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Jeff Nicoletta – Bubba's Smokehouse BBQ – @BubbasSmokehouseBBQ – La Jolla & Eastlake, California
Podcast recorded above the butcher shop at Valley Farm Market in Spring Valley, California.
Summary
Jeff Nicoletta is the owner/operator of Bubba’s Smokehouse BBQ in La Jolla and Eastlake.
Having no experience in BBQ Jeff opened two BBQ restaurants only because he has a passion for the customer’s reaction not just the bottom line.
By treating his restaurant operations like a video game, Jeff tries to raise his score by increasing quality and decreasing operational cost to satisfy his customers.
The benefits of paying more for quality and the shift in the industry from commodity to craft.
Delivery: Will it work for your business? How do you maintain the customer experience when using a food delivery service?
We discuss: UberEats, GrubHub, Postmates and online ordering through your Aloha POS.
Buying from Restaurant Depot vs. using a primary food vendor like US Foods.
Jeff and Derek share their experiences delegating day-to-day tasks to more passionate staff members and how it allows them to focus broader goals.
Derek gives an update on the 2018 Turf & Surf BBQ Championship.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Bubba's Smokehouse BBQ
Facebook
Website
Twitter
Mentions
Restaurant Depot Website
Flores Financial Bookkeeping – Bubba’s Smokehouse Recommendation
Restaurant Solutions Inc – Cali Comfort BBQ’s Recommendation
@BBQWarStories Weekly Social Shout Out:
@rosiesbbq
Winner of a sexy new #BehindTheSmoke Mug.
Be sure to tag @bbqwarstories in all your #BehindTheSmoke photos and interact with the podcast on social for your chance to win.
Remember…if we can’t tag you then we can’t pimp you.
Shareable Quotes From This Podcast:
“You have to make bad brisket before you make good brisket” {05:10} – Derek Marso
“What I find interesting about BBQ is how there’s so many different techniques.” {7:02} – Jeff Nicoletta
“It goes but gut feeling, really. I’ve been told I’m insane for listening to my gut.” {9:25} – Jeff Nicoletta
“You gotta go to Restaurant Depot everyday and slave!” {16:22} – Jeff Nicoletta
“I look at food costs and labor costs as a video game. The lower you get those costs the more points you get. The more customers you please, the more points you get. Your goal is to bat 1000 every day.” {16:01} – Jeff Nicoletta
“The trick is to portion it correctly and run a food cost of 28%.” {17:12} – Jeff Nicoletta
“Having all the things I had made it too easy and made me real cocky. That’s what causes problems sometimes in this business. You have to maintain you have to be humble.” {22:06} – Jeff Nicoletta
“You can never take your eye off the ball in this business. Ever.” {22:20} – Jeff Nicoletta
“You have to work just as hard on the second restaurant as you did building your first one.” {37:02} – Jeff Nicoletta
Get in Touch:
Shawn P. Walchef – @shawnpwalchef on Twitter
Derek Marso – @marsoderek on Twitter
Cory Wagner – @iamcorywagner on Twitter
Bryan Abou Charca – @kinglordbryan
Behind The Smoke Media
www.BehindTheSmokeMedia.com
behindthesmoke@calicomfortbbq.com
Facebook Page Behind The Smoke (Live Videos of the Podcast Recordings)
Instagram – @bbqwarstories
Twitter @bbqwarstories
Valley Farm Market – 9040 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91977
www.valleyfarmmarkets.com
derek@valleyfarmmarkets.com
Instagram @valleyfarmmarket
Twitter @valleyfarmarket
Facebook Page Valley Farm Market
Cali Comfort BBQ – 8910 Troy Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977
www.calicomfortbbq.com
shawn@calicomfortbbq.com
Instagram @calicomfortbbq
Twitter @calicomfort
Facebook Page Cali Comfort BBQ
YouTube Channel Cali Comfort BBQ
Connect with Shawn P. Walchef on LinkedIn
Honorable Mentions & BBQ Business Resources:
Behind The Smoke Media BBQ Business Resources
