Danny Meyer's Setting the Table: Quotes to Elevate Your Business (Page Numbers Included)
Danny Meyer's Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business isn't just a business book; it's a manifesto for creating a culture of genuine hospitality that permeates every aspect of an organization. Meyer, the renowned restaurateur behind Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), shares his philosophy and practical strategies for building a successful and fulfilling business through exceptional service. This post dives into some of the most impactful quotes from the book, along with their page numbers for easy reference, demonstrating how Meyer's wisdom can elevate your own business.
"The most important thing we sell is not food, it’s hospitality." (Page 17)
This foundational principle underpins Meyer's entire approach. It shifts the focus from simply providing a product or service to cultivating a meaningful experience for every customer, employee, and stakeholder. It highlights the intangible yet powerful impact of genuine human connection on business success. Think about how you can translate this into your own industry. What is the intangible element that truly sets your business apart?
"Every single employee is a hospitality professional, from the dishwasher to the CEO." (Page 29)
Meyer emphasizes the importance of a unified culture, where every team member, regardless of their role, contributes to the overall hospitality experience. This quote underscores the necessity of empowering everyone within the organization to embody the company's values and contribute to customer satisfaction. It emphasizes the value of every role in creating a cohesive and successful enterprise.
"It’s not enough to simply ‘be nice.’ You have to be genuinely interested in people." (Page 31)
This quote challenges the superficial notion of customer service. True hospitality, according to Meyer, goes beyond politeness; it requires a genuine interest in understanding and connecting with individuals. This creates a more personal and memorable experience, fostering loyalty and advocacy. How can you cultivate this genuine interest within your team?
"We believe that everyone deserves to feel special." (Page 42)
This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of USHG's philosophy. It highlights the importance of treating every customer, employee, and even supplier with respect and care, recognizing their inherent worth. This approach fosters a positive and inclusive work environment and enhances customer relationships.
"The only way to ensure great hospitality is to hire, train, and promote great people." (Page 67)
Meyer emphasizes the crucial role of human capital in building a successful hospitality-driven business. This quote underscores the importance of strategic hiring practices, comprehensive training programs, and creating opportunities for growth and advancement. It’s a powerful reminder that people are your greatest asset.
"We believe that all growth starts from the bottom up." (Page 107)
Meyer's commitment to employee empowerment is evident in this quote. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture where innovation and improvement emerge from every level of the organization. It highlights the value of open communication and employee feedback in driving growth and progress.
"Profit is a consequence of doing things well. Not the goal." (Page 197)
This quote challenges the traditional business mindset that solely focuses on profit maximization. Meyer argues that exceptional hospitality, employee well-being, and customer satisfaction are primary drivers of success, and profit will naturally follow. This long-term perspective is key to sustainable growth.
"We don't measure success by the bottom line alone. We measure it by the impact we have on people’s lives." (Page 221)
This concluding sentiment encapsulates Meyer's philosophy perfectly. It transcends the purely financial metrics of success and emphasizes the lasting positive impact a business can have on its employees, customers, and the wider community. It's a powerful call for businesses to consider their broader social responsibility.
By integrating these principles from Setting the Table, businesses can cultivate a culture that not only thrives but also makes a positive impact on the lives of everyone involved. The lasting legacy of Danny Meyer's work lies in his ability to demonstrate how exceptional hospitality drives long-term success and builds strong, enduring relationships.
