Summary

In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, host Wil Brawley speaks with Cliff Crider, CEO of Stinger Compliance and co-founder of Truck and Tap. They discuss Cliff's journey from working in fast food at Roy Rogers to becoming a real estate appraiser and eventually transitioning into the restaurant industry. Cliff shares insights on the challenges of running a restaurant, the importance of community engagement, and the creation of Stinger Compliance to help businesses stay legal with age-restricted products. The conversation highlights the resilience and dedication required in the hospitality industry. Crider also discusses the critical importance of compliance in the hospitality industry, particularly regarding alcohol sales. He emphasizes the need for effective policies and procedures to prevent underage sales and the innovative approach his company is taking to streamline the stinging process. The conversation also touches on the challenges of scaling a business in this sector and the balance between serving large clients and supporting local establishments. The two share insights on navigating the complexities of compliance and the importance of community engagement in the hospitality industry.

Takeaways

• Schedulefly simplifies restaurant employee scheduling.
• Cliff started in hospitality at Roy Rogers.
• Real estate knowledge helped Cliff in restaurant ownership.
• Truck and Tap combines food trucks and beer gardens.
• Community engagement is vital for restaurant success.
• The Giving Kitchen supports hospitality workers in crisis.
• Stinger Compliance focuses on legal compliance for age-restricted products.
• Bartenders must be vigilant about carding customers.
• The hospitality industry faces numerous challenges daily.
• Slow and deliberate growth is key to sustainable business. Compliance is crucial for the hospitality industry.
• Innovative solutions can streamline the stinging process.
• Establishing clear alcohol policies is essential for staff training.
• Scaling a business requires careful planning and execution.
• Community engagement is vital for local businesses.
• Understanding the nuances of fake IDs can prevent costly mistakes.
• Regular compliance checks can help maintain standards.
• Slow and deliberate growth is a sustainable strategy.
• Technology can enhance compliance efforts in the hospitality sector.
• Building strong relationships with clients fosters loyalty and trust.

Summary

In this conversation, Peter Yang, co-founder of Pokeworks, shares his journey from growing up in a family restaurant to establishing a successful poke restaurant chain. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in the hospitality industry, the importance of customer service, and the strategic decisions that led to the birth and growth of Pokeworks. The conversation also delves into the franchising model and the criteria for selecting franchise partners, emphasizing the need for alignment in values and vision. Yang discusses the essential elements of running a successful restaurant business, emphasizing the importance of hard work, core values, and the Aloha spirit. He addresses challenges in labor and training, outlines growth strategies focused on real estate selection, and highlights the significance of understanding customer demographics. He also shares insights on operational excellence, the role of customer reviews, and the support provided to franchisees, all while maintaining a focus on the active lifestyle market fit for his brand.

Takeaways

• Peter Yang's family background in hospitality shaped his career.
• Hard work and operational excellence are key to success in restaurants.
• Customer service can transcend language barriers.
• The poke bowl concept was a response to changing consumer preferences.
• Franchising was not initially part of the plan for Pokeworks.
• Effective marketing relies heavily on word of mouth and social media.
• The importance of a strong franchisee support system.
• Selecting franchise partners requires alignment in core values.
• The restaurant industry is a long-term commitment with franchisees.
• Pokeworks aims to innovate while keeping operational costs low. Understanding that it takes hard work is crucial for success.
• Core values like attention to detail and positivity are essential.
• Labor challenges require innovative training solutions.
• Real estate selection is a key bottleneck for growth.
• Understanding customer demographics helps in site selection.
• Operational excellence is vital for customer retention.
• Customer reviews are a leading indicator of success.
• Franchisee support is crucial for brand consistency.
• Active lifestyle markets align well with healthy food offerings.
• Building a strong franchise network is essential for growth.

Summary

In this conversation, Veljko Pavicevic shares his inspiring journey from Montenegro to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry in America. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, humility, and hard work, as well as the value of community and teamwork. Veljko recounts his experiences at the Ritz Carlton, highlighting the lessons learned about exceptional service and the significance of treating every interaction as part of a legacy. In this conversation, Veljko Pavicevic and Wil Brawley discuss the mindset required for success in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience, leadership, and customer-centric practices. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of writing and scheduling, and the value of building strong teams. The discussion also touches on the lessons learned from early successes and the pitfalls of ego, as well as the importance of community engagement and giving back. The also discuss the intricacies of building relationships in business, the importance of creating a legacy through employee ownership, and the critical role of training and recruitment in developing high-performance teams. They emphasize the need for clarity and focus in business endeavors, as well as the significance of understanding people to foster a successful work environment. The discussion culminates in life lessons about the importance of food and personal fulfillment in the restaurant industry.

Takeaways

• Veljko's journey from Montenegro to America showcases the power of hard work and determination.
• Gratitude and humility are essential traits for success in business.
• Running a successful business requires carrying a heavy cross, but it is rewarding.
• The importance of community and teamwork in achieving success.
• Experiences at the Ritz Carlton taught Veljko about high-level hospitality.
• Ego can hinder personal and professional growth.
• True joy comes from seeing growth in others.
• Tunnel vision and focus are crucial for seizing opportunities.
• Behaving as if you already have success is key to achieving it.
• A legacy is built through every interaction with others. Every interaction must be exceptional to succeed.
• Manifesting success requires consistent positive thoughts.
• Writing down goals enhances memory and focus.
• Scheduling personal time is crucial for productivity.
• 40 hours a week is just the beginning of work.
• The U.S. offers unparalleled opportunities for success.
• Resilience is key; show up despite challenges.
• Building revenue is harder than buying it.
• Expertise is more valuable than money in business.
• Community engagement is essential for business success. Building relationships is key to entering the business world.
• Creating a legacy involves empowering employees through ownership.
• Training is essential for developing high-performance teams.
• Recruiting the right people is more important than just hiring.
• Understanding people is crucial for business success.
• Clarity and focus are vital for achieving business goals.
• Food is a fundamental aspect of the restaurant industry.
• It's important to want what you like in life.
• Respect and trust are foundational in team dynamics.
• A successful business reflects the values and character of its founder.