What It Really Takes to Build a Lasting Restaurant (Ryan DePersio)

The Banter The Guys talk about restaurant upselling and how NOT to do it like a sleazy car salesman. The Conversation The Restaurant Guys talk with friend Ryan DePersio about wins, losses, and marine borers. Ryan believes teamwork and tenacity are keys to surviving and thriving in this industry. Inside Track The Guys served Ryan at their restaurant before he became a chef! “My parents were taking us to New York City once or twice a year, and eating at Gotham Bar and Grill and Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe. At that point, I felt like I was only getting that experience at those restaurants in Manhattan. And then I ate at Stage Left and I felt the same thing I felt at a place like Gotham Bar and Grill. It really was a core memory for me of upscale dining and refined service and caring about what was going on the plate. That was 30 years ago,” Ryan DePersio on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2025 Bio Chef Ryan DePersio is the culinary force behind New Jersey spots Fascino, Kitchen Step, Battello and Ember & Eagle. Known for his “Italian without borders” style, DePersio blends classic technique with modern flair, earning critical and loyal guest acclaim. A James Beard–recognized chef, he’s helped shape New Jersey’s dining scene with his refined yet approachable cuisine. Info Battello https://www.battellojc.com/ Ember & Eagle https://www.emberandeagle.com/ Enjoy over-decorated restaurants with Christmas cocktails through January 3, 2026 https://www.catherinelombardi.com/ Check out New Year's Eve in New Brunswick, NJ https://www.newbrunswicknewyearseve.com/ Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe Magyar Bank https://www.magbank.com/ Withum Accounting https://www.withum.com/restaurant Our Places Stage Left Steak https://www.stageleft.com/ Catherine Lombardi Restaurant https://www.catherinelombardi.com/ Stage Left Wineshop https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/ To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys Reach Out to The Guys! TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com **Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.** Click Below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe