Chef Russo has over thirty Eight years of experience in the food and beverage industry and has held numerous titles including: executive chef, general manager, food and beverage director, consultant and corporate chef. He’s been featured in Gourmet, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and the USA Today, just to name a few. He’s won several “best” awards, which we don’t have the time to dive into, because there so many. He has been at semifinalist for james beard best chef Midwest for the past 7 year and was a finalist 5 of those 7 years. Today he serves as Executive Chef for Heartland Restaurant and Wine Bar in Saint Paul MN.

Show notes…

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Success or Leadership Quote/Mantra

Those of us who are in this industry, whether you be a chef, farmer, or you own a market, or somehow are involved in feeding people, we relate to people on the most fundamental level there is: that’s that we give them sustenance. Along with that comes this responsibility and if you can’t take that responsibility seriously, you really need to go do something else, because this profession requires a great deal of commitment, determination, and hard work in order to be successful.

“It” Factor

• Growing up in a working class family gave him incredible work ethic.
• Being really honest in what it is that he does. Being honest with people and himself.
• Treating people they way he would want to be treated.

Industry Challenge or Failure

• During his first Executive Chef position he was uncompromising, unforgiving, unrelenting, and negative. While he ran a tight shift and improved the bottom line, he wasn’t able to lead a team, because they hated his guts.

Knowledge BOMBS

Fundraising Advice

• You need to have a reputation to garner support.
• Check out some of the small business loan opportunities especially if you’re a minority.
• Never mortgage you house. You want to keep personal and business finances as separate as possible.
• Whomever you go into business with, make sure they understand the risk and make sure they’re going into it for the right reasons.

Employee Hiring

• Hire only the best.
• Ask for a resume and letters of recommendation.
• Ask why people want to do the work they’re doing.

Employee Retainment

• Create a family culture where people help each other out.
• Set your priorities in this order: staff, guest, community, purveyors, and investors.

Industry Resource

Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

CLICK  HERE to get a FREE audio version of this Book

Objective Product/Service Review Suggestion

• A great POS system which allows you to look at trends.
• use a Combi oven
• Use sustainable practices.

Best Business Advice

• you need to believe in yourself and stay committed to your goal.

Contact Info

Heartland Restaurant and Wine Bar

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The post 154: Chef Lenny Russo | Work Ethic, Honesty, and Treating People Well appeared first on Restaurant Unstoppable.