🌱 Unlock the secret to thriving in the restaurant business with essential hospitality

A 2 min read.

In today's rapidly evolving restaurant industry, full-service establishments face a unique set of challenges. Rising costs, staffing shortages, and ever-changing consumer expectations have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the high standards of hospitality that define successful operations. As we navigate these turbulent times, it's crucial to return to the basics of hospitality to differentiate our businesses and ensure lasting success.

Getting Back to the Basics of Hospitality

Danny Meyer, in his seminal book Setting the Table, outlines the foundational principles of hospitality that have guided him to success. Meyer speaks of four essential gifts that every human receives within moments of being born: eye contact, a smile, a hug, and some food. These gifts are more than just niceties; they are the backbone of an exceptional dining experience. In his book, Meyer also reminds us that humans are driven to provide and receive hospitality.

To move from chaos to consistency in your restaurant, let’s start a conversation at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

Here's how you can incorporate these gifts into your restaurant and why they matter:

Eye Contact

   - How: Train your staff to make genuine eye contact with guests when greeting them, taking orders, and checking in during their meal.

   - Why: Eye contact establishes trust and shows that your staff is attentive and engaged. It helps create a personal connection, making guests feel seen and valued.

A Smile

   - How: Encourage your team to greet every guest with a warm and sincere smile, and to maintain a positive demeanor throughout their interactions.

   - Why: A smile is a universal gesture of friendliness and warmth. It instantly makes guests feel welcome and comfortable, enhancing their overall dining experience.

A Hug

   - How: While physical hugs may not always be appropriate or feasible, you can create a "hug-like" atmosphere by offering exceptional service, genuine care, and thoughtful gestures. Think of it as providing a metaphorical hug through your hospitality.

   - Why: A "hug" symbolizes warmth and comfort. By creating a welcoming environment where guests feel embraced and cared for, you foster a sense of belonging and loyalty.

Food

   - How: Offer complimentary bites or samples, such as an amuse-bouche at the start of the meal or a small dessert to end it. Highlight special dishes and share the stories behind them.

   - Why: Sharing food is a fundamental aspect of hospitality. It shows generosity and thoughtfulness, leaving guests with a lasting impression of your restaurant’s warmth and generosity.

The Urgency of Now

In the face of current industry challenges, there has never been a more critical time to focus on these fundamental aspects of hospitality. By returning to these basics, you can create a resilient business that not only survives but thrives. Implementing these principles requires intention, consistency, and leadership.

If you’re ready to elevate your restaurant and lead your team to success, my one-on-one coaching and leadership workshops are designed to help you achieve just that. Together, we can create a customized plan to integrate these gifts into your operations, improve guest satisfaction, and build a thriving, sustainable business.

Don't wait until the challenges overwhelm your passion for hospitality. Contact me today to schedule your first coaching session and start the journey toward excellence. Let's ensure your restaurant not only survives but also prospers in these challenging times.

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

2. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

📣 Attention Restaurant Leaders-You Don't Want to Miss This 🌱

A 1 min read.

After many coaching sessions and conversations with industry leaders about what’s getting in their way of being more successful and happy, I’ve compiled a list of resources that can aid in business growth, leadership development, and personal fulfillment. 

Join me as I unveil essential leadership development resources tailored specifically for hospitality leaders, available right here, right now. Whether you're managing a single location or a multi-unit operation, these tools are designed to help you thrive, grow, and lead with confidence. Feel free to share these resources with your teams and network of leaders in hospitality.

6 Ways to Accelerate Your Leadership Journey

1. Create Successful Change in Your Business - The 10 Step Guide

   Change is inevitable in the restaurant industry, but navigating it successfully is a skill. This comprehensive guide offers ten actionable steps to implement effective change in your business. Get your guide at https://christinmarvin.com/change

2. 5 Tips to Making Leadership Less Lonely

   Leadership can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Learn practical strategies to build a supportive network and foster meaningful connections. Learn more at https://christinmarvin.com/lonely

3. Take Back Control of Your Time - 10 Steps to Setting Boundaries

   Time management is crucial for any leader. Discover how setting boundaries can help you regain control of your schedule and achieve a better work-life balance. Grab your copy at https://christinmarvin.com/sayno

4. 12 Ways to Grow Your Leadership in 12 Days

   Ready for a leadership challenge? This program offers daily tips and exercises to enhance your leadership skills over 12 days. Join the challenge at https://christinmarvin.com/12days

5. How to Get What You Want by Showing Up as a Clear and Concise Leader

   Effective communication is key to leadership success. Learn how to articulate your vision and expectations clearly to get the results you desire. Strengthen your communication by visiting https://christinmarvin.com/clear. 

6. Become a More Confident Leader - 5 Ways to Ditch Imposter Syndrome

   Many leaders struggle with self-doubt. This guide provides practical tips to boost your confidence and lead without fear. Grab your guide at https://christinmarvin.com/growth. 

Feel free to share this post with any leaders you know in the hospitality industry. Together, we can create a community of strong, effective leaders who inspire their teams and drive success in their businesses.

Stay inspired and keep leading with excellence!

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

2. Contact me for a leadership strategy session at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

How Thinking Positively Can Make You Smarter About Running Your Restaurant

A 2 min read.

