Welcome to Morsels, your go-to newsletter from MAJC, breaking down hospitality insights into bite-sized chunks.
Running a restaurant means balancing growth, culture, and profit all at once. This week’s Morsels brings you tools and insights from leaders who have walked that line—from chef Sarah Grueneberg on building a lasting team culture, to leadership expert Taylor Scott on making people feel valued, to practical strategies for raising prices without losing trust. And tomorrow, finance consultant Meg Blair returns live in the Community to help you get clear on your numbers.
🎥 WATCH: Chef Sarah Grueneberg on Making an Impact in Independent Restaurants
Restaurant Ready | 50-minute episode
Chef Sarah Grueneberg, James Beard Award winner and owner of Monteverde in Chicago, has built a model of intentional growth. In this episode, she shares how she approaches mentorship, retention, and accountability while preparing to open her second concept.
Takeaways:
- Own your real estate to create equity and long-term protection
- Invest in team culture with the same intention as design or equipment
- Uphold standards consistently to prevent resentment and slippage
- Use growth as a retention tool by developing future leaders
🎙️ LISTEN: How to Make Your Team Feel Seen and Supported with Taylor Scott
Serving Success | 2-minute clip
Leadership expert Taylor Scott explains how small but meaningful recognition can create belonging and keep teams engaged. Leaders who connect to their team’s values build trust and loyalty that lasts.
Takeaways:
- Recognize when team members live your values
- Reinforce culture by showing people how they belong
- Create loyalty through consistent, authentic recognition
📖 READ: When and How to Raise Prices Without Losing Guests
Raising prices is one of the toughest calls operators face. This guide breaks down how to do it strategically, communicate with clarity, and maintain guest trust while protecting margins.
Takeaways:
- Review numbers often and raise prices before margins get tight
- Communicate increases as an investment in your values and team
- Pair price changes with visible upgrades to guest experience
- Train staff to explain the “why” with confidence and consistency
☕ LEARN: Expert Session with Meg Blair Tomorrow, August 20, 12 pm ET
Getting clear on your numbers isn’t easy, but it’s the difference between surviving and thriving.
Meg Blair, MAJC partner and founder of Snow & Blair, is back by popular demand. Her last finance Expert Session was one of our most practical and highly rated, giving operators clarity and tools they could use right away. This time, she’s digging deeper into the finance systems that drive sustainable growth.
Bring your toughest questions on payroll, budgeting, or cash flow. Meg will tackle them head-on.
📅 Wednesday, August 20 | 12 PM ET | Live in the MAJC Community
Cheers,
Your Friends at MAJC
Forwarded from a friend? Click here to become a member of MAJC and get weekly insights, strategies, and exclusive access to the community.
Already a MAJC member and having trouble with the links? Make sure you’re signed in to your account. Our content is only visible when you’re logged in.
