David Schneider

If you design a structured and organized system with realistic measurables, you will create the path to reach your goal. The process will likely be slow and rigorous, so be patient and resilient. However, it is incredibly rewarding to eventually see that your dedication and efforts have paid off. Make a point to reflect on the innumerable wins and gains along the way. They will keep you motivated and compel you to keep forging ahead.

This cannot be faked. Get to know your teammates and their stories. Establish trust, show support, and be generous in sharing your passion. Lend a helping hand whenever you can. It is essential that these elements be in place if you want your team’s culture to thrive.

That experience has allowed me to connect with chefs and cooks more deeply. I have the utmost admiration for my back of house counterparts based on knowing the myriad challenges they face each day. Having once been in their shoes helps me relate to them and the struggles they endure. I tend to be a big fan, in general, of restaurant professionals who have worn various hats along the way. Not only do these experiences help shape the person and provide an amazing skill set, but they allow someone to develop a genuine understanding for the various roles that make up the team. The byproduct of that diverse understanding is greater respect for teammates.

If I can hire someone possessing those qualities, my goal is to have that individual’s enthusiasm and energy permeate through their work and spread to all our teammates and guests. On that note, I am only interested in working with friendly people who are team players. If someone is unfriendly or arrogant, it isn’t worth having them around even if they have an impressive resume. I am disinterested in individuals with those character traits because I find that both guests and teammates typically do not enjoy their presence. Also, I highly value curious individuals with a keen interest and appetite for learning. Our team places a real emphasis on education, so inquisitive and studious individuals will be a natural fit and help to reinforce our culture.

I feel these characteristics are important to have in place for leadership positions where you are trying to set the right example. If you conduct yourself in this manner, you will have a much better chance of earning your team’s trust. It boils down to having strong character and being reliable.

‘Setting the Table’ by Danny Meyer, ‘Think Like A Chef’ by Tom Colicchio, ‘Windows on the World Complete Wine Course’ by Kevin Zraly, ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear, and ‘The Obstacle is the Way’ by Ryan Holiday. While there are so many more books to recommend, I believe that these 5 books are a good place to start because they will really help someone develop a better understanding of hospitality, food, wine, discipline, and perseverance.