In this engaging discussion, Danny Meyer, the visionary behind Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, shares his journey from launching Union Square Cafe to becoming a culinary titan. He emphasizes building a culture of generosity and care in the workplace, highlighting the importance of hiring individuals who treat others well. Meyer also discusses innovative strategies for retaining restaurant staff, particularly post-COVID, and the significance of creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and enhances customer satisfaction.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Insecure Beginnings
Danny Meyer's founding philosophy stemmed from insecurity as a young, first-time boss.
His early leadership style was unintentionally servant leadership, prioritizing being liked.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Using Your Words
Use clear communication to establish expectations from the beginning.
Explain what behaviors lead to success and what behaviors don't.
insights INSIGHT
Beyond Family Values
Replace "family values" with "expected behaviors" in company culture.
This shift promotes accountability and clarifies that a restaurant is a business, not a family.
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In this landmark book, Danny Meyer recounts his experiences and the lessons he learned in developing his philosophy of Enlightened Hospitality. Meyer started Union Square Cafe at the age of 27 and has since built a restaurant empire. His philosophy, which emphasizes strong in-house relationships and customer satisfaction, is applicable to any business. The book covers various aspects of running a restaurant, including selecting real estate, hiring, training, and providing exceptional service. Meyer's approach to hospitality extends to guests, the community, suppliers, and investors, and he provides practical advice on how to maintain long-term success through these relationships.
At 27, long before he gained acclaim as the restaurateur behind Shake Shack and Gramercy Tavern, Danny Meyer launched his first venture, Union Square Cafe. More than 20 James Beard Foundation awards later, Danny shares the strategies and insights that fueled his restaurant empire. He and Adam discuss how to build a culture of excellence and care, how to hire people who treat others well, and how to bring values to life. Danny is the author of the New York Times bestseller Setting the Table.
Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts