Serving Success

As leaders grow, it’s easy to lose touch with day-to-day team life. Taylor Scott reveals how staying curious, humble, and conversational can prevent emotional disconnect from creeping in.Takeaways:Stay curious about your people and how they’re doingMake time for walk-and-talk conversations to stay close to the workShow consistent interest to help your team feel seen and supportedWant 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.

Taylor Scott shares a daily leadership habit that transforms distraction into purpose. Learn how focusing on the important (not just the urgent) helps create clarity and alignment within teams.Takeaways:Set clear goals to focus your team and drive momentumAlign daily action with long-term vision through SMART goalsCelebrate small wins to keep teams connected and motivatedWant 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.

Emotional intelligence is essential to great leadership. Taylor Scott breaks down the four components of EQ and how they impact team dynamics, performance, and leadership presence in hospitality.Takeaways:Strengthen self-awareness to lead with consistency under pressureRead emotional cues to connect with empathy and intentManage relationships with balance to create team harmonyWant 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.

Taylor Scott dives into one of the toughest but most important leadership challenges: holding people accountable with empathy. He shares the concept of coaching with grace, grit, and intention, and how values-based feedback can drive real change.Takeaways:Build credibility before delivering tough feedbackCoach through the lens of shared valuesOffer grace and transparency during hard conversationsWant 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.

Recognition isn’t just a moment, it’s a rhythm. Taylor Scott walks through how to build recognition into your weekly habits in meaningful ways.Takeaways:Catch people doing things right more often than wrongReinforce values by celebrating them out loudTell stories that highlight team strengths and winsWant 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.

Recognition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Taylor Scott explores how leaders can adapt their recognition to the individual, and why that makes all the difference.Takeaways:Tailor recognition to how each person best receives itUse specific praise to reinforce belonging and cultureAcknowledge individual value to deepen connectionWant 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.

Retention doesn’t come from perks, it comes from empathy. Taylor Scott reveals how to use simple, learnable skills to connect and keep your team.Takeaways:Listen to understand, not to respondBuild trust by reflecting back emotion and experienceKeep top performers by making them feel seen and heardWant 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.

Energy is contagious, for better or worse. Taylor Scott shares how leaders can shift the energy in the room, creating an atmosphere that motivates, unites, and inspires.Takeaways:Set the tone with steady, positive energyModel calm and confidence when pressure is highLead with presence to help your team stay alignedWant 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.

High-stress moments don’t have to break team morale. Taylor Scott shares how trust, preparation, and consistent communication help teams stay grounded and connected under pressure.Takeaways:Invest emotionally before high-pressure moments arriveBuild trust through early and frequent communicationCreate stability with consistent, intentional conversationsWant 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.

Culture is what you do, not what you say. Taylor Scott explains the damage done when leadership actions don’t match company values, and how to avoid it.Takeaways:Align your actions with your stated valuesBuild credibility through consistencyEarn trust by following through with integrityWant 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.

Taylor Scott unpacks the self-determination theory and how it fuels performance. Compassionate leadership isn’t soft, it’s strategic.Takeaways:Promote autonomy, competence, and community to boost motivationUnderstand what drives high-performing hospitality teamsEncourage with intention to create lasting impactWant 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.

Taylor Scott explains how small but meaningful recognition can create a sense of belonging and motivate teams to stay engaged. Leaders who speak to their team’s values win trust and loyalty.Takeaways:Recognize when team members live your valuesReinforce culture by showing people how they belongCreate belonging by acknowledging what makes people valuableWant 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.

Learn why emotional connection is the foundation of effective leadership. Taylor Scott shares the six virtues of leading with hospitality and how they apply in the day-to-day life of operators and managers.Takeaways:Commit to connection before offering directionPractice self-awareness and purpose to build emotional intelligenceCoach more effectively by showing up with presence and storytellingWant 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.

Taylor Scott breaks down what it truly means to lead with hospitality through action, emotion, and connection. He shares how great leadership mirrors the best guest experiences, driving loyalty and engagement through intentional service.Takeaways:Mirror the emotional connection of great hospitality in your leadershipLead by being human, emotionally connected, and service-drivenTreat your team the way you treat guests to build loyaltyWant 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.

It’s time to stop focusing on what’s broken and start building what’s next. Chef Matt Jennings reframes restaurant culture as a place of growth, creativity, and real opportunity for future leaders.Takeaways:Recognize hospitality as a space for career and personal developmentMake leadership development part of your systemsCreate workplaces that feel good and function wellWant 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.

Chef Matt Jennings discusses how aligning your passion, purpose, and process is the foundation of sustainable hospitality leadership, and what MAJC is doing to make that a reality for more operators.Takeaways:Reground your business in what matters most to youCreate systems that translate passion into repeatable outcomesBuild long-term leadership skills beyond the kitchen or front-of-houseWant 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.

Hospitality leadership is evolving, and chef Matt Jennings believes the next generation of leaders needs to listen more than they speak. This episode explores what true leadership looks like today.Takeaways:Shift from top-down commands to active listening and supportRedesign hospitality systems to attract and retain younger talentLead with empathy to build better, stronger restaurant teamsWant 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.

