Kendra Feather got her start in the restaurant industry as a server to supplement her income while while running an underground art gallery. Today, she owns 5 restaurants in Richmond, Virginia. Feather opened Ipanema Cafe in 1998, Garnett's Cafe in 2009, The Roosevelt (with Lee Gregory) in 2011, and was a founding partner of WPA Bakery in November 2012. Garnett's at The Valentine opened in June 2017 and well as Laura Lee's.
Show notes…
Favorite Success Quote or Mantra.
"Make yourself happy. Keep moving forward."
In this episode with Kendra Feather, we discuss:
- Not letting the media pin you up against your friends in the industry.
- Looking at other restaurants in your community as allies and collaborating with them.
- Creating your own "board of advisors."
- Growing your people, so you can step away and focus on other projects.
- Create healthy, friendly competition between your neighboring restaurants.
- Not chasing trends, instead chase what matters to you.
- Being your own publicist.
- Finding your own lane and partnering with those who are strong where you are weak. This allows you to focus on doing what you do best with 100% of your bandwidth.
- Creating opportunity for others.
- What Kendra did differently with her most successful restaurant.
Today's Sponsor
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Knowledge bombs
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Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
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What is your biggest weakness?
- Having the occasional "pity party."
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What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
- If they shit job their former job, don't hire them.
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What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
- Cooking in a kitchen that she hasn't cook in for 13 years.
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Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
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What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
- Cultivate servers that are seen and not heard.
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What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
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Share an online resource or tool.
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What's one piece of technology you've adopted in your restaurant and how has it influence operations?
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If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
- He who is happiness wins.
- Happiness is not what you always think
Contact Info
@rooseveltRVA
@LauraleesRVA
@GarnettsRVA
@IpanemaVEG
Thanks for Listening!
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Huge thanks to Kendra Feather for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!
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