Close to Open Restaurant Management Consulting

But in my defense, wrapping gifts is like performing a life saving surgery with your weak hand and your last class on anatomy was in high school.

TRUE STORY...It's a Fact:

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and that the simplest and most elegant solutions are generally the best solutions so there is never a need to complicate life or the challenge in front of you.

The more complex the system, the more costs and inefficiencies tend to be built into it, and the more likely it is to break down somewhere along the line. So it pays to start with the end goal in mind and then work backward as directly as possible to where you are, noting functional problems to be solved and eliminating unnecessary material and moving parts whenever possible.

What I have learned through trial and failure, conquest and achievement is that the same concepts often apply surprisingly well to business — and to life. If there’s a goal you want to accomplish, it’s basically a point-A-to-point-B situation.

Define where you are and where you want to be, then draw a straight line between those two points, noting the key transitions and to-dos sitting between you and your desired outcome. Then quickly start moving toward the first challenge in your path.

Never attempt to be perfect, but always be perfect in each commitment you make. There is a difference.

Yes, you’ll discover all sorts of new challenges and obstacles along that route. You’ll inevitably end up off course at various intervals as well. But if you just keep course-correcting and tackling the next problem and the next, you’ll very quickly make progress toward your destination — and learn plenty along the way.

-PDB

Pent-up demand from the pandemic has increased spending on experiences by 65% from 2019 to 2023 in the United States. Since the early 2000's I have taught and been focused on creating experiences, memorable moments that positively impact a vacation, night out for dinner or perhaps for a new life perspective.

Despite uncertainty in the economy, people continue to spend on entertainment, food and experiences at destination restaurants, resorts and iconic locations.

The legendary Joe Poole once famously suggested "you need to connect, before you correct," and in what I do all winter long is connect with kids ages 3 to 87! It's not how much you know that matters, it's showing people how much you truly care! A sweet spot exists where all learning is safe and I strive to make it as fun as possible!

Whatever you do for work, make it play. Your guest or customers win is how you will ultimately win. Learn how to give with zero need of return, reward or recognition. It's a fantastic place to be in my humble life experience.

In my restaurant business I strive to role model authentic hospitality and love for what I do and for where everyone needs to be. This includes every fundamental from cleanliness, sanitation and integrity checks to going above and beyond in every possible service cycle.

Authentic love and hospitality absolutely trumps servitude lacking heart, passion or care. People know and feel it when you care about their time, dollar and experience.

We have all heard "be the love that you seek," yet many can't navigate beyond ego or their fragile sense of self. Many give wanting something in return and keep score maintaining an emotional bank account!

Ultimately, focus on the unique wins 🏆 of everyone around you. You will discover something bigger and better within.

Emotional Intelligence is more important than your IQ.

Creating experiences requires heart ❤️ over mind. Passion and love for others and for the task at hand.

The Brain Said:
"I am the smartest organ in the body."

The Heart Replied:
"Who told you?"

-PDB

Reality:

Consider the fact your reality is not the reality of the next person. Often we deem things to be going badly when it is a simple and arbitrary notion or comparison to how things "should be."

Likewise, when we believe things are going well, we often have no true comprehension of how many truly random circumstances, habits and choices conspired to make them so.

Interestingly, if we allow ourselves to look at our bubble from let's say a helicopter, space or simply a different frame of mind - including the perspectives of others who are often challenged by struggles thus far we have been spared or perhaps recovered or learned from - we become better and definitely more self-aware. We become more pure of heart and wise.

One of the most difficult things anyone will ever have to do is to be totally true to self, honest at core. Keeping internal agreements to self is where life truly starts. We become broader of mind, stronger at heart and more aware of how we can compliment, affect, infect, effect or serve the world around that little bubble we call reality.

Life is uncertain, one reason I offer dessert as an appetizer. Food is love.

Something I came across a few weeks ago while reading. In the Bhagavad Gita they say, "The mind under control is your best friend, the mind wandering about is your worst enemy."

Make your "stupid" brain your best friend, to the point where you can rely on it. I often cite and or joke about the fragile human ego...

But your mind makes you strong from within. One might suggest the heart is the much wiser companion.

But the sacrifices you make will be rewarded. Life doesn't change, but your perception does. It's all about what you focus on.

We are all a product of choice. No way around this despite perceived circumstances.

Your habits create an invisible platform for your choices.

