He Didn’t Know He Had a YouTube Channel — Now He Has 1 Million Subscribers and a Packed Dining Room

Steven Droulis, co-owner of Vivaldi Restaurant in Montreal, has grown a YouTube audience of 1 million subscribers by documenting life in his kitchen. As a chef, operator, and content creator, he’s turned a neighborhood restaurant into a destination. Watch now to learn how a restaurant owner built 1 million YouTube subscribers, turned content into real customers, and transformed a local spot into a global destination. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Chapters: [06:05] - The YouTube Breakout Moment [12:05] - ROI of Social Media for Restaurants [20:30] - When Customers Start Traveling In [24:00] - Viral Moments and Recognition [27:30] - Media vs Restaurant Growth SPONSORS: RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS IS PRESENTED BY TOAST — Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point of sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience. • Toast All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Episode Links: Steven Droulis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveatVivaldi Steven Droulis Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@restovivaldi?_t=ZS-8zwx2rZicYE&_r=1 Steven Droulis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RestoVivaldi?rdid=DLIdmv03BoSsQpqD&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F19oU7tMKih%2F# Steven Droulis IG: https://www.instagram.com/restovivaldi/ Resto Vivaldi: https://restovivaldi.com/en/ Key Takeaways: Content Can Turn a Restaurant Into a Destination: Steven Droulis’s YouTube videos did more than generate views. They brought in customers from around the world, turning a neighborhood restaurant into a must-visit stop for travelers, musicians, and fans who discovered him online. Build the Person, Not Just the Plate: Instead of only showcasing dishes, Droulis stepped in front of the camera and made himself the brand. By sharing his personality, experience, and perspective, he created a deeper connection that keeps guests engaged before they ever walk in. You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan to Start: Droulis began posting videos expecting to lose money and reach a small local audience. Without overthinking the strategy, he focused on consistency and authenticity, proving that action and experimentation can lead to unexpected growth. *** ABOUT STEVEN DROULIS — Steven Droulis is a chef, restaurateur, and digital creator. Droulis is the co-owner of Vivaldi Restaurant in Montreal, a family-run establishment with nearly three decades of history. He has built a YouTube audience of 1 million subscribers, along with a growing following across TikTok and Instagram, by sharing approachable recipes and real stories from restaurant life. His content has attracted a global audience, turning his neighborhood restaurant into a destination for travelers and food enthusiasts. ABOUT RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS — Restaurant Influencers is a weekly video podcast series presented by Entrepreneur Media and Cali BBQ Media. Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) talks with business leaders like Shaquille O’Neal, Rob Dyrdek, Emeril Lagasse, Mayim Bialik, Jon Taffer, Robert Irvine, Toast co-founder Aman Narang, and more, about their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling, marketing, branding, and how to show up where customers are engaging online. Published by Entrepreneur Media - https://entreprenuer.com Produced by Cali BBQ Media - https://betheshow.media