Chefs, restaurateurs share their best advice

Photo: Michael Persico

Photo: Jeff Stamper

Photo: Steph Grant

Jonathan Bennett
Chef/partner of Red Restaurant Group, Cleveland

“My father advised me to never start anything that I would want to stop. For example, if the line guys are tired after a long day and want to leave without cleaning up, and you say yes to them going, you’re setting a precedent and there is no turning back.”


Chef/partner of Zahav, Percy Street Barbecue and Federal Donuts (two units), Philadelphia

“If you want to be a cook, then think like a cook. If you want to be a chef, then think like a chef. If you want to be an owner of a restaurant, then think like an owner of a restaurant.”


Founder of Strategic Hospitality, Nashville, TN

“The best advice I received came from a sign that hung in our grandfather’s office, our dad’s office and now our office, that reads: ‘A business succeeds, not because it is big or because it has been long established, but because there are men/women in it, who live it, sleep it, dream it, and build great future plans for it.’”

Ashok Bajaj
Founder of the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group, Washington, DC

“My late father told me to hire the best people I could afford. ‘Surround yourself with really smart people and they will make you look good,’ he said.”

Ron Green
Founder/president/c.e.o. of Broken Egg Cafe, Destin, FL

“‘If you commit to something, then do it justice and finish the project.’ That advice comes from my grandfather, Papa Sam, who lived to be 102 years old and worked up until he was 92. His advice has been part of my restaurant roots since opening the first Broken Egg 17 years ago.”


The top dog at Starr Restaurant Group, Philadelphia

“If the bookkeeper comes in on Sundays, he’s stealing from you.”