Listen

Hear the latest episodes

Watch

See the latest videos

Read

Browse the latest content

Building a Restaurant Brand Without Losing What Made It Special

In This Episode

Interview Takeaways

  • Growth Requires the Right People – As Tono expands, Khan and Gambino are building a stronger leadership team around them. Hiring experienced operators and creating a more intentional approach to finding people who fit the culture allows the founders to step back while the business continues to grow.
  • Scale Without Losing What Makes You Local – Khan doesn’t want growth to make Tono feel like just another chain. Even with systems, processes and multiple locations, the goal is to preserve the hometown feel, family legacy and small differences that make each restaurant feel authentic.
  • Build With People Who Challenge You – Khan believes strong partnerships aren’t built on always agreeing. Finding people who bring a different perspective, respectfully challenge your thinking and earn your trust can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships and new opportunities.

Shaz Khan and Antonio Gambino of Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks share how they are growing the restaurant brand while protecting the culture and identity that made it successful. They explain why scaling requires more than opening locations, from building the right leadership team to creating systems that allow the business to grow without losing its hometown feel.

Khan and Gambino also discuss the value of strong partnerships, surrounding yourself with people who challenge your thinking, and knowing when to step back and trust others to lead. Their approach shows how restaurant growth can be intentional while staying connected to the people, relationships, and values behind the brand.

Episode Links

Listen To This Episode

About Cali BBQ Media

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

Join our Newsletter

Be the Show, Not the Commercial

Tell your story, share your mission, build stronger connections. See how the Cali BBQ Media team can help your business grow through the power of your own story. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *