#50. This week's guest likely needs no introduction. He's one of the most successful chefs and restaurateurs in America, with dozens of restaurants both in the U.S. and abroad. Chef Michael Mina is a three-time James Beard award winner, has earned Michelin stars, five Diamond Awards, and accolades from Wine Spectator, among others.

In this episode, Chef Mina sits down with our founder and CEO, Josh Sharkey, to delve into his career spanning three decades, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned along the way. Renowned for his company MINA Group and its delicious food creations, Chef Mina is also recognized as an incredibly systems-driven leader who prioritizes service and hospitality alongside cooking.

The episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to the late chef David Bouley, a mentor and inspiration to Chef Mina and our host, who passed away tragically just before the recording. The conversation explores Bouley's profound impact on their lives and the culinary world, serving as a cathartic reflection on his legacy.

Throughout the episode, Chef Mina shares his perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of research and development in the restaurant industry. Despite overseeing a vast empire of restaurants, Chef Mina remains deeply involved in the creative process, emphasizing the value of hands-on involvement.

Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or aspiring entrepreneur, there's much to glean from Chef Michael Mina's experiences and insights. Tune in to gain valuable lessons and inspiration for scaling your restaurant business. As always, we hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did.

Where to find Michael Mina: 

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Where to find host Josh Sharkey:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Twitter

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In this episode, we cover:

(04:55) Remembering Bouley and the other legendary chefs who have recently passed
(10:46) The reasoning behind Chef Mina's desire for continued growth
(14:31) Why having a partner in your restaurant business is crucial
(17:21) The biggest thing on Chef Mina's plate right now
(20:45) How Chef Mina trains the new generation of cooks
(31:48) How Chef Mina gets involved in the R&D process in all of his concepts
(41:50) When R&D is truly done
(48:44) The biggest mistake Chef Mina has made in his career
(52:53) Bourbon Steak's new opening