965: Robert Guarino Owner and Head Coach of 5 Napkin Burger

Robert Guarino is the Owner and head Coach at 5 Napkin Burger in NYC. Robert started in the industry as a teenager bussing tables. He then went to the Cornell Hotel School. In 2001 he met his long-time partner Simon Oren, who took him on as the GM at Marseille. In 2007 they opened Nizza together in 2007 and then in 2008, 5 Napkin burger was opened. 5 Napkin Burger scaled up to 7 locations, but has since scaled down to 2 core locations in NYC. Robert has also been a part of other concepts in the same neigborhood as 5 Napkin Burger, such as Playa Betty’s and Schmackary's Cookies.

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Favor success quote/mantra:

• "If you're not getting better, you're getting passed."
• "Greatness is many, many small acts, but each one is doable."

In this episode with Robert Guarino we will discuss:

• Opening and closing restaurants
• How to create a great casual dining experience, a "meeting place"
• Systems
• Training
• Scaling forward and scaling back

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which “it factor” habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Natural empathy
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Wanting to do everything
3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
   • Are they excited?
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Staffing
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • No assholes
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Say yes
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • In Search of Excellence by Thomas J. Peterson and Robert H. Waterman, Jr.
   • 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?
   • Say thank you
9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
   • Bikky
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?
    • Be kind to others
    • Have fun doing what you do
    • Find great people to love and work with

Contact:

Instagram: @restaurantlifer

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Robert Guarino for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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