Born in San Diego, Eric Skokan was raised in Virginia and is a graduate of The University Virginia. Upon graduation Skokan traveled, working in some of the nation's greatest kitchens. In 2006, Skokan, and his wife, Jill, opened Black Cat Farm Table Bistro, which was following by the 130-acre, Certified Organic, Black Cat Farm, one year later. In 2012 the couple opened their second restaurant, Bramble & Hare. On top of all of this Skokan is the author of Farm, Fork, Food: A Year of Spectacular Recipes Inspired by Black Cat Farm.

Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra:

"Hey what could possibly go wrong?" A lot. But you have to be okay with failure.

In today's episode with Eric Skokan we will discuss:

Every one fails before succeeding
Love of cooking
Ambition
Your mood has an impact on everyone you work with
Big lessons learned from working under 3 great chefs/owners
Health food v. healthy food
Work/life balance
Living intentionally
From restaurant to garden to farm
Finding your passion
Scaling into your dream restaurant (start small)
Aiming for no surprises in the kitchen
Give your team empowerment

Today's sponsor:

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Knowledge bombs

Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
- Flexibility
What is your biggest weakness?
- Too interested in change
What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
- Level of excitement
What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
- Recruiting staff
Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
- Talk about what you need and listen intently to the needs of others
What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
- Unconditional service
What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
- Farm, Fork, Food: A Year of Spectacular Recipes Inspired by Black Cat Farm GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or do often enough?
- Mentor their staff
What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations?
- Alto-Shaam
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?
- Become attached to success but not to the method of achieving it
- Leave the world a better place than how you found
- Force yourself to celebrate all the little successes

Contact info:

Email: ericskokan@aol.com

Come visit the farm

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Eric Skokan for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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