In this episode, we sit down with Jason E. Brooks, a seasoned restaurant industry veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. Jason shares insights from his 30-year journey from dishwasher to VP of Operations, as well as highlights from his upcoming book on hospitality leadership. We explore his actionable leadership framework (MODEL), the importance of KPIs, fostering ownership among teams, and the power of one-on-one engagement. Jason also discusses his partnership with The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit supporting food service workers, and how his book contributes to this cause. Tune in for valuable leadership strategies and a deeper look at the evolving hospitality industry.

Show Notes

Introduction to Jason Brooks: Professional speaker, author, coach, and a family man passionate about transforming restaurant managers into hospitality leaders. He has a book coming out in March, focusing on leadership in the hospitality industry.

Jason's Background and Book Motivation: Over 30 years in the restaurant industry, working his way up from dishwasher to VP of Operations. His journey reflects a deep understanding of the industry's challenges and the potential for personal growth within it.

The Giving Kitchen Partnership: Jason's book launch is tied to supporting The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that assists food service workers in crisis. A portion of book sales will contribute to this cause, emphasizing the community-focused spirit of the hospitality industry.

Key Concepts from Jason's Book:

• MODEL Acronym: The first five keys form the acronym MODEL, outlining a repeatable process for leadership development in the hospitality sector.
• • Mastering Your KPIs: Importance of understanding and leveraging key performance indicators for business success.
  • Owner-Like Orientation: Encouraging a sense of ownership among staff to foster responsibility and initiative.
  • Delegating by Creating Mini-GMs: The strategy of empowering employees by delegating managerial tasks, enhancing their skills and engagement.
  • Engage Through One-on-Ones: The critical role of personal engagement and feedback in developing a motivated and aligned team.
  • Leading with the Right Mindset: Cultivating leadership qualities that inspire and guide teams toward achieving shared goals.

Discussion on Industry Challenges and Innovations: Jason and the hosts discuss the unique challenges of the restaurant industry, including financial management, staff development, and the need for innovation in traditional business models.

Jason Brooks Links:

Book Website - https://www.jasonebrooks.com/everyleader

Amazon: Book Link

Brand Website - www.jasonebrooks.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/2LeadNSucceed

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jason-e-brooks

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/2leadnsucceed/

Giving Kitchen - www.givingkitchen.org

In this episode, the Restauranttopia team dives into the essentials of optimizing your online ordering platform with high-quality food photography and effective menu descriptions. Learn how these small but impactful changes can increase sales, enhance customer experience, and showcase your brand's best.

Show Notes:

Episode Highlights:

• The Importance of Online Ordering:
• • Pandemic-driven growth made online ordering a necessity.
  • Many restaurants overlook critical elements like descriptions and photos.
• Menu Descriptions:
• • Ensure accuracy and clarity with detailed, enticing descriptions.
  • Use your POS system effectively to organize modifiers and options.
• Food Photography Essentials:
• • Avoid bland, top-down photos; opt for dynamic 45° angles.
  • Use good lighting, clean plating, and consistent backgrounds.
  • Stage your shots to make every dish look appealing and perfect.

Pro Tips:

1. Photography: Invest time in creating visually appealing photos once for lasting impact.
2. Consistency: Use the same background and setup for all photos to maintain brand alignment.
3. Tools: Utilize affordable equipment like tripods and smartphones with good lighting setups.
4. Outsourcing: Partner with local professionals, like Ohio-based Local Ohio, for high-quality, cost-effective food photography.

Actionable Steps for Restaurateurs:

1. Audit your online menu today—check for clear descriptions and professional food photos.
2. Dedicate time or hire professionals to capture consistent, high-quality images.
3. Regularly update your menu photos to reflect your current offerings and maintain customer interest.
4. Reach out to community partners like Local Ohio or similar organizations in your area to enhance your visuals.

In this episode of Restauranttopia, we explore creative ways to elevate your guests' dining experience and keep them coming back for more. From interactive menus and themed nights to customer spotlights and unique partnerships, we share actionable ideas to help you entertain, engage, and delight your customers. Don't miss this deep dive into the strategies that will set your restaurant apart in 2024!

Show Notes: Episode 161 "Are You Not Entertained?!?"

Key Topics:

• Strategies to create engaging, memorable dining experiences.
• Post-pandemic trends impacting consumer behavior and restaurant operations.
• How to elevate perceived value amidst rising costs.

Pro Tips:

• Interactive Engagement: Introduce customer-driven activities like interactive menus, ordering systems, and specials voting to involve diners in the experience.
• Event Programming: Organize unique in-house events such as chili cook-offs, fantasy sports drafts, trivia nights, and dating mixers.
• Customer Spotlights: Highlight regular customers through social media to foster loyalty and broaden reach.
• Entertainment Nights: Implement themed nights like live music, open mic, or drag queen bingo to attract diverse crowds.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Partner with local entertainment venues, artists, or organizations to create mutually beneficial promotions.

Actionable Steps for Restauranteurs:

1. Understand Your Customers: Analyze your customer base to determine what experiences resonate most—whether it’s private wine dinners or family-friendly events.
2. Be Persistent: Try new ideas at least three times before deciding their success. Consistency and iteration matter.
3. Leverage Social Media: Encourage customers to share their experiences using branded hashtags and creative prompts.
4. Use Dead Space Creatively: Repurpose underutilized spaces for workshops, cooking classes, or community events.
5. Enhance Dining Moments: Add small touches like tableside guacamole or chef’s tables for a personalized experience.
6. Partner for Success: Collaborate with vendors for themed dinners or local businesses to attract their customer base.

Ideas to Explore:

• Culinary classes where guests make their own appetizers.
• Themed tasting nights like tequila and cigar pairings.
• "Be the Show, Not the Commercial": Create content around experiences instead of just advertising.

Final Thoughts: As local operators, embracing these strategies ensures you remain competitive, foster customer loyalty, and enhance profitability. For a detailed list and further ideas, visit restauranttopia.com. Share your successes with us to inspire others!