Episode Details

In this episode with Adam Johnson, we discuss:

• How having the discipline to do the hard things creates the freedom to live the life you want.
• The value of being a problem solver in this industry.
• Working in the industry before investing in culinary school.
• Some unconsidered challenges that come along with operating a food truck.
• Some of the unconsidered challenges that come along with operating from a commissary.
• The realistic time it takes to systemize your business if you didn't start with systems in place.
• How Square POS and Toast POS compare.
• Questions to ask yourself with getting your next POS.

Originally from Denver, CO, Adam Johnson made the move to NYC when he turned 21 to pursue a career in music. The music thing didn't work out and a chef friend of his convinced him to work for him for free. before long Adam found himself chasing a career in hospitality. Today, Adam serves as the COO of a small restaurant group behind Red Hook Lobster Pound & Rockaway Clam Bar which together, operates 5 locations of

"Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life."

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1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Jack of all trades.
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Jack of all trades.
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • Ask:
   • "How did you get into the industry?"
   • "Why are you still in this industry?"
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Seasonality.
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • It is always ok for the customer to be wrong. What matters is that they leave happy.
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Treat your guest as if they are on vacation.
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
   • The Obstacle is The Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage
8. Share an online resource or tool.
   • Google G Suite
9. What's one piece of technology you've adopted in your restaurant and how has it influence operations?
   • Square POS
   • Toast POS
   • Slack
10. If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
    1. Almost everything worth doing is going to be hard.
    2. Negatives can be p