In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, humor and resilience often go hand in hand. Square, a payment processing and financial services platform, has unveiled an engaging new video series called “Running a Restaurant Is No Joke,” featuring actor and comedian Eric Wareheim. This four-part series aims to provide valuable insights into the realities of owning and operating a restaurant, making it a crucial watch for small business owners navigating similar paths.
The series, produced by Square in collaboration with the Emmy-winning creative studio Ventureland, combines comedic elements with genuine advice from established restaurateurs in Los Angeles. Viewers will see Wareheim take a deep dive into the daily grind faced by restaurant owners, highlighting the relationships and challenges that define the industry.
Among the chefs featured are:
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Alisa Reynolds, the James Beard-nominated chef and owner of My 2 Cents, who shares her experiences running a restaurant and emphasizes the importance of financial management and decision-making.
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Alvin Cailan, a pioneer of America’s Filipino food movement and host of “The Burger Show,” who sheds light on effective hiring practices and operational efficiency.
- Keegan Fong, who transitioned from a pop-up to owning two brick-and-mortar locations of Woon Kitchen, discussing the impact of adapting to the evolving takeout game.
The motivation behind this series stems from Square’s commitment to support the restaurant industry, especially as these establishments face heightened challenges due to factors like recent wildfires in California. Lindsey Irvine, Chief Marketing Officer at Square, states, “Running a restaurant isn’t just a job – it’s a passion, a grind, and a daily lesson in resilience.” This encapsulates the struggles many small business owners can relate to—juggling passion with practicality.
Small business owners stand to gain several key insights from the series. First and foremost, the episodes serve as a reminder that success in the restaurant industry demands not just culinary talent but also an understanding of the business side. For instance, Chef Alisa emphasizes the trade-offs and financial pressures of running a restaurant, a critical lesson for entrepreneurs across all industries.
Additionally, the series highlights the significance of teamwork and efficiency in operations. As depicted by Alvin Cailan, hiring the right people can lead to not only operational success but a positive customer experience. This insight can apply across various sectors—building a strong, reliable team is essential regardless of the field.
Moreover, the importance of adapting to market changes is a recurring theme. Keegan Fong’s journey from pop-up to established restaurant owner showcases the potential of innovation and flexibility, a consideration increasingly vital for businesses in today’s fast-paced environment. For small business owners, the ability to pivot based on consumer demands can be a game-changer.
However, small business owners might also ponder the challenges portrayed in the series. The humorous yet harrowing journey through restaurant ownership illustrates the significant emotional and financial investment required. The reality of navigating crises—like those caused by natural disasters—demonstrates the need for resilience and adaptability to thrive.
As Eric Wareheim aptly notes, “Running a restaurant is truly no joke – it’s a crazy journey that requires a lot of patience, partnership, and a good helping of humor.” His acknowledgment of both the rewards and challenges of the restaurant world speaks to the broader experience of entrepreneurship.
The series is not just a set of entertaining episodes; it’s also a valuable resource. Available on Square’s website, these videos are supported by a multi-channel marketing campaign that includes social media and email promotions, ensuring broad accessibility for small business owners seeking insight and inspiration.
With the launch of “Running a Restaurant Is No Joke,” Square is reinforcing its commitment to empowering small businesses. By providing real-world advice paired with humor, the company seeks to illuminate the complexities of running a restaurant while equipping owners with the tools needed to succeed in their endeavors. To explore the series further, visit Square’s website.
Image Via BizSugar
