Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

Corporate glossy version of the restaurant trade

This is pretty light on any of the blood and guts behind the scenes of the restaurant business but does have its points in terms of the psychology of customer interaction and the selection of employees for your business. Meyer's 51 percent rule of hiring people who bring a greater share of emotional skills vs a lower share of technical skills (which can in most cases be taught and learned) is something of wider use beyond the food business.

For a more grittier, albeit fictionalized, view of the Union Square Café group see Stephanie Danler's "Sweetbitter."

I've had this on my shelf for I don't know how long and finally started to read it a few weeks ago. It's a quick and fast read that took this long only because I didn't have steady reading time on vacation. I think I was especially curious to read this now due to the new Shake Shack opening on my corner, although I don't think I've been to any of his restaurants. I work at NYC & Company, which Meyer references frequently throughout the book in the context of his work after 9/11 and for the restaurant committee. In fact, I think I got his book at the office.

I like how Meyer's family history shaped his leadership and business goals - how they helped him to be who he is. While there's a lot of focus on the opening of Union Sq Cafe, it's show more nice to see the other issues that went into Tabla, Eleven Madison Park, etc. all of which are familiar on the NYC restaurant landscape. Due to the time that had passed between the restaurant openings and the book, Meyer had tme to reflect on the challenges and therefore I think his writing on them was different than it would have been if this book was written immediately after any of the openings.

I'm also interested in Meyer's philosophy on hospitality as it connects to my own work in the industry. A great read. show less

A valuable read for any aspiring restauranteur or entrepreneur. I especially appreciated his focus on attracting and retaining quality employees and community involvement/philanthropy.

Focusing on how people/staff feel after interacting with a product/transition/experience can transform organizations.

For work, given by Ali Cohane