Helping Restaurant Shine Through Marketing with Sebastian Stahl

Sebastian Stahl, CEO and Founder of Breadth Marketing, shares his journey in the restaurant industry. He started developing a taste for the business in college and opened his first restaurant in Guatemala City in 2005. After facing challenges and learning valuable lessons, he opened a full-service restaurant in Miami's Wynwood area. However, due to various factors, he had to find a partner or sell the restaurant. He connected with a chef who was looking for a larger space and they made a deal within three months. The new concept, a mix of fast-casual and full-service, became successful and is still thriving today.
Sebastian Stahl also shares his journey from running multiple restaurant concepts to starting a restaurant marketing agency. He emphasizes the importance of strategy and building a database for effective marketing. Sebastian also discusses the need for restaurants to invest in technology to streamline operations and control costs. He advises restaurateurs to focus on building a sustainable brand by investing in processes and systems from the beginning. Sebastian highlights the value of branding and long-term planning for restaurant success.
Takeaways:
- Starting a restaurant requires a deep understanding of operations, marketing, and finances.
- The restaurant industry is challenging, with many factors that need to align for success.
- Opening a restaurant in different locations, such as Latin America and the US, comes with unique challenges and costs.
- Partnering with the right people and learning from experienced professionals can greatly contribute to the success of a restaurant.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are essential qualities for restaurant owners and operators. Invest in strategy and build a database for effective marketing
- Utilize technology to streamline operations and control costs
- Focus on building a sustainable brand by investing in processes and systems
- Prioritize branding and long-term planning for restaurant success
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Backstory
04:03 Dealing with Unexpected Challenges
08:38 Sebastian's Experience and Transition to the Restaurant Industry
15:25 Takes on the Pros and Cons of Fast Casual vs FSR
17:30 How Breadth Started
23:19 Challenges in Restaurant Marketing
28:41 Early Days of Breadth Marketing
29:55 Strategic Planning and Social Media Management
34:50 Ideal Customers for Breadth Marketing
36:54 Recent Wins in Restaurant Marketing
39:39 Tips for Building a Sustainable Brand
43:03 Emerging Tech and Innovations
45:04 Advice to fellow Entrepreneur
47:48 What's Next for Breadth Marketing
48:58 Where to Find Breadth Marketing and the Book