In today’s competitive restaurant industry, success hinges not only on the ability to deliver an exceptional guest experience and business acumen but also on the mindset that drives decision-making and leadership. Positive Intelligence, a concept popularized by Shirzad Chamine in his book of the same name, underscores the critical role of positivity in achieving peak performance. For restaurant owners and operators, understanding and harnessing positive intelligence can be the key to unlocking untapped potential and driving sustainable growth.

Chamine's research reveals a startling statistic: only 20% of teams and individuals reach their full potential due to a lack of positive intelligence. Negative thinking patterns, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, and pessimism, can infiltrate every aspect of a restaurant's operations, from customer service to team morale and financial decisions.

To discover your Positive Intelligence score, email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com for your link to the self assessment.

Imagine a scenario where a restaurant owner consistently doubts their ability to innovate and adapt to changing market trends. This negative mindset may lead to missed opportunities for menu diversification or technology integration, ultimately limiting growth and competitiveness in the industry.

Negative thinking can also manifest in interpersonal dynamics within the restaurant. A manager plagued by self-criticism and negativity may inadvertently create a toxic work environment, resulting in high turnover rates, decreased productivity, and diminished customer satisfaction.

The long-term effects of negative thinking on a restaurant's success are profound. It can stifle creativity, hinder problem-solving capabilities, and erode the trust and cohesion of the team. Moreover, it can impede the owner's ability to envision and execute strategic initiatives that drive profitability and sustainability.

To address this challenge, restaurant owners and operators can start by measuring their Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) using Chamine's assessment tool. The goal is to achieve a PQ score of 70% or higher, indicating a strong foundation in positive intelligence.

For those scoring below the desired threshold, working with a coach specializing in positive intelligence can be transformative. As a coach, I help clients increase self-awareness around negative thoughts, develop strategies to quiet these thoughts, and cultivate a more positive and empowering mindset.

By embracing positive intelligence, restaurant owners can experience a myriad of benefits. They become more resilient in the face of challenges, inspire greater innovation and collaboration within their teams, and foster a culture of excellence and growth. Ultimately, positive thinking isn't just about feeling good—it's about driving smarter decisions, enhancing leadership effectiveness, and achieving enduring success in the restaurant industry.

Ready to unlock your restaurant's full potential? Contact me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com to grab your link to the Positive Intelligence assessment now and see where you stand. If your PQ score is below 70%, let's work together to develop your positive thinking skills. 

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 33 : The Secret to Cultivating a Positive Mindset with Chef Pablo Valencia

2. Contact me for a coaching session at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

The Key to Success: Setting Clear Expectations for New Restaurant Managers

A 2 min read.

In the dynamic world of hospitality, setting clear expectations is more critical than ever, especially when it comes to interviewing and training new managers. As seasoned veterans with 10 to 20 years of experience, you understand the complexities and demands of the industry. However, many newcomers entering the restaurant scene are doing so for the first time. It's our responsibility as employers to provide them with a great experience, just as we do for our guests, for the sustainability of careers in restaurants.

Click here to download my guide on how to Lead with Clarity - 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management.

Let's delve into why setting clear expectations during the hiring and training process is paramount.

Understanding the Importance

Imagine a new manager joining your team without a clear understanding of their expected work hours, daily responsibilities, or how to handle emergencies. Such misunderstandings can lead to confusion, frustration, and ultimately, decreased performance. By setting clear expectations from the start, you empower your managers to succeed and contribute effectively to your restaurant's success.

Real-Life Scenarios

Consider these client stories: A new manager, excited but unsure of their role, ends up working long hours beyond what they expected because the schedule says. “10:00am-volume or 4:00pm-close.” Another manager, unprepared for emergencies, struggles to handle a sudden rush during peak hours, has an anxiety attack and leaves their team in the middle of the shift without communicating to upper management. These are two examples of issues presented to me this week by clients and ones that highlight the importance of communicating expectations clearly right from the beginning.

Tips for Success

1. Review Your Interview Process: Identify gaps in your interview questions and involve your managers and trainers to refine them.

2. Hold a Stage or Working Interview: Allow potential managers to experience a day in the life of the job to understand expectations firsthand.

3. Outline Everything Clearly: From schedules and pay to uniform standards and job duties, ensure everything is communicated before orientation.

4. Check References: Look for candidates who fit your culture and are open to coaching and development.

Benefits of Setting Expectations

Putting more systems in place during the hiring process may seem time-consuming initially, but it saves time and energy in the long run. Clear expectations reduce misunderstandings, improve job satisfaction, and foster a positive work environment. When managers know what is expected of them and feel supported, they are more likely to excel in their roles.

As independent restaurant owners managing multiple locations, your commitment to setting clear expectations sets the tone for success. By prioritizing effective communication, you not only empower your managers but also contribute to the longevity and prosperity of your business. Let's get back to the basics of what it takes to run a restaurant and ensure that every employee's journey starts on the right foot.

Here's to a future filled with well-informed and motivated restaurant managers!

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Click here to download my guide on how to Lead with Clarity - 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management.

2. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode on How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

3. Visit christinmarvin.com/contact to schedule a 15 minute strategy call on how to solve your biggest challenge as a restauranteur.