Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore

Zaid Ayoub is the founder and CEO of the Bay Area-headquartered, rapidly expanding fast-casual concept SAJJ Mediterranean. A Jordan native, Ayoub frequented a local falafel shop while in college in the U.S. studying engineering and noticed that it often had a line out the door. He wondered if Mediterranean food could blend great flavors with streamlined operations, there was a market (full of hungry people) eager to eat it. After a few years in tech startups, a friend of his mentioned his Mediterranean fast-casual concept idea, and Ayoub took the plunge, opening the first SAJJ Mediterranean location in Menlo Park in 2012. Today we're here to learn about how Zaid took his commissary, and converted it to a Direct-t0-Market operation, delivering meals straight from the menu, family-style meals, and grocery items. We get into why he took this approach, the technology he's leveraging, models he's implementing, and much more. Check out episode 619 - my first episode Zaid Ayoub! Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Never test the depth of the water with both feet." Lots of resources mentioned today! Olo - Online/mobile ordering from restaurants Dispatch - used with Olo to aid in delivery Zuppler - Online ordering menus that are more than just a pretty face Survey Monkey - Find out what your guests wants from your restaurant The Farmers on Wheels - Fresh produce from the farm to your table Today's sponsor: Toast - A POS built for restaurants by restaurant people Adapt fast with Toast's cloud-based restaurant POS system that updates to evolve your POS along with changing industry trends and guest expectations. Toast is built exclusively for restaurants of all shapes and sizes, with over 2/3 of our employees having restaurant experience to serve you better. Online Ordering - Let guests easily order directly from your restaurant for pickup or contactless delivery to keep revenue flowing during these uncertain times. Toast Delivery Services Dispatch local drivers through an on-demand network to keep your community fed and revenue coming in. Podium- Only half of the businesses in America are text capable. Setting up a business texting line immediately gives you a competitive advantage. Texting gives you ultimate flexibility rather than being tethered to a phone. Need more reasons? On top of Podium's texting platform, you'll be able to send review invites, request remote payments, and power curbside pickup; all through text. Contact info: Email: zaid@sajjstreeteats.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Zaid Ayoub for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Join The Network Chef Hennessey is an award-winning chef and Dover, NH native. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu at the Atlantic Culinary Academy in 2001. He has had experiences cooking alongside some of the best chef's in the country including: Chef Charlie Palmer at New York City'sn , Chef Grant Achatz at Trio in Chicago, Andrew Carmellini at Cafe Boulud, Thomas Rice and Ken Oringer at Clio, Eli Kaimeh and Thomas Keller at Per Se. Chef Hennessey has worked as the Executive Chef of 43 Degrees North, and The Duniway Restaurant, as well as Chef de Partie of The One Hundred Club, all in Portsmouth, NH. Chef Hennessey is trained in classical French techniques and methods and now serves what he calls Progressive New England Cuisine, utilizing locally farmed and foraged foods to create artistically inspired dishes. In the summer of 2020, Hennessey became a 3-time Chopped Champion on Food Network's nationally acclaimed cooking competition show. In the spring of 2014, Hennessey was named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Awards in the category of Best Chef Northeast. In October of 2013, Chef Hennessey traveled to New York City and won the StarChefs.com VitaMix Challenge, a national competition that included a field of several hundreds of chefs, honed down to 6 six finalists and completed at the International Chefs Congress in Manhattan. Chef Hennessey is also a 2014 StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Winner for Coastal New England. Check out Evan Hennessey on the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast way back on episode 008 Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Be humble but be brave and always look forward." In today's episode with Evan Hennessey we will discuss: Humility Culinary school Fulfilling personal responsibilities while pursuing a career Literally building a restaurant Anarchism in business Learning from the greatest in your region The business side of restaurants Partnerships Partnerships with family Catering Word-of-mouth marketing Tasting menu, reservation-only dining The numbers of opening 3 days-a -week with only 9 seats Fine dining through COVID-19 Today's sponsor: Podium- Only half of the businesses in America are text capable. Setting up a business texting line immediately gives you a competitive advantage. Texting gives you ultimate flexibility rather than being tethered to a phone. Need more reasons? On top of Podium's texting platform, you'll be able to send review invites, request remote payments, and power curbside pickup; all through text. Toast - A POS built for restaurants by restaurant people Adapt fast with Toast's cloud-based restaurant POS system that updates to evolve your POS along with changing industry trends and guest expectations. Toast is built exclusively for restaurants of all shapes and sizes, with over 2/3 of our employees having restaurant experience to serve you better. Online Ordering - Let guests easily order directly from your restaurant for pickup or contactless delivery to keep revenue flowing during these uncertain times. Toast Delivery Services Dispatch local drivers through an on-demand network to keep your community fed and revenue coming in. