Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions’ Post

Whispering Wisdom: Leading Like Whitey in a World of Shouts! In the glitzy arena of hospitality and the bustling kitchens of the restaurant industry, leadership often conjures images of fiery chefs and commanding maitre d's. Yet, amidst the clinks of fine dining and the sizzle of grills, the recent passing of one of St. Louis Cardinals' legends, Whitey, brings to light a timeless adage on leadership that resonates far beyond the baseball diamond. "Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but the most respected," he once said. This quiet but profound statement serves as a beacon for those navigating the high-pressure environments of hospitality and cuisine. In an industry where every detail matters, from the garnish on a plate to the warmth of a greeting, embodying this principle can transform chaos into harmony and tension into respect. It's a reminder that, whether you're orchestrating a kitchen or guiding a team through the ninth inning, the essence of true leadership lies not in volume, but in the value of your actions and the integrity of your character. In memory of Whitey, may we all strive to be leaders who speak softly, but carry a big stick of respect. #NorthDakota #SDjobs #SouthDakota #MTjobs #Montana #WYjobs #Wyoming #GeckoHospitality #WereHiring #LetGoAndLetGecko #GrowYourBusiness #Business #RecruitmentAgency #NowHiring #restaurant #foodservice #opportunity #hoteliers #hotelmanagement

"Steering the Ship: How Confident Decision-Making Shapes Your Restaurant's Journey" In the professional world, it's all about making decisions with confidence. You see, when you're managing a restaurant, you've got to be the captain of the ship. Trust your instincts and make those tough calls. Of course, you might slip up every now and then, but that's just part of the journey. Each mistake is a lesson learned, a steppingstone to greater success. So, stand tall, make your decisions with conviction. After all, it's your restaurant, your rules. Whether you're deciding on the menu, hiring staff, or planning a marketing strategy, own your choices. Your unshakeable confidence will help you navigate the wild ride of restaurant management. And who knows? You might even enjoy the ride! Think of it this way, you're not just running a restaurant, you're piloting a ship in stormy seas. And what does every good captain need? Confidence in their decisions. You've got to trust your instincts because that's what got you here in the first place. Sure, you'll make mistakes - who doesn't? But even when you slip up, remember, it's all part of the journey. Each misstep is a lesson learned, a steppingstone to success. And the more confidently you stride, the less likely you are to trip. Stand tall and make those decisions with conviction. After all, it's your restaurant, your rules. Whether it's deciding on the menu, hiring staff, or planning a marketing strategy, own your choices. It's this unshakeable confidence that will see you through the rollercoaster ride of restaurant management. And who knows? You might just enjoy the ride! #NorthDakota #SDjobs #SouthDakota #MTjobs #Montana #WYjobs #Wyoming #GeckoHospitality #WereHiring #LetGoAndLetGecko #GrowYourBusiness #Business #RecruitmentAgency #NowHiring #restaurant #foodservice #opportunity #hoteliers #hotelmanagement

