Masters of Scale Rapid Response: Ten months of pain and hope, w/restaurateur Danny Meyer
Jan 21, 2021
Danny Meyer, the iconic restaurateur behind Shake Shack, shares his rollercoaster journey through the pandemic's impact on the restaurant industry. He reflects on the challenges of closures and layoffs, while emphasizing the need for federal support. Despite recent setbacks, Danny remains hopeful about new restaurant opportunities and innovation. He highlights the vital role of restaurants in community life and discusses initiatives like 'Lobatical' to appreciate employees. It's a candid look at resilience, navigating tough times, and the enduring love for dining out.
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Restaurant Rollercoaster
- Danny Meyer's restaurants experimented with outdoor dining and new menu innovations.
- After initial success, rising infection rates forced closures again, mirroring the initial pandemic impact.
Marta's Calzone Pivot
- Marta, a Danny Meyer restaurant, initially struggled with pizza delivery due to heat loss and construction.
- They successfully pivoted to calzones, a virtual brand, which retained heat better and improved delivery.
Blue Smoke Closure
- Blue Smoke, a Danny Meyer restaurant and jazz club, had to close its original location.
- This closure was particularly painful because of the strong community it fostered.