The origin story of the Michelin Guide

This is how restaurants can make more money

In this actionable solo episode, discover the exact steps your restaurant needs to take to secure consistent group bookings. I reveal the proven strategy: how to find and engage Destination Management Companies (DMCs) through personalised outreach and crucial follow-up. Learn the power of monthly communication and why an invitation for coffee is your most valuable sales tool. If you want to fill your tables with groups and boost your bottom line, this is your step-by-step marketing plan. Big thanks to our sponsor, Visit Estonia, for making this episode possible. Visit them at visitestonia.com [visitestonia.com] Connect with Me & My Businesses: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-danielsen-founder/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-danielsen-founder/] Find great restaurants for your groups: groupmenus.com [groupmenus.com] Need a DMC for Tallinn, Riga, or Vilnius? Visit my DMC at DMCBaltic.com [DMCBaltic.com] Want to be a guest on the podcast or know someone who could be a great guest? Get in touch: td@groupmenus.com

The origin story of the Michelin Guide

Why does a tire company rate the world's best restaurants? It's a marketing genius story, and I’m here to tell it! In this solo episode, I reveal the surprising history of the Michelin Guide -- from selling bike tires in 1900s France to creating the world's most influential restaurant rating system. I break down what the stars really mean, and why the Bib Gourmand and Recommended categories are your secret weapons for planning high-quality group dining. Plus, I cover the brand new Michelin Keys for hotels. Tune in to learn the strategy behind the system, and how to use it to secure exceptional, reliable meals for your clients. Big thanks to our sponsor, Visit Estonia, for making this episode possible. Visit them at visitestonia.com [visitestonia.com] Connect with Me & My Businesses: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-danielsen-founder/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-danielsen-founder/] Find great restaurants for your groups: groupmenus.com [groupmenus.com] Need a DMC for Tallinn, Riga, or Vilnius? Visit my DMC at DMCBaltic.com [DMCBaltic.com] Want to be a guest on the podcast or know someone who could be a great guest? Get in touch: td@groupmenus.com [td@groupmenus.com]

Manu Willie of Olde Hansa: Immersive Medieval Group Dining in Tallinn

Step into a 700-year-old merchant house where dinner is served by candlelight, guests wash their hands in copper basins between floors, and brown bear is on the menu. In this episode of Table for 30, I sit down with Emmanuel "Manu" Willie, Master Cook at Olde Hansa in Tallinn, Estonia—a medieval restaurant that's become one of Europe's most unique group-dining destinations. Manu shares how they create an immersive experience for corporate groups of up to 300 people, from hand-painting every plate to aging schnapps for two years. We also dive into his unexpected 30-year journey from Belgium to Estonia, including wild stories from the 1990s and his role in shaping Estonian gastronomy. If you're planning events in the Baltics or looking for truly memorable dining experiences, this conversation will change how you think about group meals. LINKS & RESOURCES Olde Hansa Restaurant, Tallinn: https://oldehansa.ee/en/ [https://oldehansa.ee/en/] DMC Baltic (Thomas's destination management company): https://www.dmcbaltic.com/ [https://www.dmcbaltic.com/] Group Menus (B2B platform for the MICE industry and its restaurants): https://www.groupmenus.com/ [https://www.groupmenus.com/] Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-danielsen-founder/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-danielsen-founder/] Email Thomas: td@groupmenus.com [td@groupmenus.com]

Table for 30 - Trailer

Great events deserve better than chicken. Introducing Table for 30 - the podcast for MICE professionals who know food is experience design. Launching November 4th, 2025.