806: Ken McGarrie Co-Founder of Korgen Hospitality

Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore

With Excitement allow me to introduce today's guest Co-founder Korgen Hospitality Group and Author of The Surprise Restaurant Manager, Ken McGarrie. Ken is also the author of the book The Surprise Restaurant Manager.

Ken McGarrie is the cofounder of Korgen Hospitality, a nationwide consulting firm dedicated to helping restauranteurs reach their absolute potential with effective leadership and maximum profitability. For the past two decades, he has helmed many successful restaurants, bars, and entertainment-based venues with a relentless focus on anticipatory service, staff empowerment, and attentive hospitality. He has helped launch new concepts and train hospitality leaders throughout the U.S. and Canada.

After failing to start an exceptional college band with only average talent, Ken worked as a server/bartender while writing for magazines and newspapers. He started in management the same way that many people do – by surprise. When his GM asked if he would take a set of keys and open the restaurant on occasion, he was suddenly promoted to manager with no training or preparation, like so many others in the industry. Ken went on to open and manage numerous successful restaurants and entertainment venues. With Korgen Hospitality, he has an exceptional client list, including helping open over a dozen restaurants with Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani nationwide.

Check out Angel's Envy distillery as mentioned in today's episode.

Shoutout to The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group inChicago for hosting this interview!

Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!!

• Join with a 30-day trial Restaurant Unstoppable Network and connect with my past guest and a community of superfans.
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• Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!)

Favorite success quote or mantra:

• "Enjoy the ride."

In today's episode with Ken McGarrie we will discuss:

• Past experiences influencing you today
• Lobbying to be manager right out of the gate
• Working in nightclubs/as a bouncer
• Language
• Apathy
• Training/empowerment
• The host position
• Regrets
• Membership models?
• The Five G's

Today's sponsor:

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Obsession
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   1. Rumination
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • Preparation
   • "Who not to hire" Chapter 2 pg 11 From Ken's book
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Second guessing myself
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • If you are comped in a restaurant, tip the original amount, not the discounted amount
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • The guest is usually wrong
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck by Mark Manson GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
8. What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough?
   • Anyone who works for you could work anywhere for anyone
9. Name one service you've hired.
   • Talent Distinctions based in LA for HR
10. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
    • BevSpot
11. If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
    • My book
    • Bill Hicks standup special "Revelations"
    • Fish Bone album titled Truth and Soul

Contact info:

www.korganhospitality.com

Find Ken's book right here.

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Ken McGarrie for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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