451: Be the biggest version of yourself with Dan Wu

451: Be the biggest version of yourself with Dan Wu

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee March 14, 2018 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 restaurants to learn.
  • Doing well by doing good and tying your brand to other brands that are doing good.
  • Being a skilled chef not being nearly enough to run a successful restaurant.
  • Knowing that everyone struggles in the beginning, and you're not alone.
  • Helping those who are just getting started.
  • Rotating everyone through all the stations so the team grows.
  • When people go to bat for you, how you can't screw it up.
  • Your restaurant brand being an extension of your personal brand.
  • Building a narrative while building your brand.
  • Using Kickstarter to promote opening.
  • Strategy for finding investors.
  • Let your people figure it out on their own before interjecting.

 

Originating from China, when Chef Dan Wu was eight years old he moved to the United States. After graduating college, Wu ate his way through San Francisco and New York. In 2014 Chef Wu managed to find himself on Masterchef. After Masterchef, he started his own podcast the Culinary Evangelist, which ultimately lead to opening his own restaurant Atomic Roman located in Lexington, KY.

Show notes…

Favorite Success Quote or Mantra.

"Don't let perfect be the enemy of good."

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Knowledge bombs

  1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?

    • Going big.
  2. What is your biggest weakness?

    • Discipline to now do too many things.
  3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?

    • Where do you want to be in X years?
  4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?

    • Staying focused by maintaining interest.
  5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.

    • See it from the customers point of view.
  6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?

    1. Not nickle and diming people
  7. Share an online resource or tool.

    1. Google
    2. Youtube
  8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted in your restaurant and how has it influence operations?

    1. Square
    2. T-sheets
  9. If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?

    1. Don't be perfect be the enemy of good
    2. Just do it and always do it better the next time.
    3. do well by doing good.
    4. Good.

Contact Info

Instagram: @Atomicramen

Facebook/Atomicramen

 

Thanks for Listening!

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Huge thanks to Dan Wu for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

 

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

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
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