In this episode with David Fafara, we discuss keeping it simple stupid, giving back to the community, being a hustler, starting small and scaling up, giving before you get, continuous learning, doing one thing really well, educating your staff and guests, scaling a business, and being someone’s exit strategy. 

Chicago native, David Fafara is a graduate of North Park and West Virginia where he focused on physical education and counseling. In 1993 Fafara started a small coffee roaster called Shenandoah Joe. Almost 25 years later, this little specialty coffee roaster has expanded to 4 locations and is a staple in the Charlottesville community.

Show notes…

Favorite Success Quote or Mantra.

“Keep it simple stupid.”

Today’s Sponsor

Kabbage

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Fivestars

Knowledge bombs

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

   • On and off. When he’s on, he’s on hard. When he’s off, he does nothing.

2. What is your biggest weakness?

   • stubbornness.

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

   • Do you mind working?

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

   • finding people.
   • To get people to work you need to provide incentive

5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.

   • Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.

6. What one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff.

   • If you need to do something that is considered rude or off-putting, announces first, and apologies before you do it. It shows you care.

7. Share an online resource or tool.

   • roastersguild.org
   • sca.coffee

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

   • Small Business for Dummies
   • street smarts

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

   • Square POS 

10. If you got the news that you’d be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?

    1. Live each day to it’s fullest.
    2. Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated yourself.
    3. Don’t take anything for granted.

Contact Info

shenandoahjoe.com

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 David Fafara for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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The post 396: Keeping it simple stupid with David Fafara appeared first on Restaurant Unstoppable.