194 | American in Saudi

Chris Tripoli is a veteran restaurateur, consultant, and podcast host with decades of hospitality experience under his belt. From teenage busboy to industry sage, he's seen it all—launching concepts, advising entrepreneurs, and mentoring the next generation. Susan and Chris talk about hospitality, hiring, and hitting the bullseye with your brand.

What You'll Learn About

🍽️ The #1 mistake restaurant owners make.
🧃 The secret to balancing fast, frictionless service with personalized hospitality.
🎭 Why teaching new staff the "onstage/backstage" mindset is non-negotiable.
📊 Value ≠ cheap. What guests really want when they talk about “value.”
💡 “Say yes now, figure it out later”—his golden rule for unforgettable guest service.
🌍 That time he landed a restaurant project in Saudi Arabia... by being American (and good with women).