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Openness What is your biggest weakness? Openness What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? What is your favorite restaurant and why? What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Maintaing the balance of positive work, finance, and family. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Failure is fine, I'd rather you ask me questions instead of making mistakes. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Connect with the guests. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Setting the Table by Danny Meyer On Trails: An Exploration by Robert Moor GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM Name one service you've hired. Brookford Farm in Cantebury, NH What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influenced operations? Square Space OpenTable Facebook and Instagram 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? Don't be afraid to be brave I want my legacy to be a crater with houses built around it instead of a path with footprints Pay it forward Contact info: Instagram: @evanhennessey Email: evan@stages.dining Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Evan Hennessey for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Matthew Jennings grew up in Boston, MA. During his summer teen years, Jennings got his start as a prep cook in Nantucket, MA. He went on to study at the New England Culinary Institute, and to work as a cheesemonger before opening his first business, Farmstead, in Providence, RI. After 10 years of successfully running and scaling Farmstead restaurant, Jennings followed his gut and made the move to his hometown of Boston to open Townsman. Jennings received countless awards and accolades for both restaurants. Yet, in 2018 he walked away from it all. Today, Jennings shares his knowledge with clients at Full Heart Hospitality, and works on executing his vision for Red Barn Kitchen. Check out Matt's book Homegrown: Cooking From My New England Roots Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Head down, full heart" In today's episode with Matt Jennings we will discuss: Culinary school New England Culinary Institute The D.I.S.K. method Starting small Buying/operating a cheese shop as a starting point Budgeting Buying a business with established roots A partnership is a marriage Farmers markets Visioning - write it down Knowing when to say "No" Regrets Self-care Public Relations - do you need it? Chasing accolades Today's sponsor: Toast - A POS built for restaurants by restaurant people Adapt fast with Toast's cloud-based restaurant POS system that updates to evolve your POS along with changing industry trends and guest expectations. Toast is built exclusively for restaurants of all shapes and sizes, with over 2/3 of our employees having restaurant experience to serve you better. Online Ordering - Let guests easily order directly from your restaurant for pickup or contactless delivery to keep revenue flowing during these uncertain times. Toast Delivery Services Dispatch local drivers through an on-demand network to keep your community fed and revenue coming in. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Sense of urgency What is your biggest weakness? Over-thinking What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? The fire in their eyes What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Shifting a culture to a new philosophy on food Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Respect What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Empathy What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Setting the Table by Danny Meyer GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Listen Name one service you've hired. PR What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influenced operations? Galley Solutions - data-driven foodservice software 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? Be good to other people Believe in your own ability Love hard Contact info: Instagram: @matthewjennings Twitter: @matthewjennings Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Matthew Jennings for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Chris Schultz spent 15 years with the Starbucks management and leadership team before joining MOD Pizza, aka the MOD Squad in 2009. Schultz helped MOD Pizza go from 1 location to 100 locations in 2016 as Senior Vice President of Operations. Today, Chris serves Voodoo Doughnut as their CEO. You can see, Chris Schultz has developed a track recording of helping great brands scale. That's what we're here to talk about today: When You Know You're Ready To Scale. Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: Be authentic. When You Know You're Ready To Scale: Business Can you show a conservative growth period over the period: Month over Month: quarter over quarter Don't be fooled by being on Main and Main Location is a factor. Your brand must be great to help manage cannibalization People Do they understand the Mission? Who are your culture carriers that can help lead and build the stores Pick front line people with whom you'd share a foxhole. have Confidence in leadership Embrace growth and opportunity without fear Culture Must have a solid culture to grow and employees want to grow-- "Growth mentality" Failure is not an option -- not just words on a wall, but a feeling you have "Growing big while staying small" Infrastructure A realistic view of the brand - Is it actually scalable AND scalable *where* you want to scale? When to hire in for growth VS "stretch" for growth to make it work Failure can occur because of too much overhead or by burning out good employees. Get utility players; they are vital to infrastructure-- find people who can wear different hats. Then empower them. CEO's must be able to sacrifice their own opinions and play the role of the visionary. Having leadership you trust to make