997: Chef David Viana Chef/Partner of He...

David Viana is head chef and partner at Heirloom Restaurant Group in New Jersey. David began his career by attending law school in hopes of becoming an attorney. After 6 months in law school, he left because he was unhappy, and enrolled in culinary school. He worked at many well-established fine dining restaurants and eventually joined Heirloom in 2017. Heirloom now consists of a restaurant and a cooking school simultaneously. Many things about Heirloom are brand new in terms of business models and culture. David was also featured on Top Chef!

Check out episode 371 with Jock O'Sullivan as mentioned in today's episode.

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Favorite success quote/mantra:

• "Under-promise and over-deliver."

In this episode with Sam Hart we will discuss:

• Partnerships
• Working in fine-dining
• Alternate payment and tipping models
• Attending and teaching a culinary school

Today's sponsor:

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which “it factor” habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Identifying good people
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Pride
3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
   • Are you capable of passion?
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Opening a restaurant
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Be selfless
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • A surprise gift for guests
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
   • 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?
   • Toast
   • Resy
9. What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
   • Listening to your team
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 fearless
    • Make lots of mistakes
    • Learn from your mistakes

Contact:

Instagram: @chefdaveviana

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to David Viana for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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