In this episode with Zach Weprin, we discuss:

• How growth comes from living in that place of discomfort.
• How Fusian came to be.
• The process of opening a restaurant with ZERO experience.
• Leveraging technology in place of skilled positions to streamline processes.
• Acting like a national brand; even if you’re not.
• How giving your guest fewer options serve both the operation and the guest.
• Using your sales mix to determine what menu items to focus on.
• Educating your team and guest on your menu.
• Growing too fast and how to recover.
• Being careful to not promote people before they’re ready.
• Getting the right people on your team with the skills you’re lacking.
• The power of just starting and being comfortable being uncomfortable.

Childhood friends Zach Weprin, Josh Weprin and Stephan Harman love sushi. It was during their college careers that they saw a need for a simple, fresh, and affordable sushi dining option. with this as their inspiration, they set out to create that experience. Fusian opened in may of 2010 as a place where discerning diners can customize sushi rolls in a fun, interactive, and energetic environment. 8 years later they’re operating 10 locations throughout Ohio State.

Show notes…

Favorite Success Quote or Mantra.

“Fail fast.”
“Learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Resources mentioned

Today’s Sponsor

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Knowledge bombs

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

   • Persiverence.

2. What is your biggest weakness?

   • Listening, and being open to feedback.

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

   • Find people who are interested in what you’re doing.
   • Alignment in values.

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

   • Get people to walk into doors for the first time.

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

   • Integrity.
   • Transparency.
   • Accountability.
   • Collaboration.
   • Growth.

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

   • Give away free food to new customers to bring them back.

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

   • Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
   • Tipping point: How Little Things Can Make  a Big Difference
   • Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

8. Share an online resource or tool.

   1. olo– online ordering
   2. level up– loyalty app

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

   • Autec Rice Machine
   • Autec Sushi Roll Cutter

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. Integrity.
    2. Be open and vulnerable to life.
    3. Be grateful for what you have.

Contact Info

Fusian.com

teamfusian.com

@eatfusian

Zach@fusian.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 Zach Weprin for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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