800: Burt Rapoport President of Rapoport's Restaurant Group, Inc.

With excitement, allow me to introduce to you today's guest, President of Rapoport Restaruant Group, Inc, Burt Rapoport. A visionary, third-generation restaurant aficionado, award-winning restaurateur Burt Rapoport has led an impressive legacy in the South Florida restaurant scene for over three decades. Rapoport started his career in New York City, where his family owned and operated a successful kosher dairy restaurant for fifty years. President of Rapoport’s Restaurant Group in Boca Raton, Florida, he is recognized for his dedication to providing high-quality cuisine for a good value, a warm and welcoming ambiance, and truly attentive service at all of his restaurants. An industry leader revered for his progressive vision, management style, and hospitality expertise, he was on the board of the South Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) and he served on the advisory board for Johnson & Wales, the largest culinary university in the United States, for over ten years. He is also a Trustee for the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. A Boca Raton, Florida, resident, Burt enjoys traveling, swimming, and surfing. He holds the title of 2017 Power Leader in Hospitality and 2016 South Florida Ultimate CEO by the South Florida Business Journal, 2008 “Business Leader of the Year” by Boca Raton’s Chamber of Commerce, 2007 “Restaurateur of the Year” by Gold Life Boca, Gold Coast and Palm Beacher Magazines, and has won numerous Readers’ Choice Awards from Boca Raton Magazine for each of his restaurant concepts including Favorite Restaurant, Best Service, Best Business Lunch, Best Dining Entertainment, Best Fine Dining and Best Outdoor Dining. Not only recognized locally but on a national level, Rapoport’s Restaurant Group won the 2013 Southeast DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award and the national Community Excellence Award, recognizing a small business’ community commitment, presented by the United States Chamber of Commerce. He was also honored by his alma mater, Arizona State University, when he was inducted in their Sun Devil 100 program in 2016, which honors university alumni business leaders and entrepreneurs. Rapoport’s Restaurant Group was also recognized by Restaurant Hospitality magazine in 2018 as one of the RH 25: Coolest Multi Concept Companies.

Show notes…

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Favorite success quote or mantra:

• The answer is yes. Now, what's the question?

In today's episode with Burt Rapaport we will discuss:

• Third generation restaurateur
• Standards
• Discipline
• Scaling
• Don't grow too fast
• Advice about HR
• Educational speakers for your staff
• Dissolving a partnership

Today's sponsor:

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Self-discipline
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Too optimistic
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • Do I like them?
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Finding enough good team members to staff our restaurants
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • If I have to do your job, what do I need you for?
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • "Drink through it." If the power goes out at 8pm, have a party.
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
   • 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey 
   • GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM 
8. What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough?
   • Give back to the community
9. Name one service you've hired.
   • Scott Berger - Food Safety and Sanitation Inspections
10. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
    • Spot On-POS
11. 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?
    • Life is short so enjoy it
    • Treat people how you want to be treated
    • Be honest

Contact info:

Rapaport's Restaurant Group website

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!

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Huge thanks to Burt Rapaport for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

 

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