Monte has over 40 years in the industry working every position from dishwasher all the way to Director of Operations. As a restaurant coach and hospitality coach Monte shares his wealth of knowledge in food, beverage, hospitality, service, sales, and cost controls that he has gained through 40 years of success and mistakes.

Here’s one of our highlights from this episode and Monte’s answers to some of our questions:

Featured Takeaway: Being Teachable

“It’s important that we as restauranteurs understand that it’s okay to ask for help, that we don’t know everything, that finding a mentor that can be there and support you I think is super important.”

What’s the most important aspect of the guest experience nowadays? (23:27)

“There’s a great opportunity to use tech. I think that it still has to be for better personal engagement with the with the guest, it can’t replace that personal engagement, it has to enhance it.”

What’s something successful you’ve seen restaurants try lately? (26:18)

Focusing on the bigger picture.

“I think that when people focus too much on the percentage, they’re not focused on building a bigger pie.”

Who is someone in the industry that deserves an Ovation? (28:58)

Troy Hooper

“He’s got several companies. Nourish is one of them. Troy is someone who I don’t understand how he has so much time. He’s constantly in a room and clubhouse. He’s constantly speaking at some events. He’s constantly working on the business and coaching and consulting on some things.”