Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore

Clark Cooper Concepts, lead by Chef Charles Clark and Grant Cooper, is the group behind Ibiza, Brasserie 19, Coppa Osteria, Punk's Simple Southern Food, and The Dunlavy, was brought to life in 2001, when they decided to share their passion for food and the dining experience. The driven duo constantly strives to be at the forefront of the Houston restaurant industry with concepts that are chic, sophisticated, and provide customers with an experience of undeniable excellence and spirit. Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: Grant: "Everything is derived from passion." Charles: "Do what you want to do the best you can do it in your own style." In this episode with Charles Clark and Grant Cooper we will discuss: Passion and what it means to YOU Atypical ways to interview potential employees Motivation Recognizing value Partnerships Mentors The overtime loss of restaurant etiquette Never say "no" Growing up in Europe and what other cultures can teach us Treat everyone like a VIP Get everything in writing Today's sponsor: 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. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Grant: dedication commitment passion attitude Charles: 100% ready What is your biggest weakness? Grant: Too compasionate with staff Charles: not taking the time to train as well as we should What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Personality and willingness to work What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Staffing Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Grant: Knowledge of what you're selling, confidence Charles: Knowing the customer's needs and fundamentals What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Grant: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight Charles: White Heat by Marco Pierre White GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Take care of the customer, too politically correct What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations? Toast 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? Good bottle of wine Be in your restaurants Leave behind a trail of good people who have worked for you Contact info: Clark Cooper Concepts website 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 Charles Clark and Grant Cooper 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!

Damian's 40+ years of experience started with "Damian's Fine Italian Food"- a restaurant he started as a college senior in 1975. Damian's experience took him from his first restaurant to becoming a fixture in the Houston restaurant scene, first with D'Amico's, then Damian's Cucina Italiana, then to the national scene with Carrabba's; a restaurant he founded with nephew Johnny Carrabba. Moving to the Austin area, the Mandola's have promoted Italian culture and cuisine in Texas by opening Mandola's Italian Kitchen and Trattoria Lisina, totaling 4 locations. Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: "It's all about the details, respect, and having fun." In this episode with Damian Mandola we will discuss: The Texas restaurant scene in the 1970s The benefits of going outside your comfort zone The importance of "talking shop" with other restauranteurs Passion "setting the table" The importance of a soft opening Scaling and franchising Be your brand The importance of a good contract Licensing agreements Research your partners before getting involved and making deals Today's sponsor: 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. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Attention to detail What is your biggest weakness? Eating pasta! What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Are you friendly? You can tell as soon as they walk in What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? "Getting around to all of my restaurants." Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Be honest, don't be fake. Have respect for your customers. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Prebus tables. Polish glasses. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? The Fine Art of Italian Cooking by Giuliano Bugialli GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Gert to know your customers What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations? Aloha 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? Work hard Be friendly Respect your industry Contact info: dmandola@mandolas.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 Damian Mandola 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!

After attending college at St. Thomas University in Houston, Johnny began working in the local restaurants owned by members of his family. In 1986 he opened Carrabba's with his uncle, Damian Mandola. In 1993 they entered a partnership with Outback Steakhouse Inc., now Bloomin' Brands. At one point the partnership grew the brand to 247 locations Carrabba currently owns 3 Mia's Table and Grace's on Kirby as well as the two local locations of Carrabba's The Original. Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: "Give for the sake of giving, not for the sake of gaining." In today's episode with Johnny Carrabba we will discuss: Cooking and serving from the heart Leading by example Learning from a butcher Family-owned businesses Supporting your neighbors The true definition of community Discipline Owning a restaurant is HARD WORK...not glamorous The hardships of starting out Work-ethic Controling cost, numbers Vision The true definition of "mentor" Today's sponsor: 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. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Hard work What is your biggest weakness? Getting emotional at times What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Genuine concern from the heart What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Getting people to have self-confidence Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Enthusiasm What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Put yourself in their shoes and go above and beyond the call of duty 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 the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Don't love their employees enough 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? Believe in what you are doing and love what you are doing The example you set is paramount Love your people Contact info: Email: jcarrabba@gmail.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 Johnny Carrabba 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!

