
The Flywheel Effect: Building and Retaining Your Customer Database
- S2E17
- 11:34
- January 6th 2025
Today we're delving into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to thrive as a business owner in the hospitality industry. I'll be sharing my personal journey— the highs, the lows, and the hard lessons learned from my restaurant ownership experience. We'll discuss the importance of prioritizing strategic tasks over urgent distractions and unveil a powerful tool we've developed to optimize your operations: the missed call, text-back system.
This simple yet effective technology engages your customers automatically, answers their common queries, and even grows your database.
Plus, we'll explore ways to boost your Google discoverability and ensure your business stands out. So, if you're ready to transform your bar or restaurant, stay tuned!
00:00 Shiny objects hinder my business growth plans.
04:51 Automated text conversion for unanswered business calls.
07:16 Optimizing Google Business Profile for better ranking.
10:08 Converting contacts to lifetime value quickly.
1. Introduction by Jason Littrell
- Brief introduction and greeting
- Personal background as a restaurant owner
2. Challenges of Managing a Bar/Restaurant
- Constant work and lack of days off
- Dealing with staff issues and operational problems
- Sacrificing long-term goals for urgent tasks
3. Transition to the Tech World
- Current involvement in the tech industry
- The impact of AI and emerging technologies
4. Importance of Focusing on Key Areas for Business Growth
- Research on delivering high ROI for clients
- Sticking with proven strategies and "boring, unsexy stuff"
- Development of a new program
5. Introduction to the "Missed Call, Text Back" System
- Description of the system and its functionality
- Onboarding process for the system
6. Benefits and Features of the "Missed Call, Text Back" System
- Transforming missed phone calls into text responses
- AI training to handle common customer inquiries
- Seamless integration with existing operations
7. Case Study: Burrito Shop Implementation
- High volume of phone calls
- Automatic responses to common questions
- Increased efficiency and customer satisfaction
8. Onboarding and Database Building
- 14-day onboarding process
- Connecting Google Business Profile
- Implementing a new phone number and automated systems
9. Enhancing SEO and Discoverability
- Use of Yext to increase citations and backlinks
- Importance of Google Maps for local searches
10. Automating Customer Feedback and Reviews
- Collecting and responding to customer reviews
- Improving business practices based on feedback
11. Building a Sustainable Customer Database
- Taking control of customer interactions from third-party platforms
- Incremental growth in customer database
- Weekly performance reports for clients
12. Long-term Value and Client Satisfaction
- Increasing lifetime value of customers
- Tangible results and customer loyalty
hospitality strategy, Jason Littrell, business owner, restaurant management, bar ownership, guest experience, employee management, vendor issues, business growth, AI in hospitality, automation, restaurant tools, guest engagement, missed call text back, reservations system, dietary restrictions, menu management, client onboarding, database building, customer feedback, Google reviews, SEO for restaurants, Google Business Profile, phone call management, customer service, loyalty programs, digital marketing, social media conversion, business discoverability, lifetime value, client retention
Hospitality Strategy Lab
Welcome to Hospitality Strategy Lab, the podcast where science meets service. Join host Jason Littrell as he dives into the cutting-edge world of hospitality with interviews from industry pioneers, tech innovators, and behavioral psychologists. Each episode explores how AI, automation, behavioral economics, and data-driven strategies can revolutionize guest experiences and drive repeat business. From practical tips to big-picture insights, we’re here to give you the strategies you need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry.
Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, this podcast is your playbook for creating habit-forming guest experiences and sustainable growth.
Tune in and transform the way you think about hospitality.
https://hospitalitystrategylab.com
https://kmsops.com
https://jlittrell.com

Jason Littrell is a world-class hospitality consultant, award-winning bartender, and founder of Hospitality Strategy Lab.
With years of experience working at renowned venues like Death & Co in Manhattan and advising top-tier hospitality brands, Jason has a deep understanding of what it takes to create unforgettable guest experiences and profitable bar programs.
As a pioneer in the use of AI, automation, and behavioral psychology in hospitality, he’s passionate about making advanced tactics accessible to operators who want to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry.
Through his podcast, Jason interviews industry leaders, tech innovators, and behavioral science experts, providing actionable insights and strategies to help you elevate your hospitality game.
Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, Jason’s engaging approach and wealth of knowledge make Hospitality Strategy Lab your go-to resource for mastering the art and science of exceptional service.
Ready to revolutionize your hospitality business? Tune in and learn from the best.