340: Being resilient with Tracy Chang

340: Being resilient with Tracy Chang

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee June 19, 2017 Duration: 1:23:41

Tracy Chang is from Cambridge, MA where she first experienced the restaurant industry while observing her Grandmother, a multi-unit restaurant owner. She would go on to study finance at Boston College. After college and a short stint in a kitchen, she would continue on to travel the world learning about food, marketing, media, and public relations. Today, Tracy is the Chef, Owner at PAGU, in Cambridge, MA.

In this episode we discuss: Living intentionally. Drive and determination and where it gets you. The early days of opening a restaurant. Being passionate about what you do for work. The importance of learning how every job is done properly under your management. Being self-made. Informal training is not a deal-breaker; we can learn the skills we need from anywhere. A willingness to do anything to get what you want. The willingness to contribute fully to your team. Looking at your situation and attempting to add value. The importance of family in your life no matter your profession. Serve your community and your community will serve you. Ramen. Starting small and scaling up. Staying local. You need to care and be intentional. Thew importance of having endurance in this industry. This is a "people" business as much as a "restaurant" business. The importance of treating your staff like family.


Eric Cacciatore sits down with the people who actually run the show in the world of food service. Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore is built on conversations with established restaurateurs and seasoned professionals who have navigated the intense realities of the industry. Twice a week, these interviews dig past the surface, focusing on the tangible details of leadership, team management, and effective marketing that separate a thriving venue from a struggling one. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of what worked, what didn’t, and the often-overlooked decisions that shape a restaurant's path. This podcast serves as a direct line to collective experience, whether you're dreaming of your first opening or steering a multi-location group. The dialogue is practical, centered on the daily grind and long-term strategy needed to build something lasting. For anyone invested in the business of hospitality, these regular episodes compile a vital resource, turning shared insights into actionable knowledge for your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 1000

Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore
Podcast Episodes
1157: Damian Sansonetti, Chef/Owner of Chaval and Ugly Duckling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:55
Damian Sansonetti is the Chef and Co-Owner of Chaval and Ugly Duckling, both located in Portland, ME. Damian is the husband of previous guest Ilma Lopez, who was featured on episodes 1148 and 1156. Damian's father was a…
1154: Emily Curry, Co-Founder, GM, & Head of Marketing at Big Trouble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:59
Emily Curry is the Co-Founder, GM, and Head of Marketing at Big Trouble, located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Emily began working in restaurants in the early 2010's, when she was in her very early 20's. She worked at Sou…
1153: Robert St. John, CEO of New South Restaurant Group [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:51
Robert St. John grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. At age 19, Robert entered the restaurant industry at a delicatessen where he became the manager. During his very first shift at that job, he decided that he wanted to…
1152: Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:53
Fred Langley is the CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro. Fred got his first job in the restaurant industry at the age of 12 as a dishwasher. He worked his way up the ranks and became a restaurateur, opening his first restauran…
1151: Jason Sobocinski, President and Co-Founder of Haven Hot Chicken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:42
Jason Sobocinski is the Co-Owner and President of Haven Hot Chicken. Jason grew up loving food and business. He got two degrees, travelled the world, then returned to New Haven, his hometown, and opened his first busines…
1150: David Vargas, Chef/Partner at Vida Cantina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:01
David Vargas was previously on the show for episode 755 back in 2020. David Vargas is a chef who co-owns Vida Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is also a partner in Ore Nell's, a Texas BBQ re…
1149: Deb Simmons, Owner of Cake. Vegan Bakery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:56
Deb Simmons went studied nutritional science and biology in college and went on to work with Americorps and the Peace Corps. When she left those jobs, she started working in restaurants in the seacoast NH area. She worke…