Are you afraid to email your guests? You shouldn't be. Email remains the single lowest-cost, highest-return retention tool in your marketing arsenal. Yet, most brands are paralyzed by the fear of "spamming" or, worse, are training their audience to never pay full price by batching generic discounts. In this CRM Masterclass, host RevCio is joined by the maestro of customer relationship management, Olivia Ross from El Pollo Loco. She’s not just managing data—she’s building an innovation engine on top of it. We break down how to turn your database into a goldmine by focusing on value and personalization: The First Two Metrics: If you’re opening a database for the first time, what two numbers are the most critical indicators of success? (Hint: It’s not just open rates.)The Gold Standard: What percentage of your customers should be in your email database? (The goal is 99%, but we talk about what makes a great starting point.)Segment That Counts: Why most brands look at "lapsed guests" incorrectly, and how to create a win-back strategy that uses *frequency breaks* instead of static timeframes.The Art of Fun Comms: We brainstorm "surprise and delight" email tactics (like sending a high-five or a tasteful meme) that build emotional loyalty without asking for an order.Welcome Journey Design: Learn the exact structure and cadence of a successful welcome flow—from the first sign-up to the crucial third visit—that avoids aggressive discounting. It's time to stop leaving the lowest-cost revenue source on the table. Listen now and start emailing your guests more effectively today.

The Tactical Playbook: The Next Frontier of Catering Loyalty Most restaurants treat catering as a purely reactive revenue stream—just a form on a website. But they're missing the true value: recurring, high-value B2B relationships hidden in plain sight. In this tactical masterclass, hosts Rev and Arun dive deep into the catering maturity curve. We skip the basic order-taking and reveal the proactive, data-driven approach needed to build massive B2B loyalty. GUEST SPOTLIGHT: We are joined by Britney Mercer, Director of Marketing for Cowboy Chicken, who shares the strategic mind that has scaled the beloved wood fire rotisserie brand. KEY TAKEAWAYS YOU'LL GET: The Maturity Curve: Understand where your catering operation falls—and the massive revenue unlock waiting at the high end of the curve.Regionalized Strategy: Why the "same menu, same price" blanket approach fails. Learn how Cowboy Chicken successfully applies local store marketing (LSM) strategies to B2B catering.The Unspoken Stakes: Why catering orders are higher-stakes than consumer orders (and why you need to protect the office manager's job!).Loyalty for High-Value Guests: Is a traditional loyalty program necessary for catering? Arun and Britney debate this, and reveal the AI sequencing tactics (like "order two, get 20% off the third") that actually incentivize catering frequency.The Catering Checklist: Britney outlines the critical, often-overlooked steps—from packaging that travels well to competitive COGS analysis—that must be handled before your first order goes out. It's time to stop treating catering like an afterthought and start treating it like the multi-unit revenue engine it is.

How do you win as a franchisee? It’s not by just following the corporate playbook. The real magic is in the localplaybook. This week, Rev and Arun are joined by Julie Wade, a powerhouse franchise marketer. She shares her tactical guide on what franchisees should control (like local Facebook pages) and what the brand must control (like Google My Business and the main CRM). If you're a franchisee or franchisor, this is a must-listen. You'll learn how to balance brand standards with the local-level execution that actually drives traffic and builds a neighborhood following. In this episode, you will learn: The 3 channels franchisees should own, and the 3 they should never touch. How to use the "Parent-Child" Facebook strategy to mix brand content with local posts. Why you MUST have a small, daily ad budget (and why organic reach is dead). How to use your CRM to save a "down" sales week by diagnosing the real problem first. Smart ways to incentivize guests (like points and contests) without resorting to profit-killing discounts.

Still think your POS is the center of your universe? You're already behind. The post-pandemic "tech-drunk" era is over. It's time to get smart about your stack. In this episode, Rev, Arun, and 20-year industry vet Chris Munz cut straight through the hype. They break down why your obsession with the "transaction" is killing your repeat business, and why your CRM—not your POS—is the true foundation for a future-proof restaurant. Stop buying shiny objects and start building a frictionless customer journey that actually makes you money. This is the one you can't afford to miss.

What happens when a viral influencer campaign meets the reality of in-store operations? How do you ensure the digital promises you make are flawlessly delivered in the physical world? In this episode, we bridge that gap with a truly unique guest: Peter Wiley, Director of Marketing & IT at Hothead Burritos. As both a corporate strategist for an 87-location brand and a hands-on franchisee for 11 of those stores, Peter lives at the intersection of high-level tech strategy and on-the-ground reality. Tune in to hear a masterclass in building a cohesive, omnichannel experience that works for both your brand and your franchisees, including: ‣ The #1 question you MUST ask every tech vendor before signing a contract (Hint: it’s all about the POS). ‣ The ongoing debate: The pros and cons of requiring an app download versus embracing app-less loyalty. ‣ Why a Customer Data Platform (CDP) is the key to understanding the 70% of your guests who aren't in your loyalty program. ‣ Practical strategies for personalizing offers that actually increase visit frequency.

'Limited Time Offers' are a staple in every restaurant's playbook, but too often they are a costly gamble that fails to produce a meaningful return. How do you move beyond the hype and into profit? Join marketing strategist Anna Tauzin Neave as she pulls back the curtain on what it takes to create LTOs that don't just generate buzz, but build the bottom line. Discover why measuring an LTO's success purely on sales is a massive mistake, and finally settle the debate: are LTOs an acquisition tool or a powerful retention powerhouse? This is your guide to turning LTOs into a predictable engine for engagement.

