Restaurant Owners Uncorked

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Don Nicol from TacoLu, discussing the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, including rising costs and labor issues. Don shares insights on maintaining customer experience, navigating cash flow, and the importance of community engagement. He reflects on the impact of events like the TPC tournament on business and his future plans for Taco Lou, including potential family involvement in the restaurant.Takeaways TacoLu is an iconic restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida. Rising costs in labor and food are significant challenges. Maintaining customer experience is crucial for success. Cash flow management is a learning curve for new restaurant owners. Events like the TPC tournament can significantly boost business. Building a brand involves community engagement and recognition. Don emphasizes the importance of not charging for chips and salsa. Family involvement in the restaurant can be a future consideration. The restaurant industry is constantly evolving with new challenges. Don enjoys the camaraderie and energy of working with his staff.

In this quick, heartfelt episode, Wil delivers a philosophical and motivational message for independent hospitality business owners. Drawing from 18 years of experience serving restaurants and 12 years of podcasting, Wil reflects on the remarkable anti-fragility of this industry.Inspired by Nassim Nicholas Taleb's book Antifragile, Wil explains how independent restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutique hotels, and similar businesses don’t just survive difficult times—they grow stronger because of them. He shares one of his favorite lines from the book:"Wind extinguishes a candle and energizes fire. You want to be the fire and wish for the wind."This episode is a reminder that adversity can fuel growth, creativity, and resilience. In uncertain economic and political times, Wil urges listeners to embrace their inner fire—because the wind is always coming.🔥 You are the fire. And the wind only makes you stronger.

SummaryIn this conversation, Dana Monfort shares her journey of opening a new restaurant concept, Town Pump, in Denver. She discusses her diverse background, the challenges of entering the restaurant industry, and her vision for creating a community-focused space that fills a void in the market. Dana emphasizes the importance of simplicity, intentionality, and building relationships with customers, while also balancing her career in real estate. The conversation highlights the resilience and passion required to succeed in the hospitality industry.Takeaways Dana's journey reflects a diverse background in both medical and real estate fields. The concept of Town Pump aims to fill a community void in Cherry Creek. Simplicity in the menu is crucial for success in the restaurant industry. Building relationships with customers is key to creating a loyal community. Challenges in the restaurant business are seen as growth opportunities. Dana emphasizes the importance of intentionality in every aspect of the business. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is essential for customer experience. The restaurant will focus on high-quality, clean ingredients. Dana's leadership style is influenced by her parents' entrepreneurial spirit. Balancing multiple ventures requires a strong support team.

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Will interviews Jon Darby, owner of Darby's American Cantina. They discuss John's journey into the restaurant industry, the challenges of managing a restaurant, the impact of minimum wage laws, and the evolving trends in alcohol consumption. Jon shares insights on the importance of community support among restaurant owners and the realities of running a restaurant in today's economy, especially post-COVID. The conversation also touches on family dynamics within the business and the technological advancements that have changed the industry.Takeaways Jon started in hospitality while working at Capitol Records. He transitioned to running a restaurant after helping his mother. Leases are crucial; longer terms provide stability. The restaurant industry requires constant adaptation to trends. Minimum wage increases impact pricing and profitability. Post-COVID challenges have reshaped the restaurant landscape. Alcohol sales trends are shifting towards higher-end spirits. Community support among restaurant owners is vital. Technology has transformed scheduling and operations in restaurants. Family involvement adds a personal touch to the business.

Wil reads an incredible article by Simon Harris. 

