience and boost your bottom line. The combination of missed call text-back systems and conversational AI represents the future of guest communication in hospitality. These technologies ensure that your business is always open, responsive, and ready to provide top-notch service. By embracing these tools, you can elevate the guest experience, improve efficiency, and grow your business. Ready to transform the way you communicate with your guests? Join our community of ambitious hospitality operators at hospitalitystrategylab.com for more insights, resources, and support. And don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the Hospitality Strategy Lab podcast to stay updated with the latest trends and expert advice!

11-19
04:27

Why Responding to Every Review is Critical for Your Hospitality Business (and How It Boosts Your SEO and Reputation)

Online reviews have become a cornerstone of consumer decision-making, especially in the hospitality industry. According to a recent survey, 93% of consumers say online reviews influence their purchasing decisions, and businesses with high engagement on review platforms tend to see better visibility and guest satisfaction. But why is it so crucial to respond to every review, and what are the tangible benefits for your SEO and overall reputation? Responding to every review—whether it’s positive, neutral, or negative—can have a significant impact on your business’s online reputation and SEO. Not only will you improve your search engine rankings, but you’ll also build trust and loyalty with your guests, which translates to long-term success. Want to learn more about reputation management and SEO strategies for hospitality? Join our community of ambitious hospitality operators at hospitalitystrategylab.com for exclusive resources and support. And be sure to rate and subscribe to the Hospitality Strategy Lab podcast to stay updated with the latest insights and expert interviews.

11-11
04:33

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