908: Liz Solomon Dwyer Founder & CEO at King David Tacos

Liz Solomon Dwyer is the Founder and CEO od King David Tacos. Known for Austin-style breakfast tacos at carts and cafes across the city, King David Tacos was founded by Austin, TX native Liz Solomon Dwyer. She applied her decade of experience in advertising to launch King David Tacos in 2016—inspired by her Austin upbringing, Jewish heritage and her late father, fondly known as “King David”—and she leads the business full-time. King David Tacos recently launched its first brick + mortar location and headquarters at 611 Bergen St in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights, enabling its network of over 80 cafe retailers around the city; newly sustainable, zero-emissions  taco + coffee carts (now Powered by Blank Street); as well as its recent launch into select NYC area Whole Foods Markets in the prepared foods section.

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Favorite success quote or mantra:

• "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."

In this episode with Liz Solomon Dwyer we will discuss:

• Marketing and advertising
• Trust and partnerships
• Dealing with difficult people and situations
• Social and emotional intelligence
• Establishing an LLC
• Pop ups and catering
• How to name your restaurant/branding
• Scaling and growth
• Consulting, mentorship
• Food carts
• Retail
• Wholesale

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • I don't accept the status quo
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Impatience
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • The desire to make things better and not accept the status quo
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Figuring out how to get out of my own way
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Treat others how you'd like to be treated
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Recognizing regulars, have conversations with guests
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • Blood, Bones, and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton
   • 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?
   • OptimoRoute - Online Route Planner
9. Name one service you've hired.
   • Totrillas - Fiesta Tortillas in Austin, TX
10. 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?
    • Take time off
    • Eat good food
    • Don't be too hard on yourself

Contact info:

Instagram: @kingdavidtacos

Website: http://kingdavidtacos.com

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Liz Solomon Dwyer 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!