Today we're discussing restaurant insurance. Specifically, the elements that should be in your insurance package, what these different elements cover, and what to consider when selecting an insurance broker. Joining us for this conversation, guest mentor, Geg Scheinman. Insgroup Partner, Greg Scheinman, is a Property and Casualty Insurance Specialist, focusing on middle-market companies in a variety of industries, with a particular focus on the hospitality, retail and fitness industries.…as a matter of fact…many of our past guests are his clients. On top of this Greg host his own podcast, the Midlife Male. Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: "The harder I work, the luckier I am." In this episode with Greg Scheinman, we discuss: The many different elements to consider when selecting your insurance "package": Commercial and General Liability Insurance Workers Compensation Insurance Business Interruption Insurance Property and Casualty Insurance Third-Party Alcohol Liability Insurance Dram Shop Liability Employment Practices Liability Insurance ( EPLI) HNOA Flood Cyber Active shooter How to pick which insurance is right for you How to select an insurance broker. Resources Mentioned: RestaurantOwner.com Article: How to Factor Insurance Into Your Restaurant Business Plan RestaurantOwner.com Article: How to Select the Right Insurance Coverage for Your Restaurant RestaurantOwner.com Article: Understanding Your Restaurant's Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy Today's sponsor: 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. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Contact info: Email: gcheinman@insgroup.net Website: Insgroup.net Midlife Male podcast 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 Greg Scheinman 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!

Once upon a time Austin, TX hometowner, Jason Sabala, had aspirations of becoming an elementary school teacher, until one day, when Sabala broke up a fight at Austin's well-known night club, Emo's. This experience took him on a new trajectory into the world of security, and eventually night club ownership. His experience at Emo's gave him the skills and knowledge to eventually open his own Night club in Portland, OR called Sabala's. Today Jason Sabala is the owner of two Buzz Mill Coffees with a third on the way, and Plow Burger. Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: "You gotta kill the man you are today to become the man you will be tomorrow." In this episode with Jason Sabala we will discuss: Self-reflection and self-improvement The desire to teach and mentor The importance of community The importance of having fun Running a club vs. a restaurant Mismanagement and how to avoid it Embarrassment in the industry and what it teaches you Honesty Falling down only to get back up bigger and better Culture and soul Cultivate your community Today's sponsor: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country — they were even named best online payroll by PCMag. And as a listener, you'll get three months free when you run your first payroll. Sign up and give it a try at Gusto.com/unstoppable. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Knowledge bombs: Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Perseverance. What is your biggest weakness? Too trusting; too kind. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? "What is one trait you admire most about human beings?" What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? "A man who chases two rabbits doesn't catch either." Focus. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Learn everything above you while teaching those who come behind you. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Don't blame your staff when things go wrong, blame yourself. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Thank their people. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations? Tapmango 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? Time, take the leap Play the infinite game Have empathy Contact info: Email: sabala@buzzmillcoffee.com Website: www.buzzmillcoffee.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 Jason Sabala 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!

In this episode David Scott Peters joins Eric Cacciatore on the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast to discuss how to develop your managers. David Scott Peters is the founder of TheRestaurantExpert.com, a company specializing in coaching and training independent restaurant owners. He is the developer of SMART Systems Pro, an online restaurant management software designed specifically for independent restaurant operators. David is a regular speaker at food industry events all over the country, is a regular guest contributor to restaurant industry publications, and enjoys teaching restaurant owners how to live their passions while also operating a profitable business. Check out his newest project: davidscottpeters.com Show notes… In this episode with David Scott Peters we will discuss: How to hire great managers Hire from within! Create managers Avoid hiring websites The amount of managers needed for different times/days of the week "Working" managers MIT's: managers in training Always have backup managers trained How/what to pay a manager Teams like management and rules but they hate inconsistency Shift meetings and how to hold them correctly Today's sponsor: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country — they were even named best online payroll by PCMag. And as a listener, you'll get three months free when you run your first payroll. Sign up and give it a try at Gusto.com/unstoppable. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Contact info: DavidScottPeters.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 David Scott Peters 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!

Combined, the Delgado's have over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. In 2008 the couple moved to McAllen, TX and opened house. wine. & bistro., a refined New American bistro in McAllen, TX. The Delgado's unwavering attention to detail and genuine commitment to the community has translated to 10 years of successfully propelling the culinary diversity of McAllen and the Rio Grand Valley. Following the success of house. wine. & bistro., The Delgado's opened SALT – New American Table in December 2013 and Salome in 2019. Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: Larry: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Jessica: "Honor your team members." In this episode with Larry & Jessica Delgado we will discuss: Enthusiasm Growth and scaling The Delgado's backstory The love of cooking Early mentors Trusting your gut The right way to interview and hire Learning from their time at Caraba's FOH and BOH advice Consistency Gaining the capital to open your own restaurant Upcoming markets Partnerships Dealing with mayhem You need a VISION Listen to the market Today's sponsor: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country — they were even named best online payroll by PCMag. And as a listener, you'll get three months free when you run your first payroll. Sign up and give it a try at Gusto.com/unstoppable. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Jessica: Hospitality Larry: Courage What is your biggest weakness? Jessica: Vulnerability Larry: Don't know my own weaknesses What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? What is the most expensive thing in a restaurant? Best answer: an empty seat What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Growth, beyond three restaurants Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Lead with integrity What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Everyone comments on our water service and doors beingnopened for guests What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Take care of their team What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations? Open Table, HotSchedule 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? Make an impact on your community Live life with enthusiasm Be a good steward Contact info: Email: info@delgadocollective.com Website: DelgadoCollective 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 Larry & Jessica Delgado 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!