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Ryan Handel, founder of Fixe, a bookkeeping service tailored for the restaurant industry. Ryan shares his journey from working in restaurants to founding his own, and ultimately creating Fixe to streamline bookkeeping for restaurant owners. The conversation covers the challenges of bookkeeping, customer acquisition strategies, and the competitive landscape of restaurant accounting software. Ryan emphasizes the importance of technology in simplifying financial management for restaurants and discusses his vision for the future of Fixe. Wil and Ryan explore the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, particularly regarding labor costs and the need for reliable financial reporting. The discussion also highlights the significance of building strong relationships within the franchise space and the necessity of providing exceptional customer care and authenticity in service.Takeaways Ryan founded Fixe in 2019 to address bookkeeping challenges in restaurants. He believes bookkeeping should be affordable and efficient. Ryan's first restaurant venture was a fast-casual concept called Simple Things. COVID-19 impacted his restaurant business, leading to the creation of Fixe. Fixe targets small to medium-sized restaurants for its services. The company offers month-to-month agreements to clients. Ryan emphasizes the importance of partnerships with CPAs and restaurant consultants. Fix integrates with QuickBooks Online to enhance its services. The company aims to keep clients on QuickBooks as long as possible before transitioning to larger systems. Ryan views QuickBooks as the iPhone of accounting, with Fixe as an app that enhances its functionality. From 2019 to 2023, we bootstrapped to 150 locations. Raised a seed round in 2023 with New York Angels. Now preparing for a series A round later this year. Hiring the right team is crucial for growth. Sales strategies include inbound demos and partnerships. The restaurant industry is struggling with rising labor costs. Building relationships with franchisees is essential. Customer care and authenticity set businesses apart. The importance of understanding restaurant owners' needs. Navigating challenges requires patience and industry knowledge.

SummaryIn this episode, Wil speaks with Chand Harlow, co-creator and owner of Wonderbird Spirits, a distillery in Mississippi. They discuss Chand's journey from finance to the world of hospitality and distilling, emphasizing the importance of a grain to glass philosophy. Chand shares insights into the unique process of crafting gin using Jasmine rice, the challenges of starting a distillery, and the blend of art and science in creating high-quality spirits. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricate process of producing rice-based gin, discussing the unique methods and ingredients involved. They explore the challenges of funding and growing a distillery business, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also highlights the competitive landscape of the spirits market and the importance of building a strong brand identity to educate consumers about their unique product. The speakers share insights on marketing strategies, distribution challenges, and the evolving preferences of consumers in the alcohol industry.Takeaways Chand Harlow's background in hospitality stems from his parents' love for entertaining. He transitioned from finance to distilling to pursue his passion for food and beverage. Wonderbird Spirits was founded in 2017, focusing on grain to glass production. The distillery uses Jasmine rice from a local Mississippi farm for its gin. Chand emphasizes the importance of controlling the entire distillation process. Grain to glass means producing alcohol from raw ingredients to finished product. Most distilleries use neutral grain spirits rather than producing their own alcohol. Chand's approach combines both art and science in crafting spirits. The entrepreneurial journey involves trial and error and learning from mistakes. Chand's unique gin is one of the few rice-based gins in the world. Rice-based gin production is more complex and costly than corn-based. Koji kin is essential for creating umami flavors in gin. The distillation process involves multiple stages to achieve desired alcohol content. Individual botanical distillation enhances flavor quality in gin. COVID-19 presented unique challenges for new alcohol brands. Hand sanitizer production became a temporary pivot during the pandemic. Expanding the distillery was necessary for meeting growing demand. Brand ambassadors play a crucial role in market education. Navigating state regulations is complex for alcohol distribution. Awards and recognition help validate the quality of the product.

SummaryIn this episode of Restaurant Owners Uncorked, Wil interviews Greg Dulan, owner of Dulan's on Crenshaw, celebrating 50 years in business. They discuss the importance of family legacy in hospitality, the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, and innovative strategies for revenue generation. Greg shares insights on building authentic customer relationships and navigating the evolving landscape of delivery services, emphasizing the significance of community connection and the spirit of entrepreneurship. He reflects on the evolution of the Crenshaw community, sharing personal experiences of its decline and current renaissance. They discuss the importance of lifelong learning, the significance of soul food in their culinary heritage, and the role of comfort food during challenging times. Greg emphasizes the value of building a strong team in the restaurant industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in hiring, especially for those seeking second chances. The conversation concludes with a focus on the restaurant industry's commitment to community support and the importance of providing opportunities for growth and development.Takeaways Dulan's on Crenshaw has been a family business for 50 years. The founder instilled values of hard work and entrepreneurship. Restaurants play a crucial role in community support during crises. Authentic customer interaction enhances the dining experience. Challenges in the restaurant industry include rising costs and wage inflation. Diversifying revenue streams is essential for sustainability. Building relationships with customers fosters loyalty and repeat business. Delivery services can be beneficial when approached strategically. Community connections are vital for business growth. The restaurant industry is about creating meaningful experiences. Crenshaw has experienced significant changes over the years, from decline to renaissance. Lifelong learning through podcasts and seminars is essential for personal growth. Soul food represents a deep cultural heritage and personal connection. Comfort food plays a vital role in providing solace during tough times. Building a strong team is crucial for restaurant success, especially in challenging times. The restaurant industry offers first opportunities and second chances for many individuals. Community support is a fundamental aspect of the restaurant industry. Restaurants can thrive by focusing on comfort food and hospitality. Training young employees in basic skills is essential for their development. The restaurant industry is a melting pot of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

