980: James London Chef/Owner of Chubby Fish

James London is the Chef/Owner of Chubby Fish in Charleston, South Carolina. Chubby Fish is a dock-to-table restaurant where all dishes are sold using fish caught on the day it is served. James decided at the age of 20 to leave drumming in bands behind for a career as a chef and restaurant owner. he attended culinary school and by the age of 26, he was the Executive Chef at a Nico's from 2010-2012. He worked in New York and California until he returned to Charleston and opened his own restaurant, Chubby Fish, in 2018.

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Favorite success quote/mantra:

• "Be like water."

In this episode with James London we will discuss:

• Culinary school
• Working as a executive chef
• Partnerships
• When owners clash
• Opening a restaurant
• Dock-to-table restaurants
• Pitching to investors and banks

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • I love my people
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • ADD
3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
   • 5 year plan?
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Expansion
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Calmness under pressure
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Say goodbye to every guest that leaves the restaurant
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
   • GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
   • POS - Solido
9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
   • Cook family meal for employees
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?
    • Be like water
    • The golden rule
    • Be nice to everyone

Contact:

Website: https://www.chubbyfishcharleston.com

Instagram: @chubbyfishchs

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to James London for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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