The Tim Ferriss Show

#665: Danny Meyer, Founder of Shake Shack — How to Win, The Art of The Graceful “No,” Overcoming Setbacks, The 6 Traits of Exceptional People, The 4 Quadrants of Performance, Lessons from Hospitality Excellence, and More

Apr 6, 2023

Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, shares his remarkable journey from law to the culinary world. He discusses the art of saying 'no' gracefully and the importance of nurturing relationships with key stakeholders like staff and guests. Meyer emphasizes the value of learning through unpaid internships and the traits that make exceptional hospitality workers, such as empathy and integrity. He also reflects on failures, like closing the restaurant Tabla, and how they offer vital lessons in both business and personal growth.

01:52:14

Episode guests

Danny Meyer

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Quick takeaways

Employers should look for employees with qualities such as kind eyes, a curious mindset, strong work ethic, empathy, self-awareness, integrity, and a love for winning.

When assessing work ethic, it is important to observe if individuals have a proactive attitude and go above and beyond to improve the job and the team.

When hiring, it is important to consider the primary motivation behind wanting to compete and be the best, whether it is driven by beating others, hating to lose, or exceeding personal best.

The ability of leaders to make strategic decisions, motivate their teams, and focus on improvement even after prior successes is commendable and inspiring.

Deep dives

Qualities Danny Meyer looks for when hiring

Danny Meyer looks for employees with kind eyes, a curious mindset, a strong work ethic, empathy, self-awareness, and integrity. He also values individuals who have a love for winning.

Scaling Culture

01:09

Say Yes to What You Are excited About

01:58

ABCD: Always Be Collecting Dots so you can Always Be Connecting Dots

00:57

Spending time with people you have taken for granted

02:46

Intro

3min

Exploring Culinary Excellence and Business Insights

2min

A Culinary Journey: From Law to Hospitality

24min

The Value of Free Work and Learning in the Culinary Industry

5min

Nurturing Stakeholder Relationships

15min

Hiring for Hospitality Success

24min

Embracing Failure and Redefining Hospitality

26min

Irony and Integrity: A Dining Experience

7min

Embracing Local Flavor: A Unique Shake Shack Experience

2min

10.

Essential Nutritional Support and Sleep Optimization

4min

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Danny Meyer (@dhmeyer) is the founder and chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), which comprises some of New York’s most beloved and acclaimed restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, Maialino, and more. Danny and USHG also founded Shake Shack, the modern-day “roadside” burger restaurant, which became a public company in 2015.

Danny is the author of the New York Times bestseller Setting the Table, which articulates a set of signature business and life principles that translate to a wide range of industries. He is the recipient of the 2017 Julia Child Award and was named by Time magazine as one of 2015’s 100 most influential people. Danny and USHG’s restaurants and individuals together have won an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Restaurateur in 2005.

Please enjoy!

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[05:21] The meaning behind Maialino.

[08:58] Control vs. surprises.

[10:53] A pivotal conversation.

[19:46] Converting the cranky.

[22:16] ABCD: Always be collecting dots; always be connecting dots.

[25:35] Danny's first steps to chefdom.

[31:06] Being paid the worst to learn from the best.

[34:56] How business is like gardening.

[40:37] A virtuous cycle of stakeholders.

[43:57] The politely genuine decline.

[49:47] Six qualities Danny looks for when hiring.

[56:07] Work ethic lessons from Theo Epstein.