Restaurant Ready

Chef Kenny Gilbert has built a career that spans fine dining, franchising, product development, and operations—always with a focus on systems that scale.

From Ritz-Carlton kitchens to his own spice line, franchises, and a VP role at Grove Bay Hospitality Group, Chef Kenny shares how decades of experience, mentorship, and relentless process design have shaped both his culinary and business approach. He opens up about franchise development, working across multiple concepts, leading airport operations, and why systems, not ego, are the key to sustainable restaurant growth.

Takeaways
  • Build systems that empower teams and create scalable operations.
  • Revenue diversity through products, franchises, and consulting supports long-term stability.
  • Equipment, layout, and menu design must work in harmony to drive efficiency.
  • Leadership requires removing ego and investing in team development.
  • Airport operations require unique operational models, speed, and precision.
  • Co-packers and supply chain partners enable product scalability.
  • PR can help launch brands, but consistent social media drives long-term sales.
  • Daily operational audits ensure food safety, consistency, and profitability.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest?

MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

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.