decisions based on your vision. Why Growth? Making money - nothing wrong with wanting to make more money; but, important to recognize the complexities that come with it. Bringing the brand and experience to a larger consumer base. Growth is not necessarily an indicator of success Incremental growth One to two is hard Two to five is harder and the hardest Five to 10 is impossible After 10 it gets easier "Selling" Your Brand It's okay to strategically utilize for growth Why franchising works Brand based companies are different licensing and Licensees Company Operated. Are you Ready as a Leader? Contact info: Chris@voodoodoughnut.com 425-372-6556 Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Chris Schultz for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Join RestaurantUnstoppableNetwork.com Use this link and get your first 30 days on me! Collinsville, CT native, Jamie Bissonnette is a graduate of the Art Insitute of Fort Lauderdale. After cooking and eating around the nation and overseas, Bissonnette landed in Boston in 1999. After working around Boston, Bissonnette was recruited to help Garrett Hawker open Eastern Standard. Two years later Jamie was recruited by Ken Oringer to open KO Prime. Oringer and Bissonnette partnered to develop Boston favorites Toro, Coppa, and Little Donkey. Check out the first time Jamie joined RU back on episode 067! Visit www.saverestaurant.com to help save local restaurants. Tell congress to Pass the RESTAURANTS Act NOW! Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "PMA - Positive Mental Attitude." In today's episode with Jamie Bissonnette we will discuss: Importance of traveling for a chef Importance of networking-beyond social media Recognizing you're in a rut and getting yourself out Pushing your staff to the right limit Advice for staging Just because you're a great chef doesn't mean you're a good manager Anger in the kitchen Partnerships Patients Self-awareness Compassion When your drive overtakes common sense COVID-19 Today's sponsor: Join RestaurantUnstoppableNetwork.com Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Curiosity What is your biggest weakness? Curiosity What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Passion What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Give our staff a sense of purpose during COVID Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Be sincere What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Attention to detail with allergy protocols What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen by Jacques Pépin The Perfectionist: Life and Death of Haute Cuisine by Rudolph Chelminski GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Check in with their staff Name one service you've hired. Total HR Solutions What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influenced operations? Avero - Unlock Your Restaurant's Potention 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? Wear a mask Wash your hands Be fucking nice to each other Contact info: Instagram: @jamiebiss Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Jamie Bissonnette for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Join RestaurantUnstoppableNetwork.com and get your first 30 days FREE At the age of 15, Keith Sarasin started working at a local sub shop washing dishes and making subs. By 2012 he held titles from Sous Chef to Executive Chef, and eventually private chef before founding The Farmers Dinner. The Farmers Dinner concept came about from Keith's time working with local farms in the New England area. He wanted a way to support local farms while sharing the stories he learned from his time with various farmers. Since 2012, The Farmers Dinner has hosted over 81 farms to table events across New England and fed more than 20,000 customers raising over $140,000 for local farms. In addition to his time in the kitchen, Keith is the author of two books, The Perfect Turkey and co-author of the 2019 release, The Farmers Dinner – A Story in Every Bite. He's also got a Third book in the works. Check out The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz as mentioned in today's episode. Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "You did what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better." -Maya Angelou In today's episode with Keith Sarasin we will discuss: Open-mindedness Psychology of hospitality Belief systems/breaking habits Vulnerability What is success? What can we do to maintain good staff? What is a "farmers dinner?" Email list generation Various insurance needs for popups/events Opening your first restaurant with a partner to then leave the operation Opening stress Multiple channels of revenue

Gene Colley, a former operator of heavy river equipment, and Anthony Cruz, former fine-dining trained line-cook turned healthcare professional, joined forces in 2016 to tackle food market/event/festival gigs with their pop-up fish taco concept, Gulf Tacos. After making a name for themselves by winning a few local food competitions, the duo saw an opportunity to ride the Nashville Hot Chicken wave in 2018. With this seen opportunity, Southerns Food was created and they've been selling out of sandwiches, daily, ever since. Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Service to others is the rent we pay for our room on earth." -Muhammad Ali In today's episode with Anthony Cruz and Teen Colley we will discuss: Mentors Chefs making mentees cry Demanding respect as a leader What Susan Spicer taught Anthony in the kitchen Working on the line with no tickets, just call backs Work ethic Alcoholism in the restaurant industry Testing a concept at festivals Word of mouth Let your people lean into their strengths Giving away food to even organizers Willingness to be vulnerable and ask questions/seek guidance Painting yourself into a corner through branding Social media best practices Cross-promotions with companies you like and respect Giveaways, are they worth it? COVID-19's effect on festivals and food trucks Today's sponsor: Toast - A POS built for restaurants by restaurant people Adapt fast with Toast's cloud-based restaurant POS system that updates to evolve your POS along with changing industry trends and guest expectations. Toast is built exclusively for restaurants of all shapes and sizes, with over 2/3 of our employees having restaurant experience to serve you better. Online Ordering - Let guests easily order directly from your restaurant for pickup or contactless delivery to keep revenue flowing during these uncertain times. Toast Delivery Services Dispatch local drivers through an on-demand network to keep your community fed and revenue coming in. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Gene: Remain calm during a stressful service Anthony: Passion What is your biggest weakness? High standards, no one cares as much as the owners What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Are you willing to go through this with us? Watch them work and see if they will work well within the company What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Anthony: Finding the right mentors for uncharted waters e.i. franchising/brick and mortars Gene: Work-life balance Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Meticulous pursuit of perfection and a constant sense of urgency What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Giveaways/treat each customer as a friend What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Leader Shift: The 11 Essential Changes Every leader Must Embrace by John C. Maxwell GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Restaurants' inability to adapt (especially during COVID-19) BOH/FOH employees are not compensated for what they're worth in this industry Name one service you've hired. Tiny Buffalo Clothing - merch What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influenced operations? Instagram @southernsfood Square - POS 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? Always be kind to others Don't be greedy Help others Contact info: Instagram: @sothernsfood Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Anthony Cruz and Gene Cally for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Chef Isaac Toups represents the new guard of Cajun chefs, known for his sophisticated approach to a cuisine that's best known for deep rustic flavors. His culinary style is the direct result of his New Orleans fine dining experience, coming up in Emeril Lagassi restaurants and growing up Cajun, born and raised in Rayne, LA, in the heart of Cajun country. With over 300 years of New Orleans family roots, Isaac and Amanda opened Toups' Meatery restaurant in the spring of 2012. 5 years later Toups' Meatery was followed by Toup's South. Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Too dumb to be scared." In today's episode with Isaac Toups we will discuss: The true meaning of "Cajun" There's an insane amount to learn as a chef, even 20 years in Organization Take a fault and turn it into a superpower Consistency How to "taste your food" "Work clean" Seniority advancements are a mistake Have a good report with everyone in your circle Be as straight-forward as possible with your staff Being a manager in a kitchen for 20 years gives you a degree in psychology Everyone knows that dick at work; don't be that dick at work Staging/traveling Marketing yourself Being a chef with a talent agency Celebrity chefs Recipe books The reality of "living the dream" Location, location, location Today's sponsor: Toast - A POS built for restaurants by restaurant people Adapt fast with Toast's cloud-based restaurant POS system that updates to evolve your POS along with changing industry trends and guest expectations. Toast is built exclusively for restaurants of all shapes and sizes, with over 2/3 of our employees having restaurant experience to serve you better. Online Ordering - Let guests easily order directly from your restaurant for pickup or contactless delivery to keep revenue flowing during these uncertain times. Toast Delivery Services Dispatch local drivers through an on-demand network to keep your community fed and revenue coming in. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Drive What is your biggest weakness? Ego, a little is good but too much is bad news What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Team player What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Staying calm, learn when to walk away from a situation and/or let someone else take it over Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Do to others what you would like done to you What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? The customer is not always right What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Au Pied de Cochon by Martin Picard GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Don't ask their employees or their best customers what they could be doing better What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? Instagram: @toupsmeatery 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? Be there for your children Do your work 100% or don't do it at all Find someone to love and love them more Contact info: Facebook: @ToupsMeatery Instagram: @toupsmeatery | @teamtoups Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Isaac Toups for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Saint-Germain was created by Drew Delaughter, Chef Blake Aguillard, and Trey Smith. Drew and Trey met in 2008 at culinary school in Hyde Park, NY. They both moved to New Orleans after school. Drew worked at Susan Spicer's Bayona Restaurant working his way up to Captain, gaining valuable service experience, as well as wine and spirit knowledge. Smith went to work for Chef Michael Gulotta at Restaurant August where he met and worked alongside Blake. After some European traveling, and working in other cities, the trio reunited and Saint-Germain was born. Check out episode 734 with Drew Delaughter as mentioned in today's episode. Check out episode 732 with Chef Michael Gulotta as mentioned in today's episode. Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Success is a journey, not a destination." Found on a coffee mug in the rubble of the restaurant now called Saint-Germain. In today's episode with Trey Smith we will discuss: Attention to detail Mentors From law school to culinary school The competitive side of cooking Learning how to ask for help Trusting your team to execute your vision Living and learning in Germany In German restaurants you serve what you kill the night before You're only as good as your team CPA's and accounting Leadership and how to manager people Be respectful always in your restaurant Projections and checklists Today's sponsor: Toast - A POS built for restaurants by restaurant people Adapt fast with Toast's cloud-based restaurant POS system that updates to evolve your POS along with changing industry trends and guest expectations. Toast is built exclusively for restaurants of all shapes and sizes, with over 2/3 of our employees having restaurant experience to serve you better. Online Ordering - Let guests easily order directly from your restaurant for pickup or contactless delivery to keep revenue flowing during these uncertain times. Toast Delivery Services Dispatch local drivers through an on-demand network to keep your community fed and revenue coming in. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Perfectionist What is your biggest weakness? Perfectionist What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? What is your long-term goal What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Planning anything during COVID-19 Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Communication What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Professional actions within a casual environment What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM Name one service you've hired. Lawyer What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influenced operations? DineX POS system 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? If you have a dream, take the leap Enjoy what success you have Work your butt off until it's time to stop Contact info: Instagram: @saintgermainnola website: www.saintgermainnola.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Trey Smith for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Trained engineers, Erich and Jennifer Weishaupt had no plans to own a restaurant. That all changed when a friend purchased a property in their community and asked them to run a breakfast restaurant there. They took the challenge head-on and leveraged their years of experience with critical thinking and project management to revitalize the Mid-City New Orleans neighborhood in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. 12 years later, they've scaled The Ruby Slipper to 18 locations throughout the Gulf Coast under the brand of Ruby Slipper and Ruby Sunshine. In addition, Jennifer has served on the Board of Directors of Liberty's Kitchen. The Ruby Slipper has been named one of Forbes Magazine's Inner City 100 for three years. It was also named a Breakout Brand by Nation's Restaurant News in 2017. Check out episode 730 with Dennis Bagneris, CEO of Liberty's Kitchen as mentioned in today's episode! Check out RestaurantOwner.com as mentioned in today's episode! Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "If you focus on your people and put your people first, they'll put your gusts first, and ultimately you're going to be successful." In today's episode with Jennifer Weishaupt we will discuss: Autonomy Building a restaurant in response to Hurricane Katrina Going from engineer to restauranteur What can you learn from 2 years at McDonald's? The answer: A LOT! Multiple channels of revenue Opening a successful restaurant with a full-time job Sharing your numbers with your team Importance of team meetings An efficient staff meeting Today's sponsor: Toast - A POS built for restaurants by restaurant people Adapt fast with Toast's cloud-based restaurant POS system that updates to evolve your POS along with changing industry trends and guest expectations. Toast is built exclusively for restaurants of all shapes and sizes, with over 2/3 of our employees having restaurant experience to serve you better. Online Ordering - Let guests easily order directly from your restaurant for pickup or contactless delivery to keep revenue flowing during these uncertain times. Toast Delivery Services Dispatch local drivers through an on-demand network to keep your community fed and revenue coming in. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? World-class sleeper What is your biggest weakness? Opinionated What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Adaptability, great attitude What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Hiring great people Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Gracious What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? A little something extra What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Setting the Table by Danny Meyer Untamed by Glennon Doyle GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Talk to their staff and know what it's like on the front line Name one service you've hired. Steritech - cleaning auditor What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? NoWait - reservation system 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? It's always and only about the people The early bird DOES catch the worm Keep the balance Contact info: Instagram: @rubyslippercafe | @rubysunshinebrunch www.rubysunshine.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Jennifer Weishaupt for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!