Just because you are a success in one business doesn’t mean you will be successful as a restaurant owner.
Gordon Ramsay pointed this out with the owner of an over-the-top rural English pub. The owner had been hugely successful in other ventures, (he took Gordon on a tour of the grounds in his private helicopter) but couldn’t figure out why his restaurant was doing so poorly. Gordon, in his wonderful lack-of-tact style was quick to point out to most obvious flaws…menu, kitchen staff, wait staff. The owner didn’t take kindly to any of Gordon’s criticisms at first. Eventually he came round and followed Gordon’s advice (like they do in every episode Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares) and he and his restaurant lived happily ever after.
The big problem with this particular restaurant owner was his pride. He thought because he was successful in other areas, he would naturally be successful in the restaurant business, despite having zero experience in it. When suggestions were made to change his menu and his marketing approach, he balked. He took the suggestions as a personal affront, rather than much needed business advice.
It’s just another example of a popular restaurant myth that needs to be debunked!
Do you have any restaurant myths of your own that you’d like to share? Leave a comment or share them at the Restauranting Forum.