Are you making these five costly restaurant mistakes?

Many independent restaurant operators are leaving money on the table by overlooking simple but essential strategies. In this episode, we break down five common mistakes and how to fix them right away.

Listen now to learn:

• Why tracking prime costs daily can improve profitability
• How collecting and using customer data effectively boosts sales
• The biggest mistake restaurants make with their online presence
• Simple ways to improve hospitality and customer experience

Your customers are paying attention—make sure you're giving them a reason to return.

Key Takeaways:

1. Not Tracking Prime Costs

• If you don’t track food and labor costs daily or at least weekly, you're leaving money on the table.
• Use spreadsheets or automated tools to monitor expenses in real-time.

2. Not Collecting Customer Contact Info

• Every day that passes without gathering emails or phone numbers is a lost opportunity.
• Implement QR codes, train staff to ask, and use POS integrations to build a database.

3. Poor Customer Communication

• Collecting data is useless if you’re not using it.
• Engage customers via email and text marketing with relevant, valuable updates.

4. Weak Online Presence

• Bad photos, outdated websites, and incomplete Google/Yelp listings drive customers away.
• Invest in professional photography, ensure online listings are accurate, and optimize online ordering systems.

5. Neglecting Hospitality & First Impressions

• Customers judge their experience from the moment they walk in (or order online).
• Maintain a clean environment, train staff to be welcoming, and improve packaging for takeout orders.

Pro Tip: Your restaurant is constantly being evaluated—by customers, delivery drivers, and even health inspectors. Make sure you’re always putting your best foot forward!

In this second part of our interview with Jason Brooks—speaker, author, and coach—we continue the conversation on leadership in the restaurant industry. With over 30 years of experience, Jason shares key insights from his upcoming book, including how to master meetings, provide impactful feedback, and harness the power of influence. We also discuss his inspiring partnership with The Giving Kitchen, where he’s aiming to raise $30,000 in 30 days to support food service workers in crisis.

Show Notes

Introduction to Jason Brooks: Professional speaker, author, coach, and a family man passionate about transforming restaurant managers into hospitality leaders. He has a book coming out in March, focusing on leadership in the hospitality industry.

Jason's Background and Book Motivation: Over 30 years in the restaurant industry, working his way up from dishwasher to VP of Operations. His journey reflects a deep understanding of the industry's challenges and the potential for personal growth within it.

The Giving Kitchen Partnership: Jason's book launch is tied to supporting The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that assists food service workers in crisis. A portion of book sales will contribute to this cause, emphasizing the community-focused spirit of the hospitality industry.

Key Concepts Continuation from Jason's Book:

• Master Your Meetings: Jason emphasizes the importance of having purposeful meetings with clear agendas, pre-reads, and relevant participants to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Never Stop Training: The importance of continuous training and development is highlighted, including training employees up to their last day to ensure they leave better than when they arrived.
• The Art of Giving Feedback: Discusses the necessity of providing constructive feedback in the right environment, ensuring that feedback is meaningful and actionable.
• Closing the Gap: Focuses on bridging the gap between managers' and customers' perceptions by understanding the customer's viewpoint from the moment they approach the restaurant to their dining experience.
• Using the Power of Influence: The final key discussed involves understanding and utilizing the power of influence effectively within the hospitality industry to foster positive change and development.
• Book Launch and Partnership with The Giving Kitchen: Jason shares his initiative to support The Giving Kitchen through his book sales, aiming to donate $30,000 in 30 days to help food service workers in crisis.

Jason Brooks Links:

Book Website - https://www.jasonebrooks.com/everyleader

Amazon: Book Link

Brand Website - www.jasonebrooks.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/2LeadNSucceed

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jason-e-brooks

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/2leadnsucceed/

Giving Kitchen - www.givingkitchen.org

In this episode, we sit down with Jason E. Brooks, a seasoned restaurant industry veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. Jason shares insights from his 30-year journey from dishwasher to VP of Operations, as well as highlights from his upcoming book on hospitality leadership. We explore his actionable leadership framework (MODEL), the importance of KPIs, fostering ownership among teams, and the power of one-on-one engagement. Jason also discusses his partnership with The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit supporting food service workers, and how his book contributes to this cause. Tune in for valuable leadership strategies and a deeper look at the evolving hospitality industry.

Show Notes

Introduction to Jason Brooks: Professional speaker, author, coach, and a family man passionate about transforming restaurant managers into hospitality leaders. He has a book coming out in March, focusing on leadership in the hospitality industry.

Jason's Background and Book Motivation: Over 30 years in the restaurant industry, working his way up from dishwasher to VP of Operations. His journey reflects a deep understanding of the industry's challenges and the potential for personal growth within it.

The Giving Kitchen Partnership: Jason's book launch is tied to supporting The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that assists food service workers in crisis. A portion of book sales will contribute to this cause, emphasizing the community-focused spirit of the hospitality industry.

Key Concepts from Jason's Book:

• MODEL Acronym: The first five keys form the acronym MODEL, outlining a repeatable process for leadership development in the hospitality sector.
• • Mastering Your KPIs: Importance of understanding and leveraging key performance indicators for business success.
  • Owner-Like Orientation: Encouraging a sense of ownership among staff to foster responsibility and initiative.
  • Delegating by Creating Mini-GMs: The strategy of empowering employees by delegating managerial tasks, enhancing their skills and engagement.
  • Engage Through One-on-Ones: The critical role of personal engagement and feedback in developing a motivated and aligned team.
  • Leading with the Right Mindset: Cultivating leadership qualities that inspire and guide teams toward achieving shared goals.

Discussion on Industry Challenges and Innovations: Jason and the hosts discuss the unique challenges of the restaurant industry, including financial management, staff development, and the need for innovation in traditional business models.

Jason Brooks Links:

Book Website - https://www.jasonebrooks.com/everyleader

Amazon: Book Link

Brand Website - www.jasonebrooks.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/2LeadNSucceed

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jason-e-brooks

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/2leadnsucceed/

Giving Kitchen - www.givingkitchen.org