It’s important for restaurant owners to stay up to date on industry trends, but it can be difficult to find time in their jam-packed schedule to do so. This is where listening to podcasts can come in handy.

Podcasts are essentially talk radio, covering even the most niche topics and easily accessible to anyone with a smartphone. You can listen while driving to work, cleaning, cooking or any other methodical daily tasks. Here are some of the top podcasts for franchisees in the restaurant industry to stay up to date on best practices and gain inspiration.

“Thoughts That Rock” (Jim Knight Podcast)

Though not specific to the restaurant industry, this “edu-taining” podcast gives its listeners food for thought. One of the show’s co-hosts, Jim Knight, delivered the keynote speech about service that rocks at the NFA LEAD Conference in 2019. Joined by Brant Menswar, the two discuss life-changing advice with a different guest each week. This podcast is an excellent source of encouragement and positivity for business owners who need a bit of motivation.

Where to listen: Thoughts That Rock Website and Apple Podcasts

“Order Up”

The “Order Up” podcast, brought to you by the National Restaurant Association, provides listeners stories from behind the research and policy as the restaurant industry faces challenges it has never faced before. This podcast is an excellent resource to help restaurant owners make sense of the recovery ahead of us and stay informed on the latest news, data and developments

Where to listen: National Restaurant Association Website and Apple Podcasts

“Franchise Today”

Join host Stan Friedman, president of FRM Solutions, as he provides full disclosure on what’s going on inside franchising today and serves up discussions with weekly guests who talk about best practices for scaling their businesses for sustainable growth and sensible franchising.

Where to listen: Blog Talk Radio Website and Apple Podcasts

“Restaurant Unstoppable”

“Restaurant Unstoppable” offers a melting pot of industry mentors to teach listeners habits needed to be successful, raise capital, recruit and retain team members, and other important aspects to effectively run a restaurant. The podcast’s mission is to inspire restaurant owners and operators around the world by sharing stories, ideas, knowledge, mentorship and more from proven successful restaurateurs.

Where to listen: Restaurant Unstoppable Website, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

“A Deeper Dive”

“A Deeper Dive” is a weekly podcast from Restaurant Business dedicated to going in-depth on the most pressing challenges and opportunities restaurant operators face today. Listeners will hear from restaurant industry leaders on topics ranging from delivery to discounting, marketing to menu and all the latest information on industry trends.

Where to listen: Restaurant Business Online Website, Apple Podcasts and Soundcloud

“Franchise Euphoria”

“Franchise Euphoria” sheds light on how to design the right business plan for you and your business. Join Indiana-based franchise attorney and entrepreneur Josh Brown each week as he shares his insights, strategies, frameworks and best practices gained through more than 15 years of experience in the franchising industry.

Where to listen: Indy Franchise Law Website and Apple Podcasts

“Fast Forward: A Podcast from QSR Magazine”

Made for restaurant executives, entrepreneurs and leaders, each episode of “Fast Forward” features an interview with fast-casual founders and visionaries who discuss the ongoing successes and challenges of building a restaurant company from scratch.

Where to listen: QSR Magazine Website and Apple Podcasts

“Fast Casual”

Join Plate associate publisher Jerry White for conversations with leading fast-casual CEOs and founders as they share their stories, best practices, trend observations and discuss looming challenges.

Where to listen: Fast Casual Website and Apple Podcasts

“Franchise Secrets”

Franchising specialist Erik Van Horn reveals the secrets he uses as a franchisee, consultant, investor and entrepreneur. Each week, listeners learn tactical and practical tools to help them buy, grow and sell franchises like an expert.

Where to listen: Franchise Secrets Website and Apple Podcasts

 “The Franchise Story”

“The Franchise Story” gives listeners access to the stories, mindsets and lessons learned by high-performing franchisees and the franchise founders behind the brands that they invested in. This is a niche podcast for listeners who want to hear the stories of people who have used franchising to create businesses that provide them with freedom, control, income and equity.

Where to listen: Franchise Ramp Website and Apple Podcasts

Morgan Fitzgerald

Morgan Fitzgerald is the NFA Digital Media Coordinator. You may reach Morgan at 678-540-6202.