It's a Bear to Open a Restaurant!

The 2023 CRAZIES AWARDS by the Connecticut Restaurant Association was at Foxwoods Resort & Casino on December 4, 2023. We were there along with 1400 of our closest industry friends! In this episode, we talk about the event, the winners, the losers, the food, the fun, and all things CRAZY!

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

On this episode, Ben and Justin talk about the upcoming CRAZIES AWARDS, the annual awards celebrating the hospitality industry in CT sponsored by the Connecticut Restaurant Association.

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

Welcome to another captivating episode of the Family Meal Podcast, where we uncover the stories and journeys of culinary connoisseurs, restaurant owners, and those who have a deep love for all things hospitality.

Our guest on this episode is Meredith Barry, a remarkable individual whose connection with the hospitality industry began at a young age. Meredith's early introduction to the world of hospitality came courtesy of her father, who entrusted her with various responsibilities at the country club he managed. However, it was the art of crafting tantalizing drinks for others that truly captivated Meredith's heart.

From her humble beginnings concocting mini-bottle beverages and Island Oasis Pina Coladas, Meredith's journey has led her to the pinnacle of the craft cocktail scene in the bustling city of Chicago, and then onto St. Louis. But for Meredith, it's always been about more than just mixing drinks; it's about creating an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Meredith's philosophy is grounded in the belief that the power of action, words, leadership, and unwavering consistency in expectations, commitments, and passions are essential in both her personal and professional life. Whether at home or in the workplace, she forges her path in the fiery crucible of passion, driven by love, respect, validation, and an unwavering commitment to every individual who crosses her threshold.

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Meredith Barry to explore her remarkable journey, the secrets behind her mixology expertise, and her profound dedication to creating exceptional moments for all who enter her world. 

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

In this Hot Plate short take, Ben and Justin explore the art of sandwiches...

"Imagine the perfect sandwich. 
Do you see the beauty? 
The delicious combination of flavors? Perfect. 
Now imagine the perfect You. Do you see the beauty? 
The delicious combination of flavors? 
Or Do you only see the imperfections? The flaws? The mistakes? 
Sometimes we all get trapped in prisons Of our own self-loathing. 
But how do we get out? How do we break free? 
When the world tells us we’re nothing, 
How do we remember that we’re more Than just the sum of our parts? 
Why is it so hard to believe 
That we are nothing less than Perfect, Just as we are? 
Try again."
– Mikael Burke 

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

In this mouth-watering episode, Justin and Ben, seasoned culinary experts, share their insights and lessons learned from opening over 20 restaurants. From tackling permits, supply chain issues, to perfecting the menu and marketing strategies, they unveil the secrets of surviving the challenging journey of launching a new restaurant. Whether you're a restaurant enthusiast or dream of owning one, this episode is a must-listen for valuable advice and delicious stories from the culinary world. Join us at the table and satisfy your appetite for knowledge!

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

Out first Hot Plate episode. A short take from Ben and Justin 

"A menu is an instruction manual for your time in a restaurant" 
Just about everything you need to know is on the menu. Its not an inspirational guide for you to interpet but more of a non fiction.  
And, no, if you are a grwon a$$ human, you can NOT order off the kids menu,
Cheers

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

Jill is one of the region’s, most celebrated bartenders and business owners.
She rocks hospitality levels and has a refreshing take on what we do. She speaks the language and shares the love to us all. She is deep in the life and "A friend of ours" ...Yes,
A hospitality gangster 

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

In this final episode of Season 1, we have fan-favorite Chef Christiane from Arugula back! We talk about social media/online reviews in the restaurant business, as well as putting a final wrap on Season 1 -- check it out,

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

As an industry, the restaurant world faces a lot of regulation and oversight. From health and zoning codes to changes to the minimum wage, potential erasure of the tip credit, and more -- it can be a complex matrix to navigate for restaurant owners and operators. 

In this episode, Justin and Ben talk with Connecticut Restaurant Association President/CEO Scott Dolch. Scott shares about some of the most relevent issues coming up that owners/operators need to be aware of. Additionally, we dig deep on these issues and the different sides of the debate. 

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.

Leadership matters everywhere. But to be a succesful business within the restaurant industry certainly demands great leadership. In this epsiode, Ben and Justin talk about their experiences within the industry and identify principals of great leadership that are necessary to be a successful leader in a restaurant setting, Whether you are in leadership or aspire to be, this episode is worth gnawing on.

Family Meal is a podcast about the hospitality industry by two industry vets, Ben and Justin. Between the two of them, they have well over 40 combined years of experience in just about every position available in a restaurant. They are also pretty funny.