Episode Details

What does it take to build a successful restaurant from the ground up and keep it thriving in an industry where the margins are tight, the hours are long, and expectations never stop growing?

In this episode of Flavor South Florida, Kerri Paizzi sits down with Ben Foster, Director of Operations for MLM Food Group, the team behind Hudson's on the River and Townie's Tavern. From washing dishes as a teenager in Ohio to helping launch some of South Florida's most recognizable restaurant concepts, Ben shares the lessons he's learned from decades in hospitality, leadership, and operations.

The conversation explores everything from opening restaurants and building strong teams to managing hundreds of employees, navigating rising costs, and adapting to an industry that has changed dramatically over the last twenty-five years. Ben also reflects on his time in the West Palm Beach restaurant scene, the importance of consistency, and why great hospitality starts with treating both employees and guests with respect.

Equal parts business insight, restaurant war stories, and behind-the-scenes hospitality wisdom, this episode offers a candid look at what it really takes to succeed in one of the toughest industries there is. Based on the transcript provided.

Listen If You're:

• A restaurant owner or hospitality professional looking to improve operations and leadership
• An entrepreneur interested in what it takes to launch and grow a successful restaurant concept
• A manager responsible for building strong teams and workplace culture
• Someone curious about the realities of the restaurant business behind the scenes
• A food lover who wants to better understand the people and systems that create exceptional dining experiences

Connect with Ben Foster:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benfosterwpb

Hudsons on the River: https://www.instagram.com/hudsonsontheriver

Forking Around with Flavor South Florida Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/forkingaroundpodcast

Flavor South Florida Website: https://www.flavorsouthflorida.com/

Flavor South Florida Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FlavorSouthFlorida

Kerri Paizzi Website: https://www.kerripaizzi.com/

Kerri Paizzi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KerriP316

This episode is sponsored by Altima Caviar. Visit https://altimacaviar.com

Forking Around with Flavor South Florida is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida and produced by Hype Boss. To learn more visit https://podplusstudios.com.