PASSION.   A few nights ago, while I was sitting at dinner at Corvino in KC, I was taken back to my time working in fine and nearly fine dining atmospheres through high school and college. I learned everything from how to perfectly set a table, to kitchen lingo, to fine dining rules, to wine service, and so much more. And it's never left me. I'm energized by amazing food, great service, behind-the-curtain processes of great restaurants, and people who share the general Food & Beverage passion that I do.     EXPERTISE.   As I was sitting watching the kitchen staff work at Corvino, my husband asking me questions about kitchen lingo and server training, I realized that THIS is an example of a vertical and specific industry experience that I should lean into in my Chief of Staff work. And I'm sharing this so you can do the same.   EXPERIENCE.   For almost 8 years, I deeply learned the inner workings of well-run, high-end, highly profitable resorts and restaurants. And, I quickly learned that because of my passion, curiosity, drive, and growing expertise, I did great work.    ✨   If you have the killer combination of *passion, expertise, and experience* in a certain specialty or industry, THIS is where you should LEAN IN, for your specific profession. For me, that's Chief of Staff work.   The perfect synergy of a job I love PLUS a vertical/industry that makes a lot of sense for me includes:   - Sports (volleyball specifically) - Fashion industry (from my time at Nordstrom) - High-end, customer-experience-focused food & beverage - Customer-experience-focused retail and tech - Fortune 500 companies (my love for & experience in big biz)   I recently wrote about my time as a Buyer for Nordstrom and how that experience helped make me a great Chief of Staff. When we lean into what we love, doing a job we are great at, good things follow.   I could write another blog about how my experience in fine dining atmospheres made me a great Chief of Staff.   But the point of sharing these stories is to help show that Chief of Staff experience can come from MANY places. The learning here isn't that there is a *perfect background* for a Chief of Staff, but instead many backgrounds leading to Chief of Staff.   And, the "common characteristics* that make a great Chief of Staff can show up across ALL verticals and industries:   - The ability to quickly assess, dissect, learn, and improve new environments. - How to find efficiencies. - How to make teams happier and more productive. - How to generally make businesses better.   So, reflect on your background. Think about what has made you great, and LEAN INTO your areas of expertise when thinking about your current job.   Your impact as a Chief of Staff with be exponentially higher when you support verticals that you are PASSIONATE about, have EXPERTISE in, and that you're EXPERIENCED in.   #chiefofstaff #CEO #generalist #executiveassistant #leader   Blog Post "Buyer at Nordstrom" link: https://bit.ly/43xBNGQ

"The Recipe for Success: Proactive Evaluations in Restaurant Management!" Attention all food enthusiasts! As crucial as the exit interview may seem, savvy restaurant management knows that being proactive is the secret ingredient to culinary triumph! 🌟👨🍳 Let's face it: those evaluations shouldn't solely focus on the moolah. It's time to spice things up and shift our mindset towards growth and advancement. 📈💰 🔎 Instead of asking ourselves, "How can we make more money?", let's flip the script and ponder, "What steps can we take to climb the ladder of success and attain the financial rewards we crave?" 🚀💡 Imagine a world where every evaluation becomes an opportunity for personal growth and improvement. 🌍🌱 By adopting this forward-thinking approach, you're not just investing in the success of your team; you're seasoning the recipe for your success too! 😎🌶️ So, my culinary comrades, let's sprinkle some creativity into our evaluations and create a system that motivates, inspires, and propels us towards our goals! 🌟✨ Remember, the only limit to your success is the one you set yourself. 🚀🌟 #NorthDakota #SDjobs #SouthDakota #MTjobs #Montana #WYjobs #Wyoming #GeckoHospitality #WereHiring #LetGoAndLetGecko #GrowYourBusiness #Business #RecruitmentAgency #NowHiring #restaurant #foodservice #opportunity #hoteliers #hotelmanagement

In the hospitality industry, we quickly discover that it's not just about serving delicious dishes 🍽️ or crafting the perfect cocktail 🍸; it's about forging connections that can weave their way into your life in the most surprising and rewarding ways. Whether you're an owner overseeing your restaurant's vision, or a manager guiding the ship, one thing holds true: the connections built here are often the secret recipe for a thriving establishment. These bonds, cultivated amidst the bustling atmosphere of a restaurant, have the power to shape your path in the industry and beyond. As a restaurant owner, recognizing the value of these relationships is integral to fostering a harmonious and successful team. In our dynamic industry, the connections formed amongst your staff can profoundly impact your restaurant's atmosphere and, ultimately, its success. Cheers to the colleagues who become confidants, mentors, and partners in both your professional and personal journey 🌟. #HospitalityIndustry #HospitalityManagement #RestaurantManager #RestaurantOwner

Are you a Hospitality business owner looking for that management edge? Do you have the desire to make the most of your business revenue through training, development, and education? The Elevation Project may be EXACTLY what you need. Our team specializes in restaurant consulting from Human Resources, to sommelier and revenue management, The Elevation Project is here to help. #hospitality #sommelier #consulting #restaurantmanagement

