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
591: Mark Buley on The Engine That Drives Your Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:29
Hailing from Wisconsin, Mark David Buley is graduate of The University of Wisconsin-Stout and the Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park. After his formal education Buley went to work at the Montagna Restaurant at the L…
590: Jake Maddux on Using Pop-Ups to Create Culture and Brand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:52
Jake Maddux hails from Bartlesville, OK, and is graduate of Oklahoma University. Prior to getting involved in the world beer and hospitality, Maddux served as a U.S. Marine. After his service, Maddux found himself in San…
589: Ryan Salts on Removing the "Passion Blinders" to get Perspective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:22
Hailing from San Antonio and graduate of St. Mary's University with a BBA in Accounting, Ryan Salts' experience includes working at the 80/20 Foundation and Geekdom prior to helping open Launch SA (formerly Café Commerce…
587: Stephen Paprocki on Getting a Team to Follow You Wherever You Go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:20
Hailing from Dunkirk, NY, at the age of 19, Chef Stephen Paprocki moved to San Antonio after falling in love with the city during a previous vacation. He's worked at some of the finest restaurants in San Antonio, spent y…
586: Jody Bailey Newman on Seeing the Bigger Picture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:39
Former audio engineer, radio personality, and insurance claims adjuster, Jody Bailey Newman took a stab at the food an beverage industry with husband, Steve Newmen, in 2009 with their unique concept, The Friendly Spot. 1…
585: Akash Kapoor on Using Expectation to Keep Your People Happy. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:58
Hailing from Ranchi, India, Akash Kapoor started studying business communication, law, finance, and economics in the mid 80's. In the summer of 2009 after being inspired by Roi Choi's Kogi BBQ trucks, Akash and a few of…
584: Sam Hellman-Mass on Progression Through Teaching [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:10
Hailing from Boston, MA, and a Graduate of Boston University Questrom School of Business, Sam Hellman-Mass has previously worked at the Montagna Restaurant at the Little Nell Hotel in Aspen, where he met Bryce Gilmore an…
583: Benjamin Seabury on Respecting Your Employees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:30
A retired semi-pro football player, Ben Seabury has been managing and owning food and beverage operations for over a decade. He's scaled a cupcake concept, served as Executive Chef, GM, Direct of Operations, and Founder.…
582: Evan LeRoy on Why it's Better to be Different than the Best [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:18
As an Austin native and graduate of Texas Culinary Academy, Evan LeRoy has garnered international acclaim as a top tier barbecue chef cooking at NYC's Hill Country Barbecue Market and Austin's Freedmen's Bar. He's travel…