Danny Meyer, the brains behind Chapel Street’s popular new burger joint Shake Shack, visited Silliman College Friday afternoon for a Master’s Tea.
Meyer is the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, which has won 25 James Beard Awards and runs over 30 restaurants, including the Shake Shack chain. During the Tea, Meyer discussed his path to culinary success and his ability to mesh his early interest in public service with his passion for high-quality food. In each of his restaurants, he said, he places an emphasis on developing a positive culture to maintain the happiness of both his employees and his customers.
“The best tomato sauce in the world won’t taste better than the worst tomato you put into it,” Meyer said. “The same applies to hospitality, and I believe you have to put your team first.”
Meyer said he credits his Midwestern upbringing with influencing the way he runs his business. He looks for new employees with a “high hospitality quotient,” or people who enjoy making others feel good, he said.
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