474: Anticipate and attack with Stefan and Sofia Soltys

In this episode with Stefan and Sofia Soltys, we discuss: What Stefan and Sofia learned hospitality observing their parents. Learning from a variety of people and discovering what works for you and doesn't work for you. Assuming what the guest wants and initiating the interaction. Finding the sweet spot between starting too small or starting too big. What good communication looks like. Tips on how to communicate using your body language. Being tired of working for other people. The importance of having a good lawyer when purchasing a restaurant space. Researching your landlord before signing a contract. Trust your gut, but also question it. Sister and brother team, Sofia and Stefan Soltys have hospitality in their blood. Growing up in the two restaurants their parents owned and operated, it was only natural for them to one day own their  restaurants. In 2014, they opened Frances Food & Coffee, a cafe dedicated to supporting local businesses. Their latest venture, Little Odessa specializing in Eastern European food and local beers, and opened to months ago with acclaim. Show notes… Favorite Success Quote or Mantra. "Onwards and upwards." Today's Sponsor Sourcery allows you to streamline and digitize your entire Accounts Payable operation. Digital invoicing, backed with human verification, will save you countless hours of work and increase AP accuracy. Say goodbye to your file cabinets and enter the digital world. Kabbage. Apply for up to 250,000 of funding through Kabbage, and you'll get a $50 e-gift card when you quality. Get started! Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? High Energy. Attention. Respecting staff. Having fun. What is your biggest weakness? Perfectionist. Too empathetic. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Look for nervousness- It says they care. Smile. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?  Managing cost. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Treat your guest like a friend. Staying on your toes. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Having a greater sense of awareness of anticipated needs. Share an online resource or tool. Guild of Sommeliers Podcast. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM  Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business Never Split the Different: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It What's one piece of technology you've adopted in your restaurant and how has it influence operations? Merchant Facility 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? Give it a shot. Be nice . always have fun. Don't sweat the small stuff. Contact Info Instagram: @odessafitzroy Website www.littleodessa.com.au www.francisfoodandcoffee Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Stefan and Sofia Saltys for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!