The Leadership Series: Transforming the Hospitality Industry through Growth Mindset & Digital Innovation
A Conversation with James Bonanno, CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group
The restaurant and hospitality industry has witnessed a phenomenal transformation, with innovation and growth being at the heart of this evolution. Our Leadership Series celebrates the inspirational journeys of visionaries and leaders who have made a mark in this vibrant industry. In this episode, we dive into an engaging conversation with James Bonanno, a name synonymous with growth, acceleration, and technological innovation.
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Turning Tables: Innovating & Accelerating with Kathleen Wood & James Bonanno
In this episode of Turning Tables, hosted by Kathleen Wood, the Growth Strategist with unparalleled insights, she invites James Bonanno, the CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, to share his valuable experiences and profound insights into building a successful restaurant empire.
James Bonanno: A Journey from Waiting Tables to Leading Upstream Hospitality
James Bonanno began his illustrious career at a young age, starting in food service at 14. From waiting on tables to bartending, he eventually opened his first Tap Room location in 2011, bridging the distance between local pub ambiance and restaurant-quality food. As the CEO of Upstream Hospitality, Bonanno's vision, determination, and digital prowess have spurred the growth of brands like Tap Room and Bango Bowls, with ambitious expansion plans.
Growth Mindset: More Than a Buzzword
Kathleen Wood and James Bonanno delve into the essence of a growth mindset, discussing how personal development and learning from various sources are crucial in preparing for and overcoming challenges. As Bonanno puts it, a strong mental mindset is essential in leading others and navigating the bumps on the road to success.
Streamlining Processes with Digital Innovation
Bonanno emphasizes the importance of staying digitally forward. From using software to streamline scheduling to creating a seamless online ordering experience, technology plays an integral role in enhancing efficiency.
Kathleen Wood adds, "Search out those solutions that can either make it better, faster, stronger, or more efficient. Some of these solutions can be super cost-effective and very powerful."
The Unstealable Asset: Company Culture
An enlightening discussion on company culture underscores its irreplaceable role in brand growth. Wood shares her belief that culture can't be stolen, and a healthy culture can accelerate growth, while a toxic one can derail or even implode a business.
Wood eloquently states, “Bad marketing may hurt a company but a poor culture can definitely stop a company from moving forward.”
Final Thoughts
Tune into the Turning Tables podcast to discover more insights from Wood and Bonanno on the importance of company culture, customer experience, and tech stack in today's restaurant marketplace.
As part of our Leadership Series, this episode offers a glimpse into the strategic thinking and relentless pursuit of innovation that characterizes today's leading entrepreneurs in the restaurant and hospitality industry. It is a testament to their commitment to growth, leadership, and the passion for staying ahead in a dynamic environment.
Embrace the future of hospitality with James Bonanno's inspiring story. The journey from waiting tables to CEO is not just about business acumen but also about fostering a mindset that paves the way for unprecedented growth and success.
You may also like Fast Casual Nation. Fast Casual Nation is the longest-running podcast in the Fast Casual sector. It continues to be the darling of the food industry and is destined to redefine what restaurants and food can be for the consumer of the future.
