Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore

Michael Muser is the Co-Owner of Ever, After, and The Canvas in Chicago, Illinois. Michael studied theater in college in Southern California. After graduating and waiting tables in SoCal, he decided to train as a sommelier. He worked as Wine Director under Chef Curtis Duffy at Avenues in The Peninsula Hotel, a 5-star hotel in downtown Chicago. There the team earned two Michelin stars. In 2011, Michael and Chef Curtis left Avenues to open their own restaurant, called Grace. They left Grace in 2017 after a failed attempt to buy the restaurant from majority stakeholders. In 2020, Chef Curtis and Michael opened Ever in Chicago. In October of 2022, they opened a cocktail lounge called After.

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favor success quote/mantra:

  • "Give them (your employees) them the tools they need to be successful. hold them to the highest standard possible and get out of the way."

In this episode with Michael Muser we will discuss:

  • The relationship with staff
  • Working in a hotel
  • Advice on choosing a location
  • BOH layout
  • Partnerships

Today's sponsor:

At Popmenu, we know that in today’s world, a great hospitality experience usually begins onlineKeeping the conversation with guests going beyond the meal also requires simple, powerful, fun technology capable of expression through all kinds of channels. Our team takes pride in helping restaurants put their best foot forward digitally so they can focus on what they do best. We think PDF menus are super boring, we believe 3rd party platforms have had too much say in how consumers find their next dining experience and we deeply feel that sharing your beautiful menu doesn’t have to be so difficult, time-consuming and expensive. As a listener of the Restaurant Unstoppable, you'll receive $100 off your first month of Popmenu!

Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.

7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring to scheduling, training, and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Unstoppable listeners get 3 months for free. Sign up here: https://www.7shifts.com/unstoppable

Knowledge bombs

  1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
    • I show up
  2. What is your biggest weakness?
    • Too emotional
  3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
    • a real sense of commitment
  4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
    • Finding committed employees
  5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
    • Always remember that the person you are talking to is dealing with a million things that you don't know anything about.
  6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
    • Name check
  7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
  8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
    • Tock reservation system
  9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
    • Restaurants at a particular price point who don't have ceiling (exposed, painted air ducts are ugly)
  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?
    • Show up
    • Be early
    • Stay late

Contact:

Email: employment@ever-restaurant.com

Instagram...

Ever: @everrestaurant

After: @afterloungechicago

Michael: @photo_muse

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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Michael Muser for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Mixhael_Muser_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

Gino Wickman is the author of many books, including Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business, Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business, The EOS Life: How To Live Your Ideal Entrepreneurial Life, What The Heck Is EOS?, and others. Gino's creation, E.O.S., stands for Entrepreneurial Operating System, and his book Traction is the book that teaches you the systems in EOS.

Gino Wickman skipped college and went right into the workforce, saving money while working at a machine shop straight out of high school. After four years of working and saving money, Gino decided to start his entrepreneurial journey. After a few essential failures and minor successes, Gino found himself working in real estate. By his early 20's, he was making 6 figures in real estate. He worked for his dad, Floyd Wickman, in his own real estate training company. When that company sold, Gino stayed on for a year and a half to transition the new team. Finally, Gino started creating EOS in his mid-late 20's. Since then, across 20 years, Gino built and fleshed out the EOS and wrote 8 books to guide users and adopters. Today, over 150,000 companies round the world utilize EOS.

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favor success quote/mantra:

  • "You get everything you want out of life if you help enough people get what they want."

In this episode with Gino Wickman we will discuss:

  • Communication
  • The 10 disciplines for the successful entrepreneurs
  • The importance of saying no
  • Imposter syndrome

Today's sponsor:

At Popmenu, we know that in today’s world, a great hospitality experience usually begins onlineKeeping the conversation with guests going beyond the meal also requires simple, powerful, fun technology capable of expression through all kinds of channels. Our team takes pride in helping restaurants put their best foot forward digitally so they can focus on what they do best. We think PDF menus are super boring, we believe 3rd party platforms have had too much say in how consumers find their next dining experience and we deeply feel that sharing your beautiful menu doesn’t have to be so difficult, time-consuming and expensive. As a listener of the Restaurant Unstoppable, you'll receive $100 off your first month of Popmenu!

Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.

7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring to scheduling, training, and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Unstoppable listeners get 3 months for free. Sign up here: https://www.7shifts.com/unstoppable

Contact:

Gino's website: ginowickman.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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Gino Wickman for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Gino_Wickman_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

Edward Slingerland is Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, where he also holds appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Asian Studies. Educated at Princeton, Stanford and UC Berkeley, he has taught at the University of Colorado, Boulder, the University of Southern California and the University of British Columbia. Dr. Slingerland is an expert on early Chinese thought, comparative religion and cognitive science of religion, big data approaches to cultural analysis, cognitive linguistics, digital humanities and humanities-science integration. Edward Slingerland is the author of the recent book Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way To Civilization. He also penned a book called Trying Not To Try: The Art of Science and Spontaneity. Today, we are discussing the ideas, messages, and philosophies found in his book Drunk, and how they can benefit the restaurant industry.

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favorite successes quote or mantra:

  • "Effortless action."

In this episode with Edward Slingerland we will discuss:

  • Alcohol Education
  • Alcohol myths and misconceptions
  • Alcohol benefits
  • A new possible hypothesis for how humans discovered alcohol
  • How different cultures drink
  • The affect of alcohol on underdeveloped brains (teenagers)

Today's sponsor:

Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.

At Popmenu, we know that in today’s world, a great hospitality experience usually begins onlineKeeping the conversation with guests going beyond the meal also requires simple, powerful, fun technology capable of expression through all kinds of channels. Our team takes pride in helping restaurants put their best foot forward digitally so they can focus on what they do best. We think PDF menus are super boring, we believe 3rd party platforms have had too much say in how consumers find their next dining experience and we deeply feel that sharing your beautiful menu doesn’t have to be so difficult, time-consuming and expensive. As a listener of the Restaurant Unstoppable, you'll receive $100 off your first month of Popmenu!

Contact:

Website: https://www.edwardslingerland.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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Edward Slingerland for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Edward_Slingerland_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

Evan Mallett is the Chef and owner of The Black Trumpet in Portsmouth, NH. This is Evan's second time on the show, originally featured as our very first guest! Evan opened The Black Trumpet in 2007. In 2011 and 2013 he was a semi-finalist for James Beard Awards. The Black Trumpet is still open and thriving today in scenic Portsmouth, NH. Evan injects his restaurant with an emphasis on seasonal dishes and a farm-to-fork mentality.

Check out episode 002 with Evan Mallett as mentioned in today's episode!

Check out Black Trumpet: A Chef's Journey Through Eight New England Seasons by Evan Mallett as mentioned in today's episode.

Check out episode 874 with Jay McSharry as mentioned in today's episode!

Check out episode 930 with Martha Allen as mentioned in today's episode!

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favorite successes quote or mantra:

  • "It's healthy to aspire, but don't expire."

In this episode with Evan Mallett we will discuss:

  • Losing a team member to suicide
  • The technology of cooking
  • Alcohol in the restaurant industry
  • Criticism and communication
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Staffing

Today's sponsor:

Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.

Contact:

Email: evan@blacktrumpetbistro.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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Evan Mallett for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Evan_Mallett_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

Rachel Miller first fell in love with cooking while working at a small restaurant on the coast of Virginia, where she's from. It was there that she discovered the sensory impact of terroir, since the restaurant sourced ingredients from nearby farms and local fishermen. She also discovered a love for butchering and charcuterie, which quickly propelled her to move to Boston to pursue an entry level butchering job at Lionetti’s in the South End. Over the next 12 years, Rachel studied and cooked every day working her way up in some of the best kitchens in Boston, most notably as Chef de Cuisine at Clio, Ken Oringer’s flagship restaurant. Prior to Clio, she was named one of Zagat’s 30 Under 30: Boston’s Hottest Up and Comers, as Executive Sous Chef at Bondir.

