738: Trey Smith on Building an Unsinkable Restaurant

Saint-Germain was created by Drew Delaughter, Chef Blake Aguillard, and Trey Smith. Drew and Trey met in 2008 at culinary school in Hyde Park, NY. They both moved to New Orleans after school. Drew worked at Susan Spicer’s Bayona Restaurant working his way up to Captain, gaining valuable service experience, as well as wine and spirit knowledge. Smith went to work for Chef Michael Gulotta at Restaurant August where he met and worked alongside Blake.  After some European traveling, and working in other cities, the trio reunited and Saint-Germain was born.

Check out episode 734 with Drew Delaughter as mentioned in today's episode.

Check out episode 732 with Chef Michael Gulotta as mentioned in today's episode.

Show notes…

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Favorite success quote or mantra:

• "Success is a journey, not a destination." Found on a coffee mug in the rubble of the restaurant now called Saint-Germain.

In today's episode with Trey Smith we will discuss:

• Attention to detail
• Mentors
• From law school to culinary school
• The competitive side of cooking
• Learning how to ask for help
• Trusting your team to execute your vision
• Living and learning in Germany
• In German restaurants you serve what you kill the night before
• You're only as good as your team
• CPA's and accounting
• Leadership and how to manager people
• Be respectful always in your restaurant
• Projections and checklists

Today's sponsor:

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Perfectionist
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Perfectionist
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • What is your long-term goal
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Planning anything during COVID-19
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Communication
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Professional actions within a casual environment
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
   • GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM 
8. Name one service you've hired.
   • Lawyer
9. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influenced operations?
   • DineX POS system
10. 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?
    • If you have a dream, take the leap
    • Enjoy what success you have
    • Work your butt off until it's time to stop

Contact info:

Instagram: @saintgermainnola

website: www.saintgermainnola.com

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

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Huge thanks to Trey Smith for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

 

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