Abe Ruiz is a restaurant veteran with over 30 years in the industry! He’s got a lot going on these days, as the owner of the Spanish Madrid Taverna, the VP of Strategic Growth and Innovation for Green Turtle, and several other ventures.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

Featured takeaway: Every employee has a super power.

“I truly truly believe that every single person on this planet has a superpower.

I think that people have many things are they really good at, but everyone has one super power. You know that one thing where “nobody can touch me”… We have to find what that person’s superpowers and go. Okay, why don’t you do that?”

What is the most important aspect of the guest experience?

Letting people’s voice be heard. “Everyone has a different perception of what good service is.”

What are some successful tactics you’ve seen or tried lately?

“Considering what is happening for your associates. This means checking on the people behind the scenes. Aren they actually doing the preparation and cooking for the food? You need to make sure this step in the process is happening and efficient.”

Who deserves an Ovation in the restaurant industry?

Scott Lawton of bartaco.

“He’s an awesome guy, really sharp. Yeah, good person. I think he’s ahead of the curve on innovation.”