The Power of Hospitality

I read Danny Meyer's “Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business” last year when it was given to me by Phil Terry. I have to admit I was skeptical about the relevance about a restauranteur's book having much relevance or applicability in my own life. After reading it, though, I realized that it confirmed many of the same principles I hold so near and dear to my heart...most significantly the fact that a kindly tongue can act as a magnet to people. Danny Meyer's success in the highly-competitive New York City restaurant business is the proof in the [ahem] pudding. This is not to say that the food at, say, Union Square Café isn't terrific (it is) or that the locations he picks aren't inspired (they are). But there are plenty of restaurants with great food and a great location that don't make it. I think Danny's principled approach to managing his business is the reason why he's been so consistently successful. Oh, and his book has done much better than other similar business books.