Restaurant Owners Uncorked

In this quick, heartfelt episode, Wil delivers a philosophical and motivational message for independent hospitality business owners. Drawing from 18 years of experience serving restaurants and 12 years of podcasting, Wil reflects on the remarkable anti-fragility of this industry. Inspired by Nassim Nicholas Taleb's book Antifragile, Wil explains how independent restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutique hotels, and similar businesses don’t just survive difficult times—they grow stronger because of them. He shares one of his favorite lines from the book: "Wind extinguishes a candle and energizes fire. You want to be the fire and wish for the wind." This episode is a reminder that adversity can fuel growth, creativity, and resilience. In uncertain economic and political times, Wil urges listeners to embrace their inner fire—because the wind is always coming. 🔥 You are the fire. And the wind only makes you stronger.

Summary In this conversation, Dana Monfort shares her journey of opening a new restaurant concept, Town Pump, in Denver. She discusses her diverse background, the challenges of entering the restaurant industry, and her vision for creating a community-focused space that fills a void in the market. Dana emphasizes the importance of simplicity, intentionality, and building relationships with customers, while also balancing her career in real estate. The conversation highlights the resilience and passion required to succeed in the hospitality industry. Takeaways * Dana's journey reflects a diverse background in both medical and real estate fields. * The concept of Town Pump aims to fill a community void in Cherry Creek. * Simplicity in the menu is crucial for success in the restaurant industry. * Building relationships with customers is key to creating a loyal community. * Challenges in the restaurant business are seen as growth opportunities. * Dana emphasizes the importance of intentionality in every aspect of the business. * Creating a welcoming atmosphere is essential for customer experience. * The restaurant will focus on high-quality, clean ingredients. * Dana's leadership style is influenced by her parents' entrepreneurial spirit. * Balancing multiple ventures requires a strong support team.

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Will interviews Jon Darby, owner of Darby's American Cantina. They discuss John's journey into the restaurant industry, the challenges of managing a restaurant, the impact of minimum wage laws, and the evolving trends in alcohol consumption. Jon shares insights on the importance of community support among restaurant owners and the realities of running a restaurant in today's economy, especially post-COVID. The conversation also touches on family dynamics within the business and the technological advancements that have changed the industry. Takeaways * Jon started in hospitality while working at Capitol Records. * He transitioned to running a restaurant after helping his mother. * Leases are crucial; longer terms provide stability. * The restaurant industry requires constant adaptation to trends. * Minimum wage increases impact pricing and profitability. * Post-COVID challenges have reshaped the restaurant landscape. * Alcohol sales trends are shifting towards higher-end spirits. * Community support among restaurant owners is vital. * Technology has transformed scheduling and operations in restaurants. * Family involvement adds a personal touch to the business.

Wil reads an incredible article by Simon Harris.

Summary In this episode of the Restaurant Owners Uncorked podcast, Wil interviews Ryan Handel, founder of Fixe, a bookkeeping service tailored for the restaurant industry. Ryan shares his journey from working in restaurants to founding his own, and ultimately creating Fixe to streamline bookkeeping for restaurant owners. The conversation covers the challenges of bookkeeping, customer acquisition strategies, and the competitive landscape of restaurant accounting software. Ryan emphasizes the importance of technology in simplifying financial management for restaurants and discusses his vision for the future of Fixe. Wil and Ryan explore the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, particularly regarding labor costs and the need for reliable financial reporting. The discussion also highlights the significance of building strong relationships within the franchise space and the necessity of providing exceptional customer care and authenticity in service. Takeaways * Ryan founded Fixe in 2019 to address bookkeeping challenges in restaurants. * He believes bookkeeping should be affordable and efficient. * Ryan's first restaurant venture was a fast-casual concept called Simple Things. * COVID-19 impacted his restaurant business, leading to the creation of Fixe. * Fixe targets small to medium-sized restaurants for its services. * The company offers month-to-month agreements to clients. * Ryan emphasizes the importance of partnerships with CPAs and restaurant consultants. * Fix integrates with QuickBooks Online to enhance its services. * The company aims to keep clients on QuickBooks as long as possible before transitioning to larger systems. * Ryan views QuickBooks as the iPhone of accounting, with Fixe as an app that enhances its functionality. From 2019 to 2023, we bootstrapped to 150 locations. * Raised a seed round in 2023 with New York Angels. * Now preparing for a series A round later this year. * Hiring the right team is crucial for growth. * Sales strategies include inbound demos and partnerships. * The restaurant industry is struggling with rising labor costs. * Building relationships with franchisees is essential. * Customer care and authenticity set businesses apart. * The importance of understanding restaurant owners' needs. * Navigating challenges requires patience and industry knowledge.