906: Sue Bette Founder and Head Coach at Bluebird Hospitality

With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Sue Bette. Sue Bette is the founder and head coach of Bluebird Hospitality, a Vermont-based company focused on creating community and joy through food and gathering experiences. Founded in 2009, Bluebird Hospitality has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, with Bluebird Tavern nominated as one of the Best New Restaurants in 2010, and the Food Network, with Bluebird Barbecue, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. In her current role, Sue is involved in crafting the company culture, shaping the design and artistic direction, and innovating for future growth opportunities.

Today’s feature affiliate: Bentobox. In need of a restaurant website? Click this link to find out why so many of my guests use Bentobox!

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Favorite success quote or mantra:

• Let go of the oars

In this episode with Sue Bette we will discuss:

• History
• Education/coaching
• Learning what "health food" actually means
• Restaurant reviews
• Educating through food
• Restaurant accolades
• Vulnerable leadership

Today's sponsor:

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Focus on the good
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Trying to please everyone
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • Is this person oriented to be helpful to others
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Rebuilding after the pandemic
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Courtesy, please, thank you
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Don't point, bring people top where they are trying to go
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • Tao Te Ching: A new English Version by Lao Tzu, translated by Stephen Mitchell
   • GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM 
8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
   • Plate IQ
   • Slack
9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
   • Take time to take care of themselves
10. Name one service you've hired.
    • Ian Bishop Imagery
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?
    • Have more fun
    • Stay to the center
    • Fill your life with awesome relationships that support you

Contact info:

Website: https://www.bluebirdbbq.com

Instagram: @sue.bette @bluebirdbbq

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 Sue Bette for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!