417: Being present with Jonathan Blakeslee

417: Being present with Jonathan Blakeslee

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee December 25, 2017 Duration: 1:28:35

In this episode with Jonathan Blakeslee, we discuss doing something better every day, being patient when waiting for good things to happen, how Blakeslee got his start, calmness, focus, presence, following your passion, selling your passion, starting where you can, scaling from wholesale to retail, choosing transformative relationships over transactional relationships, knowing who you are, focusing on who you are, letting your team weigh in on the decision making and creative processes, becoming a person of value, and using small business centers.

After serving in the United States Coast Gaurd, Jonathan Blakeslee fell in love with Japnese culture and tea. Upon finishing his service, Blakeslee attended the Western Culinary Institute in Portland Oregan, and would eventually find himself working at the Toa of Tea also located in Portland, OR. Homesickness slowly crept in, and Blakeslee moved bake to the east coast where he would start his own wholesale tea operation, White Heron. Today he has scaled that operation to include 40 seat cafe and White Herons own house-roasted organic coffee.


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
451: Be the biggest version of yourself with Dan Wu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:33
In this episode with Dan Wu, we discuss: Not letting being perfect prevent you from starting. Being the biggest version of yourself. The value of knowing people. Seizing opportunity while it last. Working at different re…
449: Going digital with Mark Wilson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:57
In this episode with Mark Wilson of Total Loyalty Solutions, we discuss: How Wilson got into the business. Why Wilson chose the Little Caesars Franchise. Some of the benefits of operating a franchise. Showing your employ…
448: Doing what you love with Anne Kearny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:24
In this episode with Chef Anne Kearney, we discuss: How to properly taste food. Never walking past a piece of trash. Respecting your space. Only hiring committed people. Constantly pushing your people toward perfection.…
447: It doesn't pay to be a shithead with Elizabeth Wiley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:04
In this episode with Chef Elizabeth Wiley, we discuss: Being mindful about how you make people feel. How hollering and being an shithead doesn't serve you or your team. How being more organized makes working more fun. In…
446: Influencing the next generation with Anthony T. Head [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
In this episode with Chef Anthony T Head, we discuss: How Chef Head got into cooking. How cooking can be used to heal. The benefits of working for a restaurant hat has just opened. Having the freedom to fail. The role hu…
445: Never undervaluing regulars with Shane Anderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:06
In this episode with Shane Anderson, we discuss: Having a "just do it" mentality. Mission driven operations. Letting your intentions be known. Being a part of your community to create opportunities. Existing to create ch…
444: 80/20 rule applied to system with Eric Soller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:05
In this episode with Eric Soller, we discuss: The significance of positive reinforcement. Using systems to develop attention to detail. Problems being meant for solving; not for getting in your way. Empowering your team…
443: How to delegate like a BADASS with Thad and Jess Kittrell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:40
In this episode with Thad and Jessica Kittrell, we discuss: How Thad and Jess got into the industry. Leading by example. Acknowledging your people when they are good at what they do. Knowing you're only as good as your p…
442: Things don't get better- You get better with Jeni Britten Bauer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:43
In this episode with Jeni Britten Bauer, we discuss: Your name being more than just letters and sounds; your know is your reputation. Don't take no for an answer. Keep trying. How Jeni got her start making Ice Cream. Sta…