What Makes a Restaurant Buzz? These Chefs Know.

March 25, 2025

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

Running a restaurant is part strategy, part instinct—and always a balancing act. Whether you’re choosing a location, leading a team, or trying to keep your dining room full, the decisions you make now shape your future.

This week, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty: site selection with Chef Michael Mina, the power of mentorship with Chef Ron McKinlay, and a playbook for creating buzz that lasts. Plus, don’t miss today’s live expert session with Chef Kevin Gillespie.

🎥 WATCH: How to Choose the Right Location with Chef Michael Mina

What really makes the perfect spot? In this episode of Serving Success, Chef Michael Mina breaks down the key factors in choosing a restaurant location—from market research to trusting your gut.

Takeaways:

Assess the demographics and dining habits of potential neighborhoods.
Make sure your concept fits what the area wants—and needs.
Don’t be scared off by nearby competitors or drawn in by fancy real estate.

This quick clip is packed with hard-won insight from one of the best in the business.

🎙️ LISTEN: Chef Ron McKinlay on Mentorship, Marketing, and the Future of Hospitality

Chef Ron McKinlay has cooked in some of the world’s top kitchens—but it’s his connection to place, people, and purpose that defines his work. In this episode of Restaurant Ready, he shares:

Why mentorship matters—and how to lead a large team
How social media helped market his restaurant and build community
What the next generation of chefs really needs

This episode is a must-listen for chefs thinking long-term about brand, balance, and staying relevant.

This newsletter section is brought to you by our friends at Le Creuset, whose new Gourmand Collection is built for the demands of busy professional kitchens—just like the ones in our favorite always-buzzing restaurants.

📖 READ: How to Build a Restaurant That’s Always Buzzing

If you’re tired of empty seats and want to build the kind of place that’s always packed, this one’s for you. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:

Why limiting your seating can actually increase demand
How visual cues and social media can shape public perception
How to create consistent energy, from opening night to year five

This template offers actionable advice for building a restaurant that feels like the place to be.

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

Looking for real-time insight from someone who’s built restaurants with both purpose and profit? Join us for our next MAJC Expert Session with award-winning chef and restaurateur Kevin Gillespie.

Today, March 25th | 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Kevin will dive into the systems, strategies, and leadership mindset that keep his kitchens thriving—even in the toughest conditions. Bring your questions, take notes, and leave with practical takeaways you can use right away.

This isn’t a lecture—it’s your chance to ask anything and get real, unfiltered advice.

Cheers,
Your Friends at MAJC

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Last Updated: March 11, 2025

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