Today we're going to talk about why you need to pay yourself, FIRST! We're also diving into how. Joining us for the conversation are two of the best qualified: Kasey Anton and Mike Michalowicz. Mike Michalowicz is the author of Profit First: Transform Your Business From a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine. He's helped thousands of entrepreneurs gain control of their business. Kasey Anton is a former restaurateur turned business consultant and one of the only, if not THE only Certified Profit First Professionals with extensive restaurant owning experience.

Originating from Pakistan, Chef Kaiser Lashkari had early aspirations of becoming a doctor until he had a run-in with some goat meat and a spice rack. This experience sparked a new dream of moving to America to open a restaurant. Chef Kaiser made the move to the states and received his master's degree from Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management in 1989 before opening Himalaya Restaurant & Catering. Chef Kaiser was a James Beard Semi-Finalist in 2019, and Himalaya was rated No. 9 in the Houston Chronicle's "Top 100 Houston Restaurants" list and has placed in the top 15 in previous years. Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: There are no shortcuts! In this episode with Kaiser Lashkari we will discuss: Indian and Pakistani restaurant scene The immense importance of high-quality ingredients The importance of smell and look of the food Taste every meal before it goes out to the guest Positive reinforcement Defying your parents to follow your passion Mentors The intricacies and false stereotypes of curry Training and development Get partnerships Get things done by working through people, not at their expense Being pressured and bullied by neighbor businesses and how to deal with it The ego and madness of restauranteurs Treat your employees properly and with kindness The importance of sincerity Today's sponsor: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country — they were even named best online payroll by PCMag. And as a listener, you'll get three months free when you run your first payroll. Sign up and give it a try at Gusto.com/unstoppable. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Never quit; tenacity What is your biggest weakness? Impatience with mediocrity What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Energy level and body language What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? To have longevity in the staff Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Coming to work on time While working be the best you can What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Knowledge about the food What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? The Human Side of Enterprise by Douglas McGregor GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Training and development, hiring properly What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations? VCM by Hobart 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? Never quit Never take shortcuts Always be sincere Contact info: Facebook: @kaiser.lashkari Himalaya Restaurant & Catering website 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 Kaiser Lashkari 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!

Tracy Vaught may be an "accidental restaurateur, but 35 years later she is now one of the most respected in the field. The geologist-turned-restaurateur owns/operates H Town Restaurant Group which includes four of Houston's most successful, award-winning restaurants - Backstreet Cafe, Hugo's, Caracol, and Xochi. The group also recently opened Mi Almita in Honolulu, and the own half of a restaurant Origen. She is a three-time semifinalist for Restaurateur of the Year for James Beard Awards, named 2003 Restaurateur of the Year at Houston Culinary Awards, and recognized in 2017 for her work by Houston Business Journal's Women Mean Business Awards. Check out Restaurantowner.com as mentioned in today's show! Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: "Rather than develop from without, develop the employees that you already have within your team." In today's episode with Tracy Vaught we will discuss: The power of mentors The boss doesn't always have the best answers Renovating an old space to build a restaurant Relationships in the workplace Taking over an existing restaurant Partnerships SBA loans Slow, small scaling Smoking on the job Full service vs. fast casual Food critics introducing new concepts to a market through education How has the industry changed in 36 years of restaurant ownership? Stay off the cell phone while working Today's sponsor: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country — they were even named best online payroll by PCMag. And as a listener, you'll get three months free when you run your first payroll. Sign up and give it a try at Gusto.com/unstoppable. CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business. Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Teaching What is your biggest weakness? Taking chances What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Curiosity What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Labor Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Integrity What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Graciousness 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 the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Be authentic and be original What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations? Microsoft Teams - group chat 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? Grow your team from within Save money Do something authentic to your own experience Contact info: Email: tracy@backstreetcafe.net 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 Tracy Vaught 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!