Pull Up a Chair—The MAJC Newsletter Has Arrived

February 26, 2025

Welcome to Morsels, your go-to newsletter from MAJC, breaking down hospitality insights into bite-sized chunks.

If running a restaurant feels more expensive by the minute, you’re not wrong. Egg prices are climbing, labor costs keep rising, and margins are tighter than ever. The challenge? Protecting profitability without sacrificing quality, culture, or your sanity. That’s where MAJC comes in—connecting you with the strategies, tools, and community to help you run a smarter, more sustainable business.

🎥 WATCH: Alex Stupak on Breaking the Rules and Building a Brand

Chef Alex Stupak isn’t interested in staying in the lines. As the chef and co-owner of Empellón in NYC, he’s built a career on pushing boundaries, challenging tradition, and evolving cuisine. But breaking the rules isn’t just about creativity—it’s about survival in an industry that never stops changing.

In this week’s Restaurant Ready, Alex shares:

The biggest mistakes chefs make when choosing a restaurant location
How TV, personal branding, and social media shaped his business (and what actually works)
How he leads multiple teams while staying true to his creative vision

If you’re thinking about opening, expanding, or redefining your brand, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.

🎙️ LISTEN: Jonathon Sawyer on Why a 5-Day Workweek for Managers Changes Everything

A burnt-out team doesn’t build a great restaurant. Chef Jonathon Sawyer is proving that a 5-day workweek for managers isn’t just possible—it’s the key to better performance, stronger teams, and long-term success.

On this week’s Serving Success, Jonathon gets into:

Why setting clear boundaries leads to a more committed team
How predictable schedules prevent burnout before it starts
The key to eliminating “off-day work” and actually respecting personal time

If you want a healthier, more sustainable restaurant without sacrificing excellence, this episode is a must-listen.

📖 READ: Tyler Florence on Building a Restaurant That Lasts

With nearly 30 years in the industry, Tyler Florence knows what it takes to build a restaurant that stands the test of time. His success isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about staying adaptable, protecting what you build, and creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Here are four key lessons from Tyler that every restaurant operator should know:

Prove Your Concept First – Start small. Whether it’s a pop-up or a food truck, test your idea before making a big investment.
Negotiate Smarter Leases – Don’t sink your own capital into someone else’s property. Push for landlord-funded build-outs to make the numbers work.
Protect Your Brand – Secure your trademarks, domain names, and brand identity before someone else does.
Leverage Social Media Authentically – Show the real, behind-the-scenes moments that make your restaurant unique. Customers connect with what’s real.

☕ LEARN: Live Q&A with MAJC Co-Founder

Running a hospitality business comes with a never-ending list of questions. Struggling with hiring? Trying to fix your margins? Wondering how to build a stronger team culture? Bring it to office hours.

Join MAJC co-founder and award-winning chef Matt Jennings for a no-fluff, straight-to-the-point Q&A. We’ll tackle real challenges, troubleshoot roadblocks, and talk through practical solutions you can put to work immediately.

📅 Wednesday, February 26th, 12:00 PM EST

This industry isn’t easy, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Keep leaning into the resources, the connections, and the conversations inside MAJC—because the best operators don’t just work hard, they work smart.

Cheers,
Your Friends at MAJC

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Last Updated: March 11, 2025

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