Withdraw from the world's influence and be careful with your emotions, usually played by that fragile ego or the comfort of what is easy or most known to you.

If you can grab the wheel of your mind, you can steer the direction of where your life will go.

Prime Tri-tip...2 hour mesquite, cherrywood and charcoal smoked. Notice zero juices under the rack. Done on an old school Webber Grill. Delicious.

The Kobayashi and Chestnut Hot Dogs.

How people treat you is there Karma, how you respond becomes yours...

When the choice at hand is to be right or to be kind, choose the one that brings you peace and always remember God gave us tacos!

More simple than it may look. You have to want to do good food. You also have to want to have clean sanitary kitchens and well taken care of equipment. Further, you have to teach everyone how to do it, and again, it's not difficult. Finally, take care of your people without enabling bad habits or poor decisions. Keep your standards absolute. Just like in life.

Probably over 1500 plus hours organizing and doing this stuff for free. Unbelievable time's, super rewarding and meaningful on every front. Some of those front row kids are almost driving cars and two are overseas for soccer academy schools!

Our ignorance can be divided into Problems and Mysteries.

When we face a problem, we may not know its solution, but we have insight, learned experience, increasing knowledge, and hopefully an inkling of what we are looking for.

When we face a mystery, however, we can only stare in wonder and bewilderment, not knowing what an explanation would even look like.

When faced with Problems or Mysteries we have a choice. We might become inquisitive, engaged and perhaps inspired to figure it all out. We also might hunker down and protect fragile ego or what is known up to this point in our life. We are ultimately all a product of the choices we make.

Now remember—boredom or complacency is the enemy, not some abstract "failure.” Regardless of the challenge, problem or mystery at hand, rest assured the world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.

The world is a very puzzling place. If you're not willing to be puzzled, you just become a replica of someone else's mind. Easily mislead and programmed.

Move a few steps out of your thinking patterns or comfort zones and then take a good look behind you! All of the noise, all of the nonsense. When faced with a problem or mystery...move!

Many a false step was made by standing still.

PDB

Good Food is simple. People complicate it.

Dirty kitchens and Bathrooms make me crazy. I deep clean every few weeks and I don't get paid to do this!

I am looking for 2 weekend morning bartenders to work Friday - Sunday until 4pm. Friday 10am, Saturday & Sunday 8am in-time. Message me. Other shifts also available if you are looking for some night work to be more full time. Bozeman Area.

That I am....................

“You have to be a romantic to invest yourself, your money, and your time in cheese.” -Anthony Bourdaine

"I've gotten along with people everywhere in this world and heard some incredible stories, largely because I sit down without an agenda and just ask the very simple question: what's for dinner? What makes you happy?"

- Anthony Bourdain

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong. Start getting excited and fired up about what could go right.

Belief in limits is what creates limited people. Control functions and limits too is what will straightjacket entire organizations and work cultures.

One secret to happiness, and it's quite simple...it's called "Making Progress." The same can be said about "Success." Just make a little progress each and every day.

In the movie "What About Bob?" brilliant psychiatrist Doctor Leo Marvin suggested Bob simply make "Baby Steps..."

Nothing is ever perfect, the traffic lights will never all align to be green, the weather won't be right, but we can all be perfect in our commitments.

You see, if I am "all in," it doesn't mean I can give 110-percent each and everyday. Sometimes we are low on energy, but that doesn't mean it's alright to not show up and participate.

At the end of the 85 or 90 percent "efforting" day, we all tend to feel proud we simply didn't let the team down. The truth is ultimately we didn't let ourselves down.

Our personal habits define all choices. Period.

Making progress is important.

Maintaining all internal commitments is vital.

The fragile human ego loves comfort and certainly can thrive in a world of excuse mechanisms.

Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change! Pretty simple right? And we all very well know our inherent potential as well as are aware of the excuses we all make.

Our entire life can change in one moment. Entire organizations and teams too can change in a split second.

Most overestimate what they can do in a day, a month as well as one year. Likewise most underestimate what they can do in two or three decades, and hardly if ever think forward while acting in the now.

Small Steps = Big Moves. It's truly the little things in life that make a meaningful impact right?

Cheers 🍻!

iEl Pedro!

Small victories everyday! Small Steps = Big Moves! Life is too short to think or be small.

We are the sum average of the five people we spend the most time with, at home, at work or at play. Look around. If someone is not making your stronger, they are dragging you down making you weaker while limiting all intrinsic potential. Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams, encourage your ideas, support your ambitions, and inspire or bring out the best in you.

