Reimagining Restaurant Leadership with bartaco’s Anthony Valletta - Grounded Podcast - Episode #26
Discover how thoughtful leadership, operational consistency, and authentic brand values come together to create a standout dining experience. Anthony Valletta, CEO and President of bartaco, shares how he’s growing the brand while staying true to its people-first philosophy.
In this episode, Anthony dives into his leadership principles, bartaco’s focus on sensory-driven hospitality, and how building credibility starts with listening to your team. From pricing strategy to philanthropy, he reveals what it takes to maintain a high-performing, values-driven culture across dozens of locations.
Takeaways:
- How authenticity and accountability build trust across every level of a hospitality organization.
- Why operational consistency and sensory details are key to a standout, scalable guest experience.
- How to avoid trends and focus on long-term flavor, value, and brand integrity.
- Why listening to employee and guest feedback helps shape everything from culture to menu.
- How philanthropy and mentorship strengthen company culture and industry leadership.
Quote of the Show:
- “ Do not get discouraged. This is an industry that's built off passion. If you’re passionate about what you're doing, in the long run you're gonna make an impact, you're gonna be successful.” - Anthony Valletta
Connect with Anthony:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyvalletta/
- Company website: https://bartaco.com/
Ways to Tune In:
- Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
- iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
- Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast
Creators and Guests
Host
Lauren Mitchell
Lauren Mitchell is the Director of National Accounts and Custom Distribution at Produce Alliance, LLC. She is a dedicated fresh produce spend & spec maximizer for multi-unit national restaurant chains & groups. She gets to know your brand and infuses your expectation for quality, consistency and transparency to create more reliability in your produce category.
