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.

Danny Meyer, the esteemed founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, discusses the transformative power of hospitality in business. He emphasizes that genuine emotional connections are crucial for customer loyalty and satisfaction. Meyer introduces his ABCD philosophy—Always Be Connecting Dots—highlighting how to scale hospitality effectively. He shares insights on leadership that blends communication and gentle guidance while viewing mistakes as learning opportunities. This engaging conversation reveals how essentialism and soul drive successful enterprises.

Danny Meyer, celebrated restaurateur and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, shares insights on the power of hospitality in every workplace. He emphasizes how delivering genuine hospitality can transform interactions. Meyer highlights the significance of hiring the right people and the tough decisions involved when letting them go. He discusses cultivating a winning culture centered on empathy and connection, and the balance of structure and flexibility in growing successful restaurants. Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, he shares transformative lessons from failures.

In this engaging discussion, Danny Meyer, the visionary behind Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, shares his journey from launching Union Square Cafe to becoming a culinary titan. He emphasizes building a culture of generosity and care in the workplace, highlighting the importance of hiring individuals who treat others well. Meyer also discusses innovative strategies for retaining restaurant staff, particularly post-COVID, and the significance of creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and enhances customer satisfaction.

What I learned from reading Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny Meyer. This is not a typical business book (0:30)Why don't you just do what you've been thinking about doing your whole life? (4:00)How Danny learned from other founders on what to do and what to avoid (8:00)The smartest business decision I ever made (18:00)Optionality as a non-negotiable (20:00)Inadequate focus on core product (23:30)The founding of Shake Shack is an example of this great quote from Jeff Bezos: "We know from our past experiences that big things start small. The biggest oak starts from an acorn. If you want to do anything new you’ve got to be willing to let that acorn grow into a little sapling and finally into a small tree and maybe one day it will be a big business on its own." (27:00)Advice from Stanley Marcus (Neiman Marcus): "The road to success is paved with mistakes well handled." (38:00) ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack, and his daughter Hallie Meyer, who runs the gourmet ice cream shop Caffè Panna, share their entrepreneurial journeys. They discuss the crucial balance between innovation and culinary simplicity, highlighting the importance of quality ingredients and community connection. The conversation dives into the power of effective leadership in scaling businesses and the authentic experiences that shape their ventures. Get insights on how family legacies influence entrepreneurial endeavors while navigating growth challenges.

Danny Meyer, the founder of Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, shares his wisdom on building a thriving restaurant culture. He emphasizes the importance of hiring for kindness and fostering trust among team members. Listeners get insight into how servant leadership and effective communication can transform a workplace. Danny also discusses the creative initiative where chefs made unique chicken soups to combat hunger, highlighting the power of community care in hospitality.

Danny Meyer, founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, shares his insights on the pivotal role of hospitality in business. He highlights how first impressions and meaningful connections can foster success across industries. Meyer discusses his ABCD philosophy—always be connecting dots—and proposes that learning from mistakes is essential for growth. The conversation touches on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and crafting culinary ventures that prioritize community and excellence.

Renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer shares insights on trust, empathy, and excellence in the dining industry. He reflects on challenges, innovation, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and health awareness. A mix of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom makes for an engaging and enlightening conversation.

In this engaging conversation, Danny Meyer, the visionary restaurateur behind Shake Shack and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, shares his experiences navigating the pandemic's challenges. He discusses the importance of requiring vaccinations for staff and patrons to ensure safety while opening new locations. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of adaptability in the face of setbacks and highlights his new venture, HUGS, a SPAC focused on enlightened hospitality. His insights reflect resilience and a forward-looking approach amidst uncertainty.