Ian talks with Eric Martino, the President and founder of Culture Hospitality Group, about the importance of distribution in the food service industry. They discuss the need for effective communication and the value of seeking to understand others. Eric shares his personal journey in the hospitality industry, highlighting the importance of creating a positive environment for both employees and customers. He also emphasizes the significance of nurturing and developing employees to drive success in independent restaurants. In this conversation, Eric discusses the challenges and changes in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the lack of curriculum and career pathing for managers and operators. He highlights the importance of recognition and appreciation in motivating and encouraging employees. Effective communication is crucial, with a focus on informing, educating, and inspiring the team. Eric also emphasizes the need for continuous learning and improvement as a leader. He discusses the impact of social media, particularly Instagram, on restaurant design and marketing. Finally, he addresses the current state of the industry post-COVID and offers advice for individuals looking to advance in their careers.
00:15 Introduction and Importance of Distribution
03:21 Seeking to Understand
06:48 Effective Communication
09:32 Creating a Positive Environment
13:17 Eric Martino's Journey in the Hospitality Industry
23:28 Nurturing and Developing Employees
25:32 Lack of Curriculum and Career Pathing
26:36 The Importance of Recognition and Appreciation
27:20 Recognition at Pre-shift and Manager Meetings
28:44 Effective Communication: Inform, Educate, Inspire
30:01 Leadership and Communication
30:31 Leadership and Filtering Communication
31:54 Inspiring and Sharpening as a Leader
33:40 Continuous Learning and Improvement
34:54 Meeting the Needs of Chefs and Operators
35:45 The Instagram Effect in Restaurant Design
38:11 The State of the Industry Post-COVID
40:34 The Importance of Instagram in Restaurant Design
42:43 The Challenges and Changes in the Industry
46:07 Finding Happiness and Chasing Dreams
Takeaways
Effective communication is crucial in the food service industry, and seeking to understand others can lead to better outcomes.
Creating a positive environment for both employees and customers is essential for success in the hospitality industry.
Nurturing and developing employees through clear career paths and continuous learning can drive success in independent restaurants.
Transitioning from a big box operator to independent restaurants can provide opportunities for greater creativity and impact. The restaurant industry lacks curriculum and career pathing for managers and operators, leading to a lack of knowledge and development.
Recognition and appreciation are essential in motivating and encouraging employees. Simple gestures like saying thank you and recognizing top performers can go a long way.
Effective communication involves informing, educating, and inspiring the team. Leaders should provide clear information, educate employees on the why behind actions, and inspire them to achieve success.
Continuous learning and improvement are crucial for leaders. They should seek mentors, read books, listen to podcasts, and stay informed about industry trends.
The Instagram effect has had a significant impact on restaurant design and marketing. Creating Instagrammable moments and considering the visual appeal of the restaurant can attract customers and generate buzz.
The restaurant industry is facing challenges post-COVID, including rising costs, labor shortages, and the need for government support. Wage equality between front and back-of-house staff is an important goal.
Individuals looking to advance in their careers should assess their goals and passions, create a plan, and take action. Continuous learning, networking, and seeking opportunities for growth are key.