Restaurant Industry Challenges with Jason E. Brooks - PART 1 (Ep. 163)

Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants

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