432: Pushing through it with Brian Pekarcik

432: Pushing through it with Brian Pekarcik

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee January 29, 2018 Duration: 1:07:12

 

In this episode with Chef Brian Pekarcik, we discuss:

  • How the team dynamic of a kitchen filled the void after Pekarcik's baseball dreams ended.
  • Making your employees feel valued.
  • If you want to be the best you need to work for the best.
  • Taking a step back in position, if it means being on a better team.
  • Planning each day out to increase productivity.
  • Being the standard you want your team to live up to.
  • How working under a corporate umbrella can limit the creative freedom of a chef.
  • Using your experience, knowledge, and expertise as leverage when finding partners.
  • Taking time to get to know your partners and to create the SAME visions.
  • The dynamics of Chef Pekarcik and Rick Stern partnership.
  • Pushing through your fear.
  • Building a team of strong mangers around you by teaching them how to think.
  • Why now it is more important than every to not burn bridges in this industry.
  • Dialing back scheduled hours to 50-55 a week.

Raised in Pittsburgh, Chef Brian Pekarcik is a graduate of John Carroll University in 1997. Pekarcik then moved out to, CA to fine tune his craft while working in some of the most well know kitchen at the time. In 2007 he moved back to PA and would eventually team up with Rick Stern in 2009 to open S + P Restaurant Group. To S+P restaurant Group consist of Spoon, Brgr, G&G Noodle Bar and Willow.


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
813: Aimee Olexy Founder of Talula's Table, Talula's Garden, The Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:23
Owner and founder of Talula's Table, and Co-owner and founder of Talula's Garden, Talula's Daily, The Love, Aimee Olexy. One of the pioneering forces behind the farm to table movement, Aimee is Chef/Owner of Talula's Tab…
812: Brandon Knoepfle Owner/Operator of Acorn Grill Restaurant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:21
With excitement allow me to intro owner-operator Acorn Grill Restaurant Brandon Knoepfle. Check out episode 782 with Ryan Gromfin as mentioned in today's episode. Brandon recommends Hireme - hiring software for restauran…
809: Amy Morton Owner/Operator of Found Kitchen And Social House [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:39
With Excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Owner/Operator of Found Kitchen And Social House, The Barn Steakhouse, PATTY2, and Stolp Island Social, Amy Morton. Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaura…
808: Tony Smith Founder and CEO of Restaurant365 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:48
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Founder and CEO of Restaurant365, Tony Smith. Tony Smith is Chief Executive Officer and a Co-founder of Restaurant365. Tony's career has centered on using softw…
807: Erick Williams Founder and Chef of Virtue Restaurant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:57:36
With excitement allow me to introduce today's guest, owner and executive Chef of Virtue Restaurant, Erick Williams. A Chicago native with a formidable career, Williams' foray and eventual establishment in the culinary sc…
806: Ken McGarrie Co-Founder of Korgen Hospitality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:42
With Excitement allow me to introduce today's guest Co-founder Korgen Hospitality Group and Author of The Surprise Restaurant Manager, Ken McGarrie. Ken is also the author of the book The Surprise Restaurant Manager. Ken…
805: Joe Fontana Owner of Fry The Coop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:49
A product of Chicago, IL, Joe Fontana gave up his cush office lifestyle to pursue his passion for hospitality and food. At the time, this specific passion was meatballs. So he started where he could, selling meatballs at…
804: Kevin Boehm Co-CEO and Co-Founder of BOKA Restaurant Group [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:25
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, CO-CEO and CO-Founder of BOKA Restaurant GroupKevin Boehm. After opening 30 restaurants over the last 27 years, James Beard-winning restaurateur Kevin Boehm has…