Sincerely,

3 year old Pedro

Ladder Ball, Co****le, Brunch with $12 Bottomless Mimosa's, great all day drink specials including $2 Gr**go Beers (Rainer) with $3 Shredded Chicken Tacos & Lamb with Feta Tacos (Greek Easter & Cinco De Mayo Today!)...Come down and entertain me!

Adding a little Greek Easter flare to Cinco de Mayo & Sunday Funday Brunch! ****le

Ye Ole Grilled Romaine Wedge! Dare I suggest "Evil?"

Unfortunately Hollywood makes people believe this is what food is all about. Then you have "experts" who throw fits, scream, ridicule and mock their students or people they are supposed to be helping.

In the winter of 2016/2017 I was asked by members of "High Noon Entertainment" to Host a "Reality Show" on Restaurant Opening's. I was interviewed wearing my Detroit Tigers baseball cap and a hooded sweatshirt keeping it real and of course comfortable!

During this process I was clear I wouldn't do "drama" or "nonsense." After-all, these are the people that created the Chip and Joanna Gains "Fixer Upper" hit show for HGTV so in my humble opinion they would appreciate a "positive approach." I never raise my voice and am awful at trying to use bad words!

Now I have never watched Gorden Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen or whatever show it was fifteen years ago that made him a celebrity. A celebrity known for throwing childlike fits on a weekly television show. I have watched a few episodes of his recent food exploration show where he has definitely toned it down, it's not bad at all.

In my world, if you are an expert, great at what you do, everything around you should be clean, sanitary, high functioning and above all - POSITIVE. Your people should hold high standards for how they function in your workplace, never cutting corners, and never-ever throwing fits.

You see, people follow the acceptable behaviors you role model. This is true at work as well as at home, so don't run off giving your kids a pill for something you are responsible for!

I believe in recovery, and as a role model I have the responsibility to let young people know that you can make a mistake and come back from it. In fact, making a mistake simply means you have challenged yourself to grow in so many scenarios.

But I also strive to impart if you make the same mistakes often, you are not intrinsically motivated to learn and grow. That's on you. A boss, coach or mentor can't externally force you to do what's right, all human motivation comes from within.

Now, as the interview for this show rolled forward, it was clear their idea was flawed. So I told them under the constraints of the show, or the platform, it wouldn't work. I essentially told them it was a bad idea. I thought that was better than going through the motions and lying to them, and being a pseudo "celebrity" is not on my list of things to accomplish in life!!!

Food is Love. That's it. It's that simple. It should be honest. It should be passionate, fun and as fresh as possible.

With this, your kitchen needs to showcase that love. The people should be clearly valued and empowered to do the best work possible. Your culture should be one of "capability" not "codependency."

The cleanliness of the facility should express how you feel about yourself and the food you serve. The emotional and professional growth of each team member needs to express the heart and passion you put into being a leader.

So it might have been great to be a "Chip Gaines" climbing trees and making people smile, but with hundreds of possible guests who enter a restaurant, with thousands of personality types, it's important to be clear, honest and as concise as possible. It's important to focus on love over ego or false pride.

I don't know about you, but when I see an adult yell, throw fits and have to scream for reputation...something is wrong. Who wants to be around angry, negative and loud people anyways?

When I see people accept mediocrity when they are capable of so much more, it's certainly frustrating, but in a sad way, not in a "mad" way like I imagine Gorden Ramsey acting out like a child. If you set a poor example for your children or your employees, you’ll teach them to be just like you!

Moods and Apathy should never rule the roost. I have never understood the "bad mood" excuse, and if you are "apathetic," why are you doing what you do???

Now think of your alleged mood in this fashion...you can be miserable before you have a cookie and you can be miserable after you eat a cookie but you can't be miserable while you are eating a cookie! Food is love!

Behind you there lays a long series of footprints. Does the nature, direction and depth of each step inspire others to walk in them or run from them?

So the television Reality Show to date has never happened. I believe if the theme of it were changed just a bit, it would be a fun show to watch! Who doesn't want to see some of the natural chaos that happens when a restaurant opens its doors for the first time?

What most people don't get about food? It's never the food, it's the love that goes into making it. That's what's important. With love, the little things do become the big things (ignore that metaphor if you are laughing), so never cut corners and always openly communicate in a positive fashion.

Just my .03 cents today!
PDB