In episode 43 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden welcomes his friend Alex Manfredonia from Vin 909, a popular restaurant in Annapolis. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being an independent business owner, the importance of fostering relationships, and their plans for the future. They also touch on the importance of service-based jobs and how they can be beneficial for personal growth.

Tune in for valuable insights into business, networking, and community.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:51] What Does Success Do to Your Social Life?

[00:04:21] Understanding and Empathy for Staff.

[00:09:24] The Challenges of Owning a Restaurant.

[00:14:30] Community Staple and Local Success.

[00:17:08] Culturally Diverse Customer Base.

[00:20:40] Menu Variety and Customer Satisfaction.

[00:23:30] Staff Retention and Customer Satisfaction.

[00:27:55] Reinvesting in Current Clients.

[00:29:09] Inconsistency in Restaurants.

[00:32:14] Workplace Dynamics and Teamwork.

[00:36:40] Hiring Challenges in the Industry.

[00:39:08] Community Support During Pandemic.

[00:46:01] Supporting Local Places.

[00:48:06] Building relationships Through Dining.

[00:51:11] Places to Find VIN 909.

In this episode, Ken Baden and Alex Manfredonia emphasize the crucial role of business owners in actively managing their restaurants and staying informed about what is happening. It highlights the fact that employees, no matter how skilled, will never have the same level of dedication as the business owner. They underscore that active involvement and awareness as a business owner are crucial for maintaining the restaurant's success and quality.

Moreover, Ken and Alex highlight the importance of treating and compensating employees well in the service industry. Happy employees lead to satisfied customers, ultimately contributing to the success of a business. They also delve into the significance of conducting trial periods for potential hires before making a final commitment. They recognize that despite comprehensive interviews and assessments, there is still a possibility that a candidate may not work out, and it is better to identify and address any issues early on.

QUOTES

• “It gives me not sympathy, but empathy for my staff. And I know where they're coming from and what they're feeling and what they're dealing with and that them realizing that, I'm looking out for them, they're looking out for me.” - Alex Manfredonia
• “There's always could always be better. There's always more to do. There are always ways to improve things. And, that's the challenge. The challenge is keeping things interesting and fresh, but still staying with your style. So people keep coming to what they expect.” - Alex Manfredonia
• "If you can't get along with everybody, get out." - Alex Manfredonia
• "It's not transactional, it's reciprocity and it's true just, getting involved in your fellow human being and just building relationships." - Ken Baden

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKenBaden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluecollarcloser/

Alex Manfredonia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-manfredonia-47370192/

WEBSITE:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/