Restaurant Ready

Chef Gavin Kaysen has built one of the most respected restaurant groups in the country by putting trust at the center of everything. 

The two-time James Beard Award winner opens up about leadership, mentorship, and the systems that support his growing team across Spoon and Stable, Demi, Bellecour Bakery, and more.

From daily writing rituals to open-door mentorship to teaching financial literacy, Kaysen shares the mindset behind scaling culture without losing soul. He talks about hiring philosophies, the role of emotional intelligence, and even what it’s like to meet with governors to advocate for wage reform. His insights are generous, grounded, and immediately useful for operators at any level.

Takeaways
  • Consistency starts with daily rituals like writing and reflection
  • Teaching financial fluency empowers team members to grow
  • Leaders should invite questions and build trust over time
  • Culture is practiced through small, daily actions
  • Taking care of your team leads to stronger financial outcomes
  • Hiring well means looking beyond skill to emotional intelligence
  • Leadership requires knowing when to say yes and when not to
  • Technology should solve real problems, not add complexity
  • Open communication during staff exits builds long-term respect
  • Investing in mentorship is investing in the future of the industry

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What is Restaurant Ready?

RESTAURANT READY: THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Restaurant Ready is your backstage pass to the inner workings of the hospitality industry’s brightest stars. This podcast promises authentic discussions with the most influential chefs, restaurateurs, and food media experts. Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Matt Jennings, along with the MAJC team, helm this weekly podcast.

In each episode, industry veterans sit down for candid conversations revealing the honest stories behind their achievements, exploring the strategies, philosophies, and lessons learned along the way that shaped their path to success. Learn from the guests’ unique formula for creating consistent positive results in their business and personal lives.
Restaurant Ready delivers unparalleled value for restaurant owners, chefs, and managers looking to elevate their careers and businesses.

Listen in for a unique, no-holds-barred exploration of what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of hospitality. With each episode, we will discuss the state of the industry, the challenges we face and how to approach them, and ideas from the experts on how to best prepare yourself for success. You'll walk away with new ideas, and inspiration, as well as a greater sense of community and support as you drive your own success story.