Danny Meyer has made his Union Square Hospitality Group an industry leader for its workforce policies, service style and cuisine. So popular are the group’s concepts that its Union Square Cafe is the most-tweeted-about restaurant, according to @TwitterFood. Taking both of those factors into consideration, Meyer hosted a Twitter chat hashtagged #AskDannyMeyer on Wednesday to answer questions from industry members, fans and followers. Here are five highlights from the live Twitter chat:
1. Has Hospitality Included been a success?
1/ It is a hard journey in many ways, however, we embarked on it because we thought it was right; not easy. Challenge to rebuke a system which curtails professional growth, keeps people in their place, and leads to disparate wage opportunities for front and back.
— Danny Meyer (@dhmeyer) November 8, 2017
2. What would you focus on if you were starting over today?
I'd try to do a better job of listening to my gut. Every problem to be solved falls into one of two categories: difficult or unpleasant. The difficult ones take thought: the unpleasant ones take courage, but the gut usually knew what to do in the first place.
— Danny Meyer (@dhmeyer) November 8, 2017
3. Whom do you prioritize: Customers or employees?
Employees. When team members love caring for their colleagues, odds are way higher for guest satisfaction.
— Danny Meyer (@dhmeyer) November 8, 2017
4. How do you balance staff pay with the high cost of living where many USHG restaurants operate?
We are trying hard, and have a long way to go. Health insurance, sick pay, parental leave, 401K, eliminating tipping to begin to bridge gap for back of house pay inequality - all a good start.
— Danny Meyer (@dhmeyer) November 8, 2017
5. What inspires you about the Flatiron District, where USHG got its start?
Human scale, historic buildings, @UnSqGreenmarket, @UnionSquareNY @MadSqParkNYC . It's our home!
— Danny Meyer (@dhmeyer) November 8, 2017
