“One of the best books I've ever read; it would be a shame if only those interested in restaurants read Setting the Table. While it humbly unravels like a memoir, it is an inspirational business book that should be read ASAP by anyone whose job includes meeting people face-to-face.
In 1985, 27 year-old Danny Meyer opened what would become one of New York City's most revered restaurants--Union Square Café. Two decades later, he is heading 11 unique dining establishments, each at the top of its game.
Meyer is solid proof that nice guys don't finish last; in a cutthroat industry set in v. competitive New York, he has yet to close any of his wildly successful dining establishments that range from grand fine dining restaurants, to a barbeque joint, museum cafés, to a hotdog shack.
A real treasure trove of 'lessons learned' and informative anecdotes that Meyer graciously shares to illustrate his powerfully moving brand of "enlightened hospitality," Meyer openly shared how he grew from a novice entrepreneur to the CEO of the Union Square Hospitality Group with his brand of servant leadership.
Lots of quotable quotes and nuggets of wisdom to draw from this book, one of which is to first take care of "the people who work for you, then your guests, your community, your suppliers, and then your investors." Another is when he differentiates service (when something happens to you) and hospitality (when something happens for you). He also debunks the old restaurant edict of 'location, location, location' in favor of 'context, context, context', and proving it by pioneering change in areas others have given up on.
The learnings from this book are applicable to any business or organization; I was sad to have finished reading it. Btw, this also comes in audio book format (audible.com) for those who spend more time on the road. Meyer himself provides the voice.”