Once Rachel ran out of opportunities operating other chef’s kitchens she decided to move forward and open her own restaurant. For over 2.5 years she worked as a private chef and booked Nightshade Pop Up dinners in and around Boston and the North Shore, learning and growing into her own style. In October of 2019 she opened her first baby, Nightshade Noodle Bar in downtown Lynn, MA where she lives and can be found cooking on the line every night. Follow Rachel for a glimpse from behind the scenes of the Nightshade Noodle Bar kitchen and her next project, Sin City Superette, next door.

Check out episode 923 with Brendan Vesey as mentioned in today's episode!

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favor success quote/mantra:

  • "Everything I do is to the best of my ability."

In this episode with Rachel Miller we will discuss:

  • Travel when you are young
  • Mentors
  • Ego
  • Pop ups
  • Insurance
  • Marketing
  • Building a diverse clientele
  • Creating an email list

Today's sponsor:

Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.

7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring to scheduling, training, and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Unstoppable listeners get 3 months for free. Sign up here: https://www.7shifts.com/unstoppable

Knowledge bombs

  1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
    • Compassion
  2. What is your biggest weakness?
    • Compassion
  3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
    • "Why are you here?"
  4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
    • Hiring
  5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
    • "Everything we do is to the best of our ability."
  6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
    • Keep a record of what regulars order to reference the next time they come in
  7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
  8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
  9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
    • Thank their staff
  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?
    • Apply an admin fee and pay everyone fairly
    • Do everything to the best of your ability
    • Keep your sidewalk clean

Contact:

Email: rachel@nightshadenoodlebar.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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Rachel Miller for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Rachel_Miller_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

Martha Allen is the Executive Director at Extra Table. Extra Table fundraises to purchase new, healthy, and shelf-stable food to be delivered monthly to food pantries and soup kitchen across Mississippi. Extra Table supplies Mississippians with an average of $74,000 dollars of food per month to 57 food panties, all within Mississippi. Martha Allen grew up on the Mississippi delta and was taught by her parents at an early age to always help others. She began working in the non-profit sector and met Robert St. John at a fundraising event. Extra Table was originally the idea of Robert St. John, a well-known and successful Hattiesburg restaurateur. Robert was so impressed with Martha that he knew when he met her that he needed to hire her. A mere 15 days after interviewing for the position, Martha was living in Hattiesburg and working at Extra Table with the mission of feeding hungry Mississippians fresh and healthy food.

Check out episode 928 with Katie Dixon as mentioned in today's episode!

Check out episode 929 with Robert St. John as mentioned in today's episode!

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favor success quote/mantra:

  • "I want to be remembered and I want my mark on the world doing good to help those who can't help themselves."

In this episode with Martha Allen we will discuss:

  • Fighting hunger
  • Budgetary concerns for a non-profit like Extra Table
  • The importance of getting attorneys involved
  • Fundraising events
  • Sponsors

Today's sponsor:

Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.

7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring to scheduling, training, and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Unstoppable listeners get 3 months for free. Sign up here: https://www.7shifts.com/unstoppable

Contact:

Extra Table website: www.extratable.org

Extra Table on Instagram: @extratable

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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Martha Allen for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Martha_Allen_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

Robert St. John grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. At age 19, Robert entered the restaurant industry at a delicatessen where he became the manager. During his very first shift at that job, he decided that he wanted to make restaurants his career. After struggling with substance abuse in his early adulthood, Robert got completely clean in 1983 and went to school to study the industry and in 1987 he opened his first restaurant, The Purple Parrot, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He opened that restaurant with 2 other partners, and he believes partnerships are the right way to go toward success in this industry, still to this day. His restaurant group, New South Restaurant Group, now has 10 unique concepts throughout Mississippi. New South Restaurant group includes: Crescent City Grill, Tabella, The Midtowner, Ed's Burger Joint, The Mahogany Bar, El Rayo, Highball Lanes, The Capri Theater, The Pearl, and Lakewood Social. You can check them all out right here.

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favorite successes quote or mantra:

  • "Onward."