SummaryIn this conversation, Simon Harris shares his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, discussing the importance of genuine connections in dining experiences. He reflects on the evolution of hospitality, emphasizing the need for authentic interactions over scripted service. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology and nostalgia in shaping customer experiences, advocating for a return to the core values of hospitality that prioritize making guests feel valued and connected. Wil and Simon delve into the importance of cultivating a strong culture within the hospitality industry, emphasizing the need for genuine connections and community. They discuss the challenges faced in finding dedicated workers, especially post-COVID, and the impact of technology on the industry. The essence of hospitality is explored through the concept of phylloxenia, highlighting the selfless nature of true hospitality. The speakers also touch on the future of the industry, the role of independent establishments, and the importance of creating meaningful experiences for both staff and guests.Takeaways The hospitality industry has evolved, but the core values remain important. Authentic connections with guests are crucial for memorable dining experiences. Nostalgia plays a role in how we perceive hospitality today. Technology should enhance, not replace, human interactions in dining. The focus on celebrity chefs has overshadowed the importance of service. Great experiences come from genuine engagement, not scripted interactions. Building a community around a restaurant fosters loyalty and repeat business. Retention of staff is as important as customer retention in hospitality. The essence of hospitality is making people feel special and valued. Looking back at past practices can inform better future strategies in hospitality. A strong culture is essential for hospitality success. Genuine hospitality comes from selflessness, not monetary motivation. Finding dedicated workers is increasingly challenging post-COVID. The gig economy has drawn talent away from traditional hospitality roles. Community connection is vital for the future of hospitality. Phylloxenia embodies the spirit of hospitality as a love for strangers. Independent restaurants are thriving by providing unique experiences. Technology should enhance, not replace, human connection in hospitality. Injecting purpose into hospitality work can attract younger generations. The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in community support during crises.

SummaryIn this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil chats with Justin Cucci, a seasoned restaurateur from Denver. They discuss Justin's early experiences in hospitality, the importance of passion in the industry, and the distinction between hospitality and service. Justin shares insights on implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in his restaurant group, highlighting its benefits for employee engagement and business sustainability. The conversation also touches on the current challenges facing the restaurant industry, including rising costs, labor shortages, and the impact of technology. Justin emphasizes the collaborative spirit among Denver restaurateurs and the resilience of the industry in the face of adversity. In this conversation, the speakers explore the profound impact of food on community and individual well-being, emphasizing the responsibility of restaurateurs to provide access to healthy food. They discuss innovative dining concepts like 'stealth health' that prioritize delicious yet nutritious meals. The dialogue shifts to personal dietary experiences, including the keto diet, and the importance of adapting to health needs as one ages. Music, particularly the Grateful Dead, is highlighted as a source of inspiration and philosophy in life and business. The speakers also reflect on the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, advocating for a positive mindset and the value of constructive criticism as a means of growth. Takeaways Justin grew up in a hospitality family, which shaped his career. Passion is essential for success in the restaurant industry. Hospitality is about making people feel welcome, not just providing service. An ESOP allows employees to have ownership and share in profits. The restaurant industry is facing significant challenges, including rising costs and labor shortages. Collaboration among restaurant owners is crucial for navigating challenges. The importance of community and local support for restaurants cannot be overstated. Technology can enhance efficiency but should not replace authentic hospitality. The restaurant industry is resilient and adaptive, often stepping up in times of crisis. Long-term commitment is necessary for success in the restaurant business. Don't underestimate the value of restaurants in a community. Food has a healing power that brings people together. Restaurateurs have a responsibility to provide healthy food access. 'Stealth health' allows for delicious yet nutritious dining options. Dietary choices can evolve with personal health needs. Music can influence creativity and business philosophy. Leadership can be informed by storytelling and character development. Challenges in the restaurant industry require a positive mindset. Constructive criticism is essential for growth and improvement. Embracing challenges can lead to resilience and innovation.