Chef Lamar Moore breaks down the difference between following food trends and building something lasting—with purpose, technique, and cost in mind.

Takeaways:

• Social media trends can dilute authenticity if followed blindly.
• Cost-effective, well-executed dishes are more impactful than fads.
• Chefs should focus on teachable moments, not viral moments.

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.

Chef Lamar Moore reflects on how the hospitality world has shifted—from formal white-tablecloth service to casual, experiential dining—and what that means for today’s operators.

Takeaways:

• Hospitality now evolves every few years, not decades.
• Experience, not formality, drives modern guest expectations.
• Staffing, pacing, and adaptability are crucial to sustainable operations.

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.

Chef Lamar Moore shares how growing up in Chicago and starting as a dishwasher helped shape his culinary path—and why he believes food is about connection above all.

Takeaways:

• Start wherever you can—dishwasher, prep cook, or back door.
• Hospitality is a community built on shared stories and support.
• Food is a vessel for healing, helping, and bringing people together.

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.

Chef Michael Mina recounts his most challenging job and how it shaped his work ethic.

Takeaways:

• Use difficult experiences as stepping stones for growth.
• Learn from every job, no matter how small.
• Maintain resilience and stay focused on long-term goals.

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 reflects on how he knew hospitality was his true calling and shares advice for those pursuing a career in the industry.

 Takeaways:

• Find passion in the daily grind.
• Embrace mentorship and continuous learning.
• Develop resilience and adaptability.

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 hopes for the hospitality industry and what it takes to sustain its growth.

Takeaways:

• Keep innovating to sustain long-term industry success.
• Support and mentor the next generation of chefs.
• Focus on operational sustainability and guest experience.

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 debunks the myth that fine dining is dead, highlighting its evolution and continued relevance.

Takeaways:

• Fine dining constantly reinvents itself while preserving excellence.
• Balance innovation with classic culinary principles.
• Maintain impeccable service and attention to detail.

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 explains why having a strong restaurant origin story is key to its branding and longevity.

Takeaways:

• Develop an authentic backstory that aligns with your restaurant’s vision.
• Use storytelling in branding, decor, and menu development.
• Stay true to the origin story while allowing for natural evolution.

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 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.