In this episode with Robert St. John we will discuss:

  • Get a little bit better every day
  • The benefits of partners
  • Restaurant culture
  • Labor shortage today

Today's sponsor:

Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.

Knowledge bombs

  1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
    • Passion
  2. What is your biggest weakness?
    • Not being able to say no
  3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
    • Happy people
  4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
    • Labor
  5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
    • Honesty
  6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
    • Look for every opportunity to say yes
  7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
  8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
    • The Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast (thank you, Robert!)
  9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
    • Don't prioritize their family
  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?
    • Prioritize family
    • Prioritize friends
    • Prioritize coworkers

Contact:

nsrg.com

robertstjohn.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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Robert St. John for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Robert_St._John_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

Chef Katie Dixon is the Head Chef and owner at Birdhouse Cafe in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. When she was a kid, Katie was served "love on a plate" by her grandmother at large family gatherings where food was always the center of the proceedings. When she got older, she studied marketing and business in college. In 2015, Katie started Shine Cafe, a small health-conscious pop-up operating out of a Vitamin Shoppe. There she focused on meal prep and making sweet treats healthier. Today there are four Shine Cafe locations. In 2016 she was a contestant on Master Chef with Gordon Ramsey. Upon returning to Mississippi, she created Birdhouse Cafe. In 2017 she competed in The Next Food Network Star and finished in the top 5. She again returned and created Birdie's in Jackson, Mississippi. She has since taken on catering, in addition to teaching cooking classes. She has also just released her first book, titled Be Nourished: From My Heart To Your Table.

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favorite successes quote or mantra:

  • "The wind is against the plane when it flies."

In this episode with Katie Dixon we will discuss:

  • Being "scrappy" in this industry
  • Meeting the needs of the customer
  • Stay true to yourself
  • The importance of travel
  • Meal prep programs
  • Being on Master Chef
  • Keep it simple
  • Mentors
  • Meal prep best practices
  • Catering
  • Cooking classes

Today's sponsor:

Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more.

Knowledge bombs

  1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
    • Gratitude
  2. What is your biggest weakness?
    • Saying yes to everything
  3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
    • A huge heart to see people succeed
  4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
    • Spreading myself too thin
  5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
    • Always see the best in others
    • Make people feel better when they leave than when they arrived
  6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
    • We employ people from the ARC - special needs adults
  7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
  8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
    • Zoom call every day between all locations
  9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
    • Forget to slow down and reset
  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?
    • Don't take anyone or anything for granted
    • Smile every day and remember the little things
    • Enjoy each day as if it's your last

Contact:

Instagram: @chefkatiedixon

Website: https://www.chefkatiedixon.net/

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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Katie Dixon for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Katie_Dixon_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

Paul Tuennerman is the Executive Vice President at Sticky's The Finger Joint. This is Paul's third time on the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast. Paul has over 40 years in the restaurant industry, starting back in 1976 when he was a teenager. After serving in the Navy, Paul got his true professional start in the industry at Morrison's Hospitality Group in 1988-1994. He then went on to Wood Dining Services, Inc. from 1994-1999 and then The Dunhill Group from 1999-2004. He then landed the Vice President role at Piccadilly Cafeterias where he did many great things for that company, including developing highly successful growth programs, and attaining a 95.7 close ratio on proposed business opportunities. He moved on to Raising Cane's where he served as the Senior Vice President of business development. Then, in 2018 he became the CEO of Dat Dogs Enterprises, LLC. He has a website where he doles out consulting advice, and you can find it at www.tuennerman.com. As stated in the opening sentence, Paul now serves at the Executive Vice President at Sticky's The Finger Joint.

Check out episode 513 with Paul Tuennerman as mentioned in today's episode!

Check out episode 909 with Jonathan Sherman as mentioned in today's episode!

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

In this episode with Paul Tuennerman we will discuss:

  • Scaling
  • The necessary tools for business ownership

Today's sponsor:

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Contact:

Email: paul@tuennerman.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!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Paul Tuennerman for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!
Direct download: Paul_Tuennerman_PODCAST_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

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