595: Roger Kaplan on The Desire to Learn

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Roger Kaplan has over 40 years experience in the hospitality industry as a nationally acclaimed chef, owner, operator, entrepreneur, concept developer, manufacturing liaison and consultant.

Now, as Founder of RK Innovations, a restaurant support and collaborative consulting company, Roger brings experience from various leadership positions including, nationally-acclaimed Chef Chef Owner of City Grill, VPO of Ruth's Chris Steak House, as a Director of R&D for Boston Market, and as a restaurant entrepreneur.

Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra:

Seek perfection. Accept excellence.

In this episode with Roger Kaplan, we discuss:

• Growing up in a food-conscious household.
• What we do and do not learn in culinary school.
• The value of education vs. experience.
• The importance of the desire to learn.
• Everyone you meet could teach you something.
• The importance of learning.
• Your sphere of influence.
• You must know everything about your craft.
• You need mentors in your life and career.
• Create a successful and impactful culture.
• Create a narrow, focused vision.
• Vision statements.
• You must provide the tools for success in order to breed success.
• Passion for people.
• The restaurant industry as the best industry.

Today's sponsor:

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BentoBox helps restaurants grow their business through a connected suite of tools, offering them an integrated website to connect with their guests and drive revenue online. Restaurant owners and operators are able to easily update menus, promote specials, take catering and event inquiries, sell merchandise, gift cards and more.

Revel Systems integrates front of house and back of house operations into a single dashboard. Designed to increase security, stability, ease of use, and speed of service, Revel's streamlined ecosystem provides businesses with the right tools to grow. Learn more at revelsystems.com/unstoppable.

Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Relentless pursuit of success.
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • I assimilate information too quickly.
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • Can do, will do attitude. Can you fit in? Are you willing to improve?
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Getting people to understand that although restaurant can be very successful, the first five years will be the biggest trial. Just because you were successful in the past doesn't always mean it will cross over.
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Take responsibility for yourself. Live for execution. You are measured by what you achieve, not what your intent was.
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Every person that walks into your establishment needs to be happier when they leave.
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
   • Execution by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan
8. What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough?
   • They don't invest in education and development.
9. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations?
   • Data inventory technology. Star Chefs.
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?
    • Embrace your family. Embrace your friends. Be successful.

Contact info:

Instagram: @RKinnovation

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Roger Kaplan for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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