988: Greg Root Partner at Defined Hospitality

988: Greg Root Partner at Defined Hospitality

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee May 4, 2023 Duration: 1:57:36

Greg Root is a partner at Defined Hospitality. Greg started his hospitality career as a teen-aged caddy at a country club in Pennsylvania. Later he attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he studied Restaurant and Hotel Management. He graduated in 2000 and, after working in various roles in various restaurants, he was hired as a manager for Starr Restaurants. After 13 years and attaining the role of Director of Restaurants at Starr, Greg opened his own restaurant and has been a Co-Owner of Defined Hospitality ever since.

Check out episode 986 with Al Lucas as mentioned in today's episode!

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Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favorite success quote/mantra:

  • "Don't mess it up."

In this episode with Greg Root we will discuss:

  • Partners
  • Franchising
  • Opening restaurants
  • Being a manager
  • Lifting up neighborhoods through restaurants

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Knowledge bombs

  1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
    • Go, go, go
  2. What is your biggest weakness?
    • Need to listen more
  3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
    • What's your aspirations over the next 5 years?
  4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
    • Get everything done for our people, more fiscal responsibility
  5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
    • People are the priority
  6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
    • Watching the initial reactions of our guests
  7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
  8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
  9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
    • Be a part of the community
  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?
    • Don't mess it up
    • Try to get ahead of it all
    • Be proud of what you do

Contact:

Email: greg@definedhospitality.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!

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Huge thanks to Greg Root for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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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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