meez

Gabe Kennedy, founder of Plant People, emphasizes the power of making decisions, even when the path forward isn't clear. It’s not about perfection, but consistency—guided by core values that prioritize people, the planet, and long-term sustainability. The key to leadership? Keep moving forward, informed by principles, and adapt as you go.

Avery Ruzicka from Manresa Bread shares invaluable advice! Approach each day with the mindset of learning. Leadership in the kitchen starts with curiosity. 💭 Whether it's a mistake or a breakthrough, write it down, reflect, and grow. This practice of daily learning fosters an attitude of improvement and presence that translates into leadership success.

Simplicity is the ultimate leadership toolkit. 🧰 Fiore Tedesco reminds us that mastering the basics with thoughtfulness can unlock confidence and creativity. Whether in the kitchen or leading a team, it’s not about having every tool—it’s about using the right ones with purpose.

In leadership, as in the kitchen, adversity is a constant companion, but how we respond defines us. Marc Forgione of Respect Hospitality reflects on the unique challenges he’s faced—his ‘Forge luck’—and how they’ve shaped his approach to life and business. 🌟 It’s not about avoiding challenges, but embracing them and pushing forward like it's always the fourth quarter. When faced with obstacles, rise to the occasion and lead with resilience.

Leadership, like cooking, is no longer just about mastering the basics—it's about creating meaning. Nilou Motamed, from Further Magazine, explores how today's chefs are more than culinary masters; they’re storytellers, historians, and narrators of their craft. The same applies to leaders: it’s not enough to perform well—you need to connect deeply, share your ‘why,’ and inspire through your story.

Jack McGarry at The Dead Rabbit exemplifies staying true to your values while scaling is what builds lasting success. 💡 Scaling isn’t just about growing—it’s about staying true to what made your brand special in the first place. Leaders often face the temptation to take shortcuts, but the real challenge is balancing growth with authenticity.

In leadership, it’s about more than just the product—it’s about the story behind it. Take a page from George Motz's playbook (founder of the The Food Film Festival). His passion for burgers isn’t just about food; it’s an experience, a journey, and a history that connects with every guest. When you can share your story authentically, it transcends the business. You’re not just offering a product; you’re creating an atmosphere where customers feel a part of something bigger. That's the key to standing out in a crowded market. 🌟

On The meez Podcast, Andrew Friedman shares how his book bridges the gap between industry insiders and the curious mainstream, creating a resource for chefs, farmers, delivery people—and everyone in between. Just as no two kitchens are alike, no two teams are either. Understanding the unique language and culture of your space is key to leading with impact. 💡

Great leaders, like great chefs, embrace the power of discovery and innovation. ✨ On this episode of The meez Podcast, Greg Dunmore of The Japanese Pantry dives into the magic of Koji—a staple in Japanese cuisine—and how its liquid form is transforming kitchens around the world. From sauces to cocktails, Koji's versatility teaches us a valuable lesson: innovation often begins by looking at the basics through a fresh lens.

🚨 Food costs killing your margins? You’re not alone. As our founder Joshua Sharkey says, “Menu engineering is about making proactive decisions that boost profits without sacrificing quality.” That’s why we built meez—to give chefs real-time food cost insights, ingredient conversions, and menu profitability tools so they can run a better kitchen. Josh recently sat down with Shawn P. Walchef to talk about reshaping recipe management. ⬇️