Acquiring new guests can feel like a gamble. So, we brought in a true heavyweight, Brian Siemienas, who has led marketing for giants like Hard Rock and Darden. He joins Rev Ciancio and Arun to break down where restaurants waste the most money and shares scrappy, high-impact strategies that actually work. Stop guessing and start growing. #RestaurantMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #MarketingStrategy #Hospitality #Qubriux

That one-star review for missing ketchup just did more damage than you think. Rev Ciancio and Qubriux CEO Arun break down how to build a bulletproof online reputation. Discover AI-powered strategies to analyze feedback, predict operational issues, and turn your worst reviews into loyal fans. #RestaurantMarketing #ReputationManagement #CustomerFeedback #Hospitality #Qubriux

Being "okay" at ten marketing tasks is killing your growth. It's time to be awesome at two. Outsourcing isn't about giving up control; it's about gaining the leverage to focus on what truly moves the needle. In this episode, Rev and Arun break down the strategic framework for deciding when to hire an agency versus when to use tech, and reveal the core marketing functions you should never hand over. Tune in to discover what to outsource and what to own. #RestaurantLeadership #MarketingTips #Outsourcing #Focus #Qubriux

Your email list is the one marketing channel you truly OWN. Are you using it to its full potential? In this episode, get the complete playbook for mastering restaurant email marketing. Rev and Arun cover everything from the psychology of a great offer to the data behind smart segmentation. Learn why email is the hero of retention marketing and get the actionable tips you need to transform your strategy today.

Rev Ciancio & special guest Cherryh Cansler (FastCasual.com / Networld Media Group) are serving up the real talk: why focused marketing workshops are your ticket to serious restaurant growth. This isn't theory; it's about actionable tactics (inspired by the #RestaurantMarketingWorkshop in Indy, June 2-3 – Qubriux is a proud sponsor!). Tune in to hear why this is a non-negotiable. #RestaurantMarketingTips #Podcast #LoyaltyStrategy #AIforRestaurants #Qubriux  

Texts & WhatsApp for your restaurant: Incredible power, serious peril. 💥 With 90% open rates, it's tempting to go wild. But screw it up? You're digital toast. Rev & Arun are decoding how to use these direct channels like a pro – from consent and frequency to smart segmentation and avoiding that "creepy stalker" vibe. Learn how to make direct messaging your secret weapon. #RestaurantPodcast #MarketingStrategy #SMS #WhatsApp #Qubriux

Understanding the right technology infrastructure is vital for restaurant success in today's competitive environment. In Episode 16 of Up, Up and Away, the restaurant marketing podcast, the focus is on the concept of a consolidated tech stack for restaurants. We delve into the essential systems and the critical need for integration to improve efficiency and gain valuable insights. Join us for a discussion on building a more streamlined and effective technology foundation for your restaurant.

Think a single veggie burger covers dietary needs? 🙄 Wrong. This episode tackles how restaurants often fail at inclusive menus (allergies, keto, vegan, GF & more) and how YOU can fix it to win loyal fans. Learn the step-by-step framework to super serve these guests, find niche opportunities, market effectively, and crucially, avoid common mistakes like cross-contamination. Hosts Arun AV (Qubriux) & Rev Ciancio break down actionable strategies. Stop leaving money on the table! Watch now, share this with a restaurant owner who needs it, and give us a rating! #RestaurantMarketing #InclusiveMenu #DietaryRestrictions #Allergies #Vegan #GlutenFree #RestaurantTips #Podcast

In this episode, Rev Ciancio spills the beans on a TOP-SECRET meeting with a Meta Instagram Growth Advisor! He's sharing game-changing tactics – things he's personally tested and confirmed to actually work. This isn't your typical "influencer advice" – this is the real deal.

Tired of crickets chirping in your restaurant during the week? 🦗💰 We get it. Weekday slumps are a killer. In this episode of Up, Up, and Away, we're serving up the real strategies to boost sales when business is slow. No fluff, just actionable tips from Qubriux's Arun and hospitality guru Rev. Let's turn those slow days into payday! #qubriux #podcast #restaurantmarketing

Gift cards: a restaurant's best friend or a marketing flop? This episode dives into the world of gift card programs, exploring whether they're worth the effort for independent restaurants. A New York restauranteur shares their skepticism, prompting a deep dive into what makes a gift card program successful. The discussion covers ideal restaurant types for gift cards, essential program elements, POS integration (or lack thereof), digital vs. physical options, effective marketing strategies (beyond the "buy X get Y" promo), and the role of personalization and AI. Learn best practices from purchase to redemption and discover what to look for in a gift card provider.

Tired of shouting into the void with your restaurant marketing? 📢 This episode is for you! 💥 We're diving deep into the world of customer segmentation with the one and only Arun AV. 💥 Learn how to identify your ideal customers, tailor your marketing messages, and watch your restaurant thrive. 🎙️ Listen Now!

Online reviews: They can make or break you. ☠️ In this episode, we're spilling the tea on how to handle those brutal one-star rants, turn negative feedback into gold, and leverage positive reviews to attract new customers. ☕️ Listen Now!

Ever wondered how restaurants operate without a physical storefront? Join us as we delve into the world of cloud kitchens and virtual brands. We'll discuss the strategies to build brand awareness, attract customers, and drive sales for your virtual restaurant. From choosing the right business model to crafting effective marketing campaigns, we've got you covered. Tune in to Episode 8 discover the secrets to success in the digital age of food delivery.