Chef Matt Jennings shares two major industry trends he’s watching closely: shifting civic policies affecting local restaurants and ongoing challenges around staffing.Takeaways:Watch how local regulations affect restaurant operations and marginsAdjust hiring and training for a younger, less experienced workforceBuild systems that support your team, including undocumented workersWant 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.

In this episode, chef Matt Jennings breaks down what makes MAJC’s Expert Sessions so valuable, and why live access to industry leaders is changing the game for operators.Takeaways:Learn from experts in finance, HR, sustainability, wellness, and moreInteract live with top operators and hospitality leadersUse Expert Sessions as a professional development resource for both you and your  teamWant 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.

Chef Matt Jennings shares what makes Office Hours inside the MAJC community so powerful, and why real-time, judgment-free conversations are helping operators grow faster and feel less alone.Takeaways:Create space for tough, honest business conversationsLearn directly from trusted experts in HR, finance, and operationsMake weekly problem-solving a leadership habitWant 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.

What does the MAJC community offer? Chef Matt Jennings walks through the tools, relationships, and shared values that make this platform different.Takeaways:Find peer support across operations, finance, HR, and moreLearn from others’ wins and mistakes to shorten your pathAccess exclusive tools and guidance designed for hospitality leadersWant 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.

Why did chef Matt Jennings co-found MAJC? In this episode, he shares the personal experiences that inspired him to build a hospitality community, and what operators actually need right now.Takeaways:Support operators facing burnout, uncertainty, and isolationCombine systems, creativity, and technology in one spaceBuild solutions that scale without losing the human elementWant 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.

If it feels like your restaurant is running you, you’re not alone. Chef Matt Jennings offers strategies for stepping back, assessing, and regaining control of your time and energy.Takeaways:Schedule weekly strategy sessions, even if just two hoursUse team input to evaluate what’s working and what’s notEvaluate projects that drain energy without adequate returnWant 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.

Chaos is part of the job, but alignment is a choice. Chef Matt Jennings shares why clear communication and smart systems are the foundation of every resilient team.Takeaways:Standardize team communication tools across shifts and rolesBe explicit about your vision instead of assuming team alignmentBuild architecture before expecting resultsWant 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.

Every operator talks about systems, but how do you build ones that actually work? Chef Matt Jennings shares how his restaurants handled everything from R&D to bar maintenance.Takeaways:Document and iterate on R&D processes with full team inputDesign systems with ownership in mind, not just complianceLayer small systems to create a culture of accountabilityWant 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.

Chef Matt Jennings opens up about the hardest decision of his career: closing his restaurant. This deeply personal episode explores what led to that moment, and what other operators can learn from it.Takeaways:Monitor cash flow, receivables, and market fitKnow when your well-being needs to come firstTransparency with yourself is a leadership skillWant 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.

Chef Matt Jennings reflects on a leadership lesson learned the hard way, and how it changed how he supports and empowers his team. If you’ve struggled with micromanagement or middle-manager turnover, this one’s for you.Takeaways:Balance trust and accountability with systemsAvoid giving too much freedom without adequate toolsMiddle managers need support and structure to thriveWant 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.

What do you wish someone told you before opening your first restaurant? Chef Matt Jennings shares his answer, and it’s not what you’d expect. This episode highlights the behind-the-scenes logistics most new operators miss.Takeaways:Build a trusted network of service providers before you openCreate real feedback loops with guests to stay adaptableLet market demand, not ego, guide your decisionsWant 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.

In this kickoff episode, Carolyn Grillo flips the script and interviews chef Matt Jennings, co-founder of MAJC, about his journey from acclaimed chef to founder. Matt opens up about what he got wrong in business and how that experience shaped his mission today.Takeaways:Prioritize business systems and financial literacy from day oneProfitability requires structure, not just passion and creativityProactive leadership beats reactive decision-makingWant 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.

From debt to equity to grants, Lauren Fernandez breaks down the full range of capital options restaurant founders can access and how to match funding to your stage of growth.Takeaways:Align capital choices to your stage, control preferences, and risk toleranceExplore debt, SBA loans, angel investors, and private equity optionsDon’t overlook grants, fellowships, and other non-dilutive capital sourcesWant 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.

Equity is a powerful tool. Lauren Fernandez explains how founders can share upside while protecting ownership and preserving future capital flexibility.Takeaways:Grant equity carefully and only when it drives real retentionUse employee profit pools or profit shares instead of voting sharesCreate internal, flexible programs that align with long-term goalsWant 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.

Money and management aren’t the same thing. Lauren Fernandez explains how to define operating roles, accountability, and partnership structure from day one.Takeaways:Clarify responsibilities and job titles inside your partnershipDistinguish between passive investors and operational partnersDocument reporting lines, hiring authority, and accountability systemsWant 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.

Lauren Fernandez outlines the most common legal mistakes operators make during fundraising and how to protect your business, your future, and your team.Takeaways:Separate investment agreements from promised services or perksDo due diligence on your investors, including background checksInclude buy-sell clauses, dispute resolutions, and exit strategies in agreementsWant 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.

