After attending the Scottsdale Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Chef Justin Brunson Scored an internship with Chef Michael DiMaria at Michael’s at the Citadel. In 2004 Brunson made the move to Denver, CO where over the next 4 years he worked with key mentors Richard Sandoval, Frank Bonanno, and Alex Seidel.
In 2008 Brunson opened Masterpiece Delicatessen to rave reviews. The Delicatessen was followed by Old Major in 2013, which won numerous "best of" awards. These hits were followed with Culture Meat and Cheese in 2016, River Bear in 2011 and Royal Rooster in 2018 and the newest concept Folsom Foods in Boulder.
Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra: "Just Go."
In this episode with Justin Brunson we will discuss:
Food halls
Growing up in a farming community
Respecting food
Agression
Learning respect
Enthusiasm vs. extremism
Communication is key
Don't be a hothead
Minimizing stress
Differences between family-owned and run vs. corporate chains
Testing the market
Trying things out before going all-in
Opening at ultra-low cost
Opening mistakes and how to avoid them
Opening new locations, closing them, and why
Offering health insurance to your staff and team
Be weary of partners
Getting burned by partners
Trust AND track
Be a caring boss
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Knowledge bombs
Which "it factor"Â habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Be good and kind to people
What is your biggest weakness? Being too kind to people
What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Worst work experience and how you handled it
What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Finding good employees
Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Clean your shoes
What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Push hospitality to the max
What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Â Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
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What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Take take of themselves
What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations? Hire good IT people
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? Do what you say you're going to do - integrity
Don't be late
Make sure your knives are sharp
Contact info: Email: jobs@brunsonconcepts.com
Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!
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Huge thanks to Justin Brunson for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!
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