Welcome to Morsels, your go-to newsletter from MAJC, breaking down hospitality insights into bite-sized chunks.
We’re halfway through the year—which means it’s the perfect time to pressure-test your systems. Are you tracking the right numbers? Protecting what makes your business unique? Supporting your team the way you want to?
This week’s newsletter is here to help you do all three. We have hard-won lessons from chefs, lawyers, and operators who are building restaurants that last without burning out.
Let’s get to it.
🎥 WATCH: How to Protect Your Name, Logo, and Recipes
Serving Success | 5-minute episode with Attorney Michael Zalay
You’ve worked hard to build your restaurant’s brand, so make sure it’s protected. In this quick but essential episode, attorney Michael Zalay explains how to safeguard the creative assets that define your business.
Key Takeaways:
- Trademark your restaurant’s name, logos, and brand assets early.
- Treat recipes and operational know-how as proprietary, not public.
- Include IP protections in handbooks, contracts, and NDAs.
🎙️ LISTEN: Chris Shepard on Balancing Mission and Margin
Restaurant Ready | 45-minute episode with Chef Chris Shepherd
James Beard Award winner Chris Shepherd isn’t just building restaurants. He’s building infrastructure for the entire hospitality industry. From disaster relief to mental health advocacy, his work with Southern Smoke shows what happens when you lead with both heart and structure.
Key Takeaways:
- Hospitality starts internally with your team, not just guests.
- You can’t scale generosity without systems.
- Legal, financial, and mental health education are essential for long-term sustainability.
📖 READ: The Ultimate Checklist for Running a Profitable Restaurant in 2025
This checklist is a practical breakdown of what actually works—from weekly P&L reviews to brand integrity at scale. If you want to grow without losing your margins or your mind, start here.
Inside the guide:
- Why contribution margins are more important than ego when designing your menu
- Smart training systems that reduce turnover
- Quotes from operators like Kevin Boehm, Maria Mazon, and more
- Common expansion mistakes and how to avoid them
☕ LEARN: MAJC Expert Session with Hopdov – Wednesday, July 2 at 12PM ET
To close out Hospitality Month, we’re bringing in two of the sharpest people-first leaders in the game. Join us for a special session with Annie Eisemann and Molly Hopper Sandrof of Hopdov, trusted restaurant HR advisors who’ve built legal and human systems for sustainable leadership.
From hiring to offboarding, this is the real stuff no one teaches you, but everyone needs to learn
Why it matters:
- People systems drive performance
- Clarity reduces chaos
- Sustainable leadership starts with real structure
Bring your questions. Bring your challenges. This one’s for every operator building their team with care.
Cheers,
Your Friends at MAJC
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