Lauren Fernandez shares why it’s critical to evaluate people, not just capital, before you take investor money—and how to avoid costly partner mistakes.Takeaways:Prioritize integrity, transparency, and humility in partner selectionAssess how a new partner would support your team long-termSet clear personal filters to guide decisionsWant 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.

Lauren Fernandez breaks down how to structure multiple entities inside a growing restaurant group, and why it’s critical for managing risk, minimizing taxes, and planning for expansion.Takeaways:Form parent LLCs with separate operating subsidiariesSeparate intellectual property, franchising, and manufacturing entitiesUse ownership structures to insulate risk and simplify future dealsWant 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.

Lauren Fernandez reveals the most common and most expensive scaling error operators make: choosing the wrong location.Takeaways:Vet real estate decisions with full data and on-the-ground observationUnderstand customer patterns beyond income levelsUse brokers, site analytics, and franchise disclosure documents as resourcesWant 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.

Your grand opening plan can make or break a new restaurant launch. Lauren Fernandez shares her blueprint for generating buzz and driving momentum.Takeaways:Build a 90-day marketing ramp-up before opening dayCreate organic local buzz through grassroots outreachAvoid opening to an empty parking lot by building social proof earlyWant 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.

As you expand locations and partnerships, brand consistency becomes everything. Lauren Fernandez breaks down how to define, document, and protect your brand DNA.Takeaways:Define your mission, tone, and core brand personalityGo beyond basic brand books to capture voice, style, and storyAlign all vendors, agencies, and teams to one clear brand visionWant 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.

Franchising doesn’t mean losing your soul or your brand. Lauren Fernandez reframes franchising as mentorship and culture-building done right.Takeaways:Coach early franchisees as extensions of your internal teamSet high standards with first franchise partnersBuild brand loyalty and peer accountability through franchise cultureWant 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.

Franchising isn’t for every restaurant. Lauren Fernandez explains the ethical and financial standards that must be in place before you even consider it.Takeaways:Validate your model with multiple profitable locations firstProve consistency in both sales and operational performanceAvoid franchising if your business isn’t reliably cash-flow positiveWant 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.

Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It requires documented, teachable processes. Lauren Fernandez shares how to build systems that scale across locations.Takeaways:Document daily operations with clear, actionable checklistsUse digital, mobile-accessible training tools for younger staffBuild systems that work even with high turnover and quick onboardingWant 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.

Expansion sounds exciting, but Lauren Fernandez explains why adding locations before you’ve dialed in your model can destroy your business.Takeaways:Avoid expansion until your first unit is fully profitableValidate your model with multiple locations before franchisingUse early expansion to experiment with formats and fine-tune operationsWant 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.

Strong unit-level economics are non-negotiable if you want investors or long-term stability. Lauren breaks down the numbers every operator should know inside and out.Takeaways:Know your trailing 12-month AUV, prime costs, and EBITDAWatch both top-line sales and bottom-line profitability trendsTrain your managers to monitor and own these core KPIsWant 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.

Lauren Fernandez shares how restaurant operators must learn to “play P&L detective”—tracking every dollar to catch issues early and prevent financial leaks.Takeaways:Review your P&L monthly to catch issues before they escalateInvestigate line items to identify waste, theft, or pricing shiftsUse P&L insights to drive menu pricing, ordering, and labor decisionsWant 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.

In this kickoff episode with Lauren Fernandez, we dive into the three systems every operator should put in place from day one, and how they set the foundation for long-term profitability.Takeaways:Establish clean accounting systems and P&L reporting earlyImplement easy, accurate inventory processes for key ingredientsBuild flexible labor scheduling that supports cross-trainingWant 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.

Every partnership ends, so plan for that from day one. Attorney Michael Zalay shares legal steps to ensure your restaurant survives breakups, buyouts, and the unexpected.Takeaways:Include exit plans in your operating and partnership agreements.Define next steps in case of death, departure, or disputes.Limit investor risk by planning for “key person” changes.Want 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.

Attorney Michael Zalay compares traditional restaurant leases with management agreements, highlighting the pros, cons, and legal implications of each model.Takeaways:Decide who owns the space, licenses, and payroll obligations.Understand that leases offer higher upside, but carry higher risk.Use management agreements for lower-risk growth opportunities.Want 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.

In this episode, Attorney Michael Zalay outlines what to look for when signing a lease, from HVAC to neighbors to liquor laws, and how to avoid costly surprises.Takeaways:Hire a local broker and research neighborhood dynamics.Inspect infrastructure and negotiate key landlord responsibilities.Avoid lease terms that leave you footing major upgrade bills.Want 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.

Thinking of opening a second location? Attorney Michael Zalay shares the IP, entity, and licensing considerations every hospitality brand should prepare in advance.Takeaways:Separate IP ownership from the operating restaurant entity.License brand assets to each location through a holding company.Clarify investor rights and revenue participation early.Want 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.

Raising money isn’t just hard—it’s risky. Attorney Michael Zalay offers legal advice for attracting the right investors and structuring restaurant deals that work.Takeaways:Vet investors carefully and prioritize accredited backers.Create clear terms around returns and decision-making.Prepare a full business plan before pitching your concept.Want 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.