Chef Michael Mina shares the challenges and strategies behind opening a restaurant in the highly competitive New York market.

Takeaways:

• Ensure your concept fits the market and neighborhood.
• Be prepared for high operational costs and competition.
• Build strong local relationships and understand the city’s unique dining 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, visit majc.ai.

Chef Michael Mina discusses how the Las Vegas food scene has evolved from a casino-driven dining market to a culinary destination.

 Takeaways:

• Recognize how Vegas transitioned from tourist-focused dining to a culinary powerhouse.
• Study emerging trends to stay ahead in an ever-changing market.
• Expand off-strip for more intimate and locally driven concepts.

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, visit majc.ai.

Chef Michael Mina details his journey opening in Las Vegas, the challenges he faced, and what it takes to thrive in the competitive market.

 Takeaways:

• Understand the unique hospitality-driven culture of Las Vegas.
• Ensure high service standards and customer engagement.
• Leverage the city’s tourism to build a strong reputation.

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, visit majc.ai.

As a sports and food enthusiast, Chef Michael Mina shares his ultimate tailgate menu strategy, emphasizing theme-based rivalry cooking.

Takeaways:

• Tailgate menus should be themed around the teams playing.
• Use three key cooking setups: a pot for stews, a grill, and a rotisserie.
• Incorporate an interactive or showpiece dish for added excitement.

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, visit majc.ai.

Chef Michael Mina emphasizes the importance of mentorship in career development, sharing how mentorship has shaped his own journey.

 Takeaways:

• Seek mentorship from multiple sources, including peers and industry veterans.
• Be open to both receiving and giving mentorship.
• Recognize that mentorship is a two-way street; learn from those you mentor.

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, visit majc.ai.

Chef Michael Mina breaks down the best techniques for cooking steak at home, including proper seasoning, temperature control, and resting periods.

Takeaways:

• Start with high-quality, dry-aged beef.
• Bring steak to room temperature before cooking.
• Rest steak properly after cooking to retain juices and maximize flavor.

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, visit majc.ai.

Chef Michael Mina shares his experience developing the signature butter-bath steak technique, emphasizing precision and experimentation.

Takeaways:

• Study various cooking methods and refine them through experimentation.
• Adapt techniques to enhance flavor and texture without compromising quality.
• Use research and development to perfect signature dishes.

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, visit majc.ai.

Chef Michael Mina discusses the need for chefs to balance traditional culinary techniques with new approaches to create unique dining experiences.

Takeaways:

• Master foundational cooking techniques before experimenting.
• Innovate responsibly—creativity should enhance, not overshadow, the dish.
• Use modern technology to refine and perfect classic cooking methods.

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, visit majc.ai.

Chef Michael Mina discusses how the new generation of chefs is pushing boundaries by integrating global influences and breaking traditional molds.

Takeaways:

• Stay open to cross-cultural flavors and ingredients.
• Encourage kitchen creativity while maintaining technical excellence.
• Adapt restaurant concepts to evolving consumer expectations.

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, visit majc.ai.

Scaling a restaurant brand requires more than just a great first location. Chef Michael Mina shares how he expanded Bourbon Steak while maintaining its core identity.  

Takeaways:

• Develop strong operational systems before expanding.
• Hire leaders who understand your brand culture and vision.
• Adjust the concept slightly to fit different markets without losing authenticity.

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, visit majc.ai.