This may hurt a lot of people in the F&B industry. But truth needs to be spoken. A lot of people want to be successful. But they don't want to work at the bottom of the chain. I started my career as a pot washer. Scrubbing away dishes behind the scenes. Then, I took on roles as a waiter and eventually become a manager. With each step, I absorbed knowledge and learned how the system works. If I wouldn't start from the bottom, I would not know... → F&B operations → Staff engagement → Roles and responsibilities You can't do smart work without learning the system. Today, I own not just one, but three thriving restaurants. Ziya Asian Grill, Bhaji Pala, and Sthan M1. My early career played an important role in my growth as an owner of multiple businesses. If you are someone who wants to be on top without starting from the bottom... Let me tell you, there are no shortcuts. It may sound cheesy but true success comes from giving your absolute best in everything you do. It's about pouring your heart and soul into your craft, no matter the circumstances. If you want to thrive in this world, give it your all. Embrace the hard work, the late nights, and the sacrifices. No matter where you are in chain. They will shape your journey and mold you into the person you aspire to be. Whether you're washing pots, serving tables, or managing a team, embrace each role. It will help you down the line for sure. #restaurant #hospitality #restaurantindustry #business #entrepreneurship

Managing a team in a fine dining restaurant requires more than just operational expertise—it calls for a deep understanding of the psychology behind teamwork and motivation. In a high-pressure environment, where attention to detail and seamless service are paramount, here are a few key strategies to effectively manage and inspire your team: 1. Empathy and Active Listening: Recognize that each team member is unique, with their own strengths and challenges. Take the time to listen actively and empathize with their concerns and aspirations. This fosters trust and builds a supportive work environment. 2. Clear Communication: In the fast-paced world of fine dining, clear and concise communication is crucial. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, and maintain open lines of communication to address any issues promptly. 3. Recognition and Reward: Acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and dedication of your staff. Whether it’s a simple thank you or a more formal recognition, showing appreciation boosts morale and encourages a culture of excellence. 4. Professional Development: Invest in the growth of your team by providing opportunities for training and advancement. This not only improves their skills but also demonstrates your commitment to their career progression. 5. Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts swiftly and fairly. Encourage a culture of respect and collaboration, and provide the tools and support needed to resolve disputes amicably. 6. Leading by Example: Set the standard through your own actions. Demonstrate the level of professionalism, dedication, and passion that you expect from your team. By focusing on these psychological aspects, you can create a harmonious and productive workplace where every team member feels valued and motivated to deliver exceptional service. Remember, a happy and well-managed team is the cornerstone of a successful fine dining experience! #Leadership #TeamManagement #FineDining #Hospitality #WorkplacePsychology --- Feel free to adjust it to better match your style and specific insights

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara First time I heard of Will Guidara he was speaking at the PBD's Vault Conference in Miami. I didn't know anything about him or his restaurant, but I was so blown away by his Q&A that I immediately bought his book. If you want to learn about how to use your business as a vehicle to serve people, this is the book. Unreasonable Hospitality takes you through Will's life and hospitality career from where he started out, to how he led Eleven Madison Park (a fine dining restaurant in NYC) to be named the best restaurant in the world. Some of my biggest takeaways were: - One size fits one: treat your clients, guests, etc. as their own unique person. Making people feel seen means attending to their unique needs. - Praise people constantly but don't be afraid to criticize: criticism is an investment, it means you are putting effort into someone's improvement, so don't be afraid to expect the best from people. But for every criticism, you need to praise much more. - Be persistent! It took Will years to rise in the ranks from 50th on the list of top 50 restaurants to first, and he did it by practicing being the best day in and day out. You can't show up and expect to play perfectly on game day if you failed to practice beforehand. Persistency allows greatness to become habit. I'd rate this book a 10/10. Not only is it a business book, but it follows a story so it was always exciting to pick up and read :)

Ever seen one of those job adverts that's simply been copy and pasted from the JD🙄😴 Well Timothy R. Andrews doesn't roll like that! 🤯 When he recruits he shares the same passion for the business that the owner does 😍 So if you want a conversation about your career in #restaurant #management ,if you want a chat with someone that "gets it", drop him a hello 👋 #saynotoboringinterviews #lovewhatyoudo #hospitality #recruitment #hospitalityrecruitment