Page 4 - Foundations of Restaurant Management & Culinary Arts

Chapter 1 | Welcome to the Restaurant and Foodservice Industry

and become a director of operations and human resources for a manufacturing
company. Not my passion, but it aligned with what I had studied in college.

The harder I worked, the more I realized that I really belonged in foodservice in one
way or another. Food was at the heart of my inner core. It’s what drives me and
brings me satisfaction. Fortunately, as I came to this realization, my former mentors
from Buca di Beppo approached me. They had created a restaurant group and
asked me to join as a partner, responsible to help with the growth of Raising Canes
Chicken Fingers in Las Vegas.
I never forget that a guest will always want a good balance of great food and great
service. Without mastering both, your operation will struggle.

So, for those of you interested in this industry, I say: “Always stay positive and
believe in your abilities. Work hard to learn the proper way of doing a job and then
become the best at it!”

Welcome to the Restaurant and Foodservice Industry

The hospitality industry is all about serving your guests. If your focus is not set
on making a guest’s experience the best it can be, then you are missing what this
industry is about. Being passionate about your product and the service you provide
is what will make you successful.
Both your image and that of your company will speak for you days after you have
touched a guest. The simple things we take for granted often have the most impact
on a guest dining out. The simple greeting as soon as the guest arrives, the sincere
thank you, eye contact at the time of payment—all of these go a long way in making
a guest feel appreciated and valued.

The hospitality industry is about connecting with your guests and giving them what
they want and need once in your restaurant, hotel, or kitchen. It’s not about you,
not about the hours you work. It really is about the end result.

This takes some getting used to, and some people just find they aren’t cut out
for the industry. Others do not understand how important it is to WOW a guest. I
was fortunate to be born into a family who loved to cook, bake, and eat. And my
passion for service has allowed me to pursue my career. I will never stop seeking
achievement and I will understand that achievement does not necessarily focus
on you. The greatest achievements in this industry are often from those around
you—your crew and fellow partners.

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