by Danny Meyer
First published 2008
Danny Meyer opened Union Square Cafe at 27 with nothing but a promising concept and willing investors. Three quarters of new restaurants collapse, yet Meyer built a dining empire that includes Gramercy Tavern and Shake Shack. Meyer reveals how he survived in an industry that destroys most ventures. His success stems from what he terms Enlightened Hospitality, a business approach that prioritizes internal team relationships alongside customer satisfaction. Meyer details the specific principles that guided his expansion from one restaurant to multiple acclaimed establishments. His philosophy extends beyond the restaurant world to any service business. The book targets managers, executives, and front-line workers seeking to improve their effectiveness. Meyer demonstrates how focusing on employee relationships creates better customer experiences, which drives sustainable growth. His insights show how to build lasting success in competitive industries through deliberate attention to hospitality principles.
Genres: business, non-fiction, management, entrepreneurship
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: business-success, hospitality-principles
Setting: Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Shake Shack
Period: 21st-century
336 pages · Hardcover · Ecco