I was over at my friend's house tonight (she has wonderful things she shares with me like a washing machine and cable) and I got completely caught up in this show, Hell's Kitchen. It's probably a show you've seen 100 million times but hey, it's new to me so I'm writing about it!
The premise: In each episode, Gordon Ramsay (famed chef of Hell's Kitchen) visits a failing restaurant and through tough love, ingenius ideas, and a few F-bombs, tries to help improve the establishment in just one week. Ramsay revisits the restaurant a few months later to see how business has fared in his absence.
So what I like about the show is it's much more about running a business and psychology then it ever is about food.
Motivating Wait Staff
Gordon made it a game for the wait staff to get their tables to try everything on the menu and even put a little money behind it. Because an idle mind is one that starts goofing around in the kitchen. Like most people, the staff worked better when they had 1) a goal and 2) an actual stake in the outcome.
Seeing Where You Are Throwing Money Away
Too big menus and too big portions meant keeping at lot of ingredients on hand that eventually got thrown away. Gordon tightened up menus as much for sanity as for keeping food waste to a minimum.
Making Sure Your Manager Has Their Head On Straight
Just showing up and taking $200 from the register? Uh no. (I wouldn't even think of doing that, even with my tiny business!) Not only can you not tell why you are going thousands of dollars into debt when you do this and, well, it's kind of illegal.
Fixing Broken Things
Because constantly hassling with something that doesn't work is costing you money in productivity. Plus it's usually easier to fix what you've got then buying new, am I right?
Setting A Mood
Do you want to eat at your own restaurant? Do you want to do business with yourself? When faced with the question, the owners/chefs said no. And the changes made, even if small, can really change the mood and attitude.
The Same Old Thing Will Keep Getting You The Same Old Results
Try something new, gosh darn it! A new recipe or a new sign just might help.
"Don't take it personally, just take it seriously."
Both Sarah and I looked at each other when Gordon uttered this and agreed this was pretty true, whether you were the one doing the managing or being managed.
I know, don't you love it when I write about television? It probably sounds like I've come off a deserted island or something. Does anyone else love this show?