What if the city everyone dismissed as a chain mecca was actually the smartest place to build a restaurant empire?
Rachel Cope didn't wait for permission to prove Oklahoma City wrong. As Founder and CEO of 84 Hospitality Group, she's built a multi-concept portfolio (Empire Slice House, Gorō Ramen, Burger Punk, and Elisabetta) by doing what most operators won't: saying no to the wrong opportunities, coaching her team instead of managing them, and treating a secondary market as a competitive advantage rather than a ceiling.
In this conversation, we get into how Rachel identifies the line between opportunity and distraction, why you cannot grow to the next thing until your current operation runs without you, and how an athlete's win-or-learn mindset changes the way you build culture.
If you're operating in a market people underestimate, including yourself, this one is for you.
To learn more about 84 Hospitality Group and their growing portfolio of Oklahoma City concepts, visit
84hospitality.com.
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Free 5-Day Restaurant Marketing Masterclass – This is a live training where you'll learn the exact campaigns Josh has built and tested in real restaurants to attract new guests, increase visit frequency, and generate sales on demand. Save your spot at restaurantbusinessschool.com
What is FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution?
What if I told you that the difference between struggling and thriving in the restaurant industry is just one conversation away?
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who’s spent decades building blockbuster brands across every tier of dining. I know the challenges you’re facing—because I’ve been there. That’s why I created FULL COMP.
Every week, I go one-on-one with the smartest minds in the game: restaurateurs, chefs, and industry insiders who’ve cracked the code. Together, we unpack their biggest wins, hardest lessons, and the strategies that changed everything.
No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights to help you boost profits, build your brand, and create the kind of restaurant you’ve always dreamed of.
So, if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing results, hit subscribe.