45. Tom Kerridge: How to start a restaurant empire, tackling food poverty, and risking bankruptcy to build a business
Apr 3, 2024
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Two-Michelin-star chef Tom Kerridge discusses starting a restaurant empire, tackling food poverty, and risking bankruptcy. Topics include the hospitality industry's challenges, the impact of Brexit, the importance of family support, and navigating business partnerships. Kerridge also explores food education, free school meals, receiving a Michelin star, and transitioning from fine dining to casual establishments.
Tom Kerridge advocates for proper nutrition, supports free school meals, and innovates British cuisine.
Hospitality industry struggles post-pandemic with rising costs, global events affecting food prices, and balancing business influences.
Tom Kerridge emphasizes self-reliance in business decisions, shares insights on taking risks, managing media ventures, and maintaining high restaurant standards.
Deep dives
Tom Kerridge's Culinary Journey and Social Advocacy
Tom Kerridge, a renowned British chef, shares his unique journey starting from his struggles at school to his rise in the culinary world. Kerridge's innovation in British cuisine and commitment to advocating for proper nutrition, especially for young people through initiatives like free school meals, are prominent aspects of his career.
Challenges in the Hospitality Industry Post-Pandemic
Kerridge discusses the significant challenges faced by the hospitality industry post-pandemic, including the impact of rising costs, global events on food prices, and the struggle to balance various influences in a business reliant on human interaction. He highlights the varying performance trends in different segments of his business, emphasizing the difficulties faced in the lower-priced market.
Navigating Business Decisions and Risk-Taking
Kerridge reflects on his approach to business decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship. He candidly discusses taking significant risks, overcoming alcohol addiction, and how personal experiences have shaped his perspective on managing his media ventures and restaurant businesses.
Micronutrient Star Recognition and Industry Pressures
The discussion delves into Kerridge's experience with achieving Michelin stars and the pressure of maintaining high standards in his restaurants. He shares insights on the industry's expectations post-star recognition and the challenges of balancing creativity, quality, and customer satisfaction in a competitive culinary landscape.
Impact of Brexit and Covid on Staffing Challenges
Kerridge elaborates on the staffing challenges caused by the combination of Brexit and Covid, particularly in acquiring skilled personnel for his restaurants. He contrasts the staffing dynamics in the UK with free movement in Europe, highlighting the importance of nurturing local talent and addressing the long-term implications of these staffing limitations.