EP #39 Passing the torch. A conversation with Zack Bruell and his son Julian about running successful restaurants.

I sat down with Zack Bruell and his son Julian who preside over two of the most awarded and notable restaurants in Cleveland. We already know that running successful restaurants is really hard, but I wondered how the father-son dynamic played into this...are the two adversaries or allies? How does one "pass the torch" and when is it time to do that?

L'Albatros and Parallax have thrived for years and they made it through the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking with Zack and Julian, it's clear that they credit each other, and their unique strengths and skills, for making that happen. I spoke to them about the way the business has changed over the years, what it takes to run a restaurant that is "perfect," and how they miss a bit of the old days, when ladies and gentlemen had a different approach to dining out at a restaurant.

We also talk about how both Zack and Julian developed their high standards, and the personal cost to running successful restaurants.