Most restaurants rely on heroics. That’s why they break.
Chef calls out—everything collapses.
Staff turns over—culture disappears.
Owner burns out—nothing changes.

After 33 years in the kitchen, I’ve seen it all.
I’ve run high-volume operations, trained green teams into machines, and led groups through chaos and culture collapse.
And here’s what I know:

Culture eats talent for breakfast.
Systems beat talent when talent doesn’t have systems.

Today, I help restaurant leaders build kitchens that don’t rely on superheroes.
I work with chefs and operators to:

→ Define their way of doing business
→ Build leadership systems that teach it
→ Create operations that run consistently—even when they’re not there

It’s not theory. It’s not fluff.
One client cut turnover by 60% and grew profit by 15% in 90 days.

If your team is talented but inconsistent…
If your culture changes depending on who’s in charge…
If your restaurant falls apart when one person is out…

Let’s talk.

On the CULINARY MECHANIC podcast, I host candid conversations with hospitality's most innovative leaders. From kitchen culture to tech innovations, we blend battle-tested wisdom with modern insights that challenge 'the way it's always been done.' It's where restaurant wisdom meets real systems that work.

🎙️ Host: CULINARY MECHANIC
📩 DM me or visit culinarymechanic.com

Simon Zatyrka

Ignite Hospitality Sales 

We believe in human based hospitality and optimizing every piece of your tech stack for optimal efficiency, revenue and profitability.

With experience both inside brands and as a valued supplier, we help SaaS and other industry players with GTM planning and sales program development.

Owner | Consultative Strategic Advisor | Growth Strategist

HelmsBriscoe

I specialize in sourcing and contracting venues that match your unique meeting and event needs. With me, you gain access to the incredible value and expertise of HelmsBriscoe, the world's largest and most trusted site selection firm. My mission is to empower you by saving your valuable time and exponentially increasing your negotiating power.

Manager, Global Accounts

Yelp for Restaurants

CEO Club - #1 National / Enterprise - 2021, 2022
Channel Partnerships and Management

Enterprise Accounts and Strategic Partnerships - Yelp Restaurants

Mid Market - Strategic Partnerships, Yelp Restaurants

Strategic Partnerships - Yelp Restaurants

DTiQ

As a loss prevention and risk mitigation consultant within the hospitality space, I assist restaurant operators in identifying areas to improve operational inefficiencies, reduce liabilities and cut costs for improved profit margins via a virtual, multi-location enterprise managed services solution. Every day, software provided by DTT protects trillions of dollars in assets and oversees nearly 2 million employees.

DTT is a leading, full-service provider of cloud based, video surveillance, SAAS and enterprise loss prevention solutions for the hospitality and retail industries. Serving over 35,000 customers nationwide, DTT's managed services model provides operators simplicity, mobility and reliability, creating a virtual presence at all locations through our single sign-on enterprise management portal, MyDTT™.

Tradeshow and Event Representative

Senior National Account Executive and Sales Trainer

Rewards Network

CEO Club Winner

For over 30 years, Rewards Network has helped restaurants increase their revenue, traffic, and customer engagement through our innovative financial and marketing services and premier dining rewards programs offered in partnership with the nation’s leading brands.

With our premier Merchant Cash Advance programs, Rewards Network provides cash to restaurants, bars, and clubs to help jump start necessary improvements and enhance their bottom line. 

Our Marketing Services program advertises to a pool of over 20 million members — including frequent flyers, corporate cardholders, and highly motivated diners who spend millions of dollars annually — through millions of targeted emails, on-the-go access to restaurants via mobile apps, and a strong social media presence.

Senior Account Executive - Certified Sales Trainer

Savvy Circle

The first and largest local group buying business in Hawaii. Clients included a wide range of businesses: mid to high-end restaurants, hotel groups, museums and attractions. PLAYHawaii focused on helping merchants attract new customers and retain repeat customers through a group buying platform.

•	Lead user acquisition campaigns, outer island growth efforts and  product development to create new revenue streams 
•	Continually exceed monthly sales quota for online marketing partners on platform with over 50,000 subscribers
•	Analyze campaigns and consult with clients to maximize their effectiveness and results for increased revenue 
•	Successfully acquired 300+ new clients, increased user base by 12,000 and revenue by a minimum of $30K per month  
•	Develop training curriculum to manage and coach sales efforts of 15 account executives
•	Manage and train 4 staff members for promo creation, client training, copy writing, help desk and customer service
•	Contribute to expansion efforts and launch of 2 new brands (maiplay.com and getperx.com) 
•	Led participation in local charity campaigns including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Toys For Tots, and American Red Cross

Business Development Director

Mandolas's Italian Markets

•	Successfully launched an outside sales division with multiple revenue streams earning over $2.5 million annually
•	Managed strategic direction and new account development activities, including e-commerce 
•	Complete P&L and budgeting responsibility of division, reducing costs by 35% from inaugural year 
•	Developed and managed a team of 6-10 sales executives and 75-100 on and off premise associates  to generate revenue and achieve individual, team and organizational goals and quotas
•	Implemented and managed interactive social media campaigns and community outreach programs with measured results
•	Spearheaded creative direction for sales and marketing collateral plus all training materials and programs
•	Operated over 250 events annually, including client and vendor relations, product procurement and onsite operations
•	Detailed analytics, measurement and tracking of all results and sales activity

Director of  Sales and Marketing - Catering, Event and Off Premise

Indigo Global Cuisine Inc.

•	Closed over $3.5M annually in outside sales and events, surpassing sales goals by 40%
•	Increased awareness of Indigo’s presence and brand recognition, gaining exposure in over 50 new markets nationwide
•	Established Indigo as lead source for national destination management companies (DMC) and incentive travel business
•	Directed all promotional and marketing efforts, including all media relations and community outreach programs
•	Operated and managed all outside events with attendance of 50-25,000 guests, inclusive of hiring and training staff

Director of Sales - Catering and Events - Hawaiian Islands

My true passion lies in the hospitality industry, particularly with the people who make it vibrant. They deserve every opportunity to achieve success.. This belief fuels my commitment to my work.

I am deeply committed to nurturing growth and excellence in this industry.  

My passion is helping organizations maximize their full potential by doubling down on their human based hospitality while adopting technologies to unlock growth and profitability. 

I have a strong track record of building deep value-added relationships with customer teams and industry partners and creating high-performing teams through training and performance management. 

Our industry works HARD, and I am passionate about helping optimize sales, service and revenue pieces for as many operator and teams as possible.

If you are interested in how I help companies optimize their performance or would just like to chat about restaurants, customer service, good old fashioned hospitality, sales training, strategy, technology, start-ups, or GOLDEN DOODLES, please connect with me through LinkedIn or at julie@igniterestaurantsales.com. 

I look forward to helping you!

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Julie Schor

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