BOOK REVIEW: SETTING THE TABLE

The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

Danny Meyer

About the Author

In 1985, Danny Meyer entered the restaurant industry at age twenty-seven with very little experience and a deep love for serving others. This passion of hospitality has served him well, as he is now the founder and co-owner of eleven exceptional dining establishments. All of his restaurants, such as Shake Shack, Union Square Café, and Blue Smoke, started in New York. Meyer says his guests expect three specific things from his brand: "culinary excellence, knowledgeable service, and gracious hospitality." It seems to be the recipe for success.

Meyer, his restaurants and chefs have been awarded an unprecedented twenty-eight James Beard Awards. Hospitality does not stop at his restaurants. Meyer's serves on the board of Share Our Strength and has long supported hunger relief initiatives, such as City Harvest. In his New York Times bestseller, Setting the Table, Meyer reflects on how important hospitality is in any restaurant or business. He then goes a step further and educates the reader on how to attain a consistent hospitable environment in your own restaurant.

Key Concepts

• Secrets to Achieving Genuine Hospitality
• How to Hire
• Hospitality Killers
• Formula for Success
• Application

Review

Danny Meyer credits the success of his numerous restaurants to one simple concept: hospitality is everything. Hospitality turns out to be a powerful component in getting repeat business and building a stellar reputation within the community. Every guest walks through your door craving something more than food, even if they don't know it. There are dozens of restaurants around your city that potential diners can choose from. You need to provide guests with a memorable experience to keep them walking through your doors.