The Fort

#383 - Hunter Pond - Founder @ Vandelay Hospitality Group - The Hottest Restaurateur in America

22 snips
Apr 15, 2025
Hunter Pond, the founder of Vandelay Hospitality Group, embarked on a wild culinary journey after dropping out of law school. He shares insights on launching East Hampton Sandwich Co. with just a $20K investment and no prior experience. The discussion covers the balance of creativity and discipline in restaurant management, the significant role of square footage in success, and strategies to combat inventory theft. Pond also highlights the evolving landscape of dining, particularly the impact of delivery services and cashless transactions.
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ANECDOTE

Impulsive Career Change

  • Hunter Pond impulsively dropped out of law school mid-exam to pursue his restaurant dream.
  • He packed his belongings, told his parents about his decision, and his girlfriend broke up with him.
ANECDOTE

Humble Beginnings

  • Hunter Pond started East Hampton Sandwich Co. with a $20,000 investment from a friend, which he used for branding and menu design.
  • He found his first chef on Craigslist, highlighting the scrappy beginnings of his venture.
ADVICE

Menu Design Strategy

  • Build restaurant menus from a customer's perspective, considering what would entice repeat visits.
  • Prioritize a smaller menu to simplify operations and minimize the impact of staff turnover.
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