Brian Baxter on What No One Told Him About Starting a Restaurant

Chef Brian Baxter didn’t want to run someone else’s kitchen. He wanted to build his own.Now the executive chef and partner at The Catbird Seat in Nashville, Baxter is leading one of the country’s most innovative tasting menus. In this episode, he shares how he creates layered, intentional experiences; why collaboration drives everything at his restaurant; and how he’s developing the next generation of leaders through thoughtful mentorship and systems.TakeawaysCollaboration is the foundation of creative kitchen cultureGreat tasting menus are built on storytelling, not just techniqueTransparency in decision-making empowers staff at every levelGrowth comes from curiosity and consistencyMentorship means sharing the process, not just the outcomeLeaders must check in constantly to build team stabilityBeing a chef today requires emotional intelligence and adaptabilityWant to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest?MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.