481: Make your systems dumb proof with Chef Ted Torres

481: Make your systems dumb proof with Chef Ted Torres

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee May 23, 2018 Duration: 1:16:51

In this episode with Chef Ted Torres, we discuss:

  • Not waiting for opportunities, creating them. 
  • How if you want to be the best you've got to work for the best. 
  • Having a positive attitude when receiving criticism; its your time to grow! 
  • When giving constructive criticism, be clear that you have the best intentions for that person. 
  • Why team work is so critical. 
  • How it is OK to ask for help. 
  • Making your systems processes and procedures as dumb proof as possible. 
  • Taking restaurant jobs where the guest are successful; you never know where your future investor is going to come from. 
  • Overcoming the fear of failure. 
  • The importance of managing your time. 
  • Focusing on the WORK and opportunities will come. 
  • Why Torres turned down the job he won as a contestant on Food Network's "Chef Wanted".
  • The benefits of using your own cash to start a business. 
  • Things to consider when negotiating contracts. 
  • Using systems to get back time. 

Chef Ted Torres earned his Associate's Degree at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in 1998. After graduation, he got after it working for some of Philadelphias most well known restaurateurs. After working over 10 years in the traditional restaurant setting, Torres made the move to the corporate environment. In 2013 Chef Torres Appeared on Food Networks "Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell", where he competed agains 3 other chefs for a job in a top New York City Restaurant. Ultimately, Chef Torres decided to decline the position and pursue his long term dream of creating his own company, now known as Coa Catering.

Show notes…

Favorite Success Quote or Mantra.

"Destiny call everyone, but only a few dare to answer."

Today's Sponsor

Sourcery allows you to streamline and digitize your entire Accounts Payable operation. Digital invoicing, backed with human verification, will save you countless hours of work and increase AP accuracy. Say goodbye to your file cabinets and enter the digital world.

Kabbage. Apply for up to 250,000 of funding through Kabbage, and you'll get a $50 e-gift card when you quality. Get started!

Knowledge bombs

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

    • Determination.
  2. What is your biggest weakness?

    • Communication.
  3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?

    • Ask, "Are you willing to learn?"
  4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?

    • Not sacrificing quality for price.
  5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.

    • Never be later.
  6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?

    • Every guest is a VIP.
  7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
    GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM 

  8. Share an online resource or tool.

  9. What's one piece of technology you've adopted in your restaurant and how has it influence operations?

  10. 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. work hard
    2. make the most of your time
    3. Love often

Contact Info

coacatering.com

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Huge thanks to Ted Torres 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
Podcast Episodes
898: Ben Smart Executive Chef/Partner at Big Grove Brewery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:57:50
With excitement, allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Executive Chef and Partner at Big Grove Brewery, Ben Smart. An Iowa City native, Ben studied Geo Science at the University of Iowa. After graduating, it didn't…
897: Jack Piper on Scaling a CPG From Local Market to Amazon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:36
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Co-Founder of Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack, Jack Piper. Jack got his start in Iowa City working at the legendary China Garden Restaurant, where he learned about amazi…
896: Steph Sellers Founder of Cookies & Dreams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:30
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Founder and Chief Cookie Officer of Cookies & Dreams, Stephanie Sellers. Iowa native, Stephanie Sellers, discovered her love of baking as a kid peering over the…
895: Roger Beaudoin Founder/President of Restaurant Rockstars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:54
With excitement allow me to introduce today's guest, the Founder of RestaurantRockstars.com, Roger Beaudoin. Roger is a 27-year veteran Restaurateur and Founder/ President of Restaurant Rockstars. He is an expert at Staf…
894: Jack Piper Co-Founder of Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01:20
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Co-Founder of Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack, Jack Piper. Jack got his start in Iowa City working at the legendary China Garden Restaurant, where he learned about amazi…
893: Creative Destruction with David Dressler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:09
With excitement, allow me to introduce to you today's guest, David Dressler. David began his hospitality career at age 6, working in a family-run hotel in the Adirondacks. After graduating from the Ecole Hôtelière, David…
892: Kevin O'Donnell Owner of Giusto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58:35
Born and raised in North Kingstown, Kevin got his feet wet in hospitality early on. Starting as a cabana boy at Bonnet Shores Beach Club at just 15, he then worked at a variety of mom and pop spots throughout high school…
891: David Rodolitz Founder & CEO of Flyfish Club [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:39
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, the Founder, and CEO of Flyfish Club, David Rodolitz. David's entrepreneurial drive in the hospitality industry started at an early age. In 2003, he founded Imp…
890: Michael McHenry Founder of McHenry Group [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:43:20
With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, the Founder of the McHenry Group, Michael McHenry. From selling his first self-built business at the age of 19, Michael has made one thing clear – "a good busin…
889: Jake Brewer Chief Strategy Officer at Miso Robotics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:57
Jake Brewer is the Chief Strategy Officer of Miso Robotics where he oversees products, innovation, and marketing. He brings leadership, operations and product development experience from the restaurant and food service i…