Smart Strategies, Stronger Teams, Better Business

March 5, 2025

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

Strong restaurants aren’t just built on great food—they’re built on great teams. With ongoing labor challenges, the real work isn’t just hiring, it’s keeping people, fostering a supportive culture, and giving your team the tools to succeed.

Burnout is real. Turnover is expensive. But when you invest in your people, they invest in your business. This week, we’re focused on what it takes to build and sustain strong teams—because that’s what keeps restaurants thriving.

🎥 WATCH: Lessons from Michael & Bryan Voltaggio

From Top Chef fame to running restaurants and scaling Volt Burger nationwide, Michael and Bryan Voltaggio have spent their careers pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible. But before all that? They had to master the basics.

In this week’s Serving Success, they dive into:

Why young cooks need to slow down and build real skills before chasing leadership
How mentorship and personal connections shape long-term success
What it really takes to earn respect in the kitchen (hint: it’s not just about talent)

If you’re serious about growing as a chef, operator, or owner, this one’s packed with lessons you won’t want to miss.

🎙️ LISTEN: Norman Van Aken on Innovation, Fusion, and Staying True to Your Vision

Norman Van Aken didn’t just introduce fusion cuisine—he redefined it. The creator of New World Cuisine blends Latin, Caribbean, Asian, and African flavors with deep technical skill and respect for tradition.

In this week’s Restaurant Ready, he breaks down:

Why fusion is more than mixing flavors—it’s about understanding history and technique
How curiosity fuels innovation (and why technique + ingredient reverence is the key balance)
Why saying no in marketing is just as powerful as saying yes

This one’s a masterclass in leadership, creativity, and staying true to your vision.

📖 READ: Building a Stronger Brand Through Strategic Partnerships

The strongest brands don’t grow alone. Strategic partnerships amplify your reach, elevate your credibility, and make your restaurant the place to be. Here’s why it works:

Brand equity transfer – Align with brands that share your values, and their credibility becomes yours.
Community engagement – Local farms, breweries, and charities bring more than great products—they bring loyal guests.
Marketing amplification – Co-branded events, shared social posts, and cross-promotions expand your reach.

Click below to download our Strategic Partnership Checklist— your step-by-step guide to finding, pitching, and launching partnerships that bring real results.

☕ LEARN: Expert Session with Kevin Gillespie – March 25th

Some chefs build great restaurants. Few build lasting, profitable businesses while staying true to their vision. Kevin Gillespie has done both.

Kevin is pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to lead a strong team, protect your margins, and scale without losing what makes your business special. This isn’t just another talk—it’s your chance to ask Kevin your toughest questions, live.

📆 Tuesday, March 25 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT

Hospitality is about showing up—for your guests, your team, and each other. Let’s keep building an industry that puts people first.

Cheers,
Your Friends at MAJC

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Last Updated: March 11, 2025

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