Chef Eli Sussman isn’t just the chef and partner of Brooklyn’s Gertrude’s, he’s also the internet’s sarcastic observer of restaurant culture through his viral account, The Sussmans. In this episode, he opens up about balancing family life with kitchen life, how satire creates community, and what happens when you bring authenticity (and humor) to the leadership table.

If you’ve ever laughed at one of his memes, you’ll want to hear the mindset behind them and the very real vision Sussman has for a healthier, more honest restaurant industry.

Takeaways

• Build staff trust by working shoulder to shoulder in the kitchen
• Create clear expectations: show up on time, work clean, respect your team
• Advocate for professionalism from both owners and employees
• Let humor be a bridge between generations in the kitchen
• Use social media to spotlight industry issues, not just aesthetics
• Treat leadership like mentorship, not dictatorship
• Balance family and restaurants through structure, not spontaneity
• See memes as community glue that spark memory and connection
• Embrace technology to grow as a chef and owner
• Be open about mistakes because they shape better hires and culture

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest?

MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.