In this episode, we discuss the value of finding a mentor, creating system depending restaurants, putting great people in system dependent restaurants, staying lean when opening your first restaurant, being a good listener, living to serve others, and the meaning of hospitality.

Kyle Itani spent most of his life around food being raised in a farming family. It wasn’t until he was in college, when trying to recreate what he was seeing on the food network channel, that he fell in love with cooking. Before long he would find his mentor, Showtaro Kamio and his interest in Japanese cuisine took off. Today He is the Chef/Owner of Hopscotch Restaurant,  Itani Ramen, and Thistle Meats– all of which are located in CA.

Show notes…

Favorite Success Quote or Mantra.

“Learn something new every day. Every Day is a new day. Yesterday, you could have the best service of your life or the worst service. Either way, that day is out the window, because tonight there is a whole new set of customers coming in.”

Today’s Sponsor

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which “it factor” habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?

   • compartmentalize and prioritize.
   • Move on .

2. What is your biggest weakness?

   • Taking on too much responsibility and commitments.

3. What is one piece of advice you have for leading others?

   • listen more. Let people talk.

4. What’s one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?

   • Ask: “What are you most excites about?”

5. What’s a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?

   • Staffing is always a challenge.
   • Switching from counter service to table service.

6. What’s one thing (besides food) your restaurant does well and separates you from other restaurants?

   • Hospitality.

7. What’s one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM 

   • Kitchen Confidential
   • The Fourth Star: Dispatches from Inside Daniel Boulud’s Celebrated New York Restaurant

8. What’s one piece of technology you’ve adopted in your restaurant and how has it influence operations?

   • Chouxbox.com

9. With all the knowledge you have now if you could go back in time and give your past self one piece of business advice, What would it be and why?

   • Engage and listen to everyone around you.

Contact Info

Websites:

http://www.hopscotchoakland.com/

http://www.itaniramen.com/

http://www.thistlemeats.com/

email:

kyleitani@gmail.com

Social

@kyleitani (TW/INSTA/FB)

@Scatch1rock  (INSTA)

@itaniramen (TW/INSTA/FB)

@thistlemeats (INSTA)

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

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Huge thanks to Chef Kyle Itani for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

The post 367: Great people in great systems with Chef Kyle Itani appeared first on Restaurant Unstoppable.