Leadership: Not All Heroes Wear Capes—Some Wear Aprons

Ah, leadership. That delicate dance of managing people, making decisions, and occasionally wondering if life has secretly morphed into a sitcom. At first glance, it might seem like leadership is just about being everyone’s best friend, cracking a few jokes, and handing out gold stars like they’re Halloween candy. But then, a close friend hands over a copy of Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara—and suddenly, everything shifts. One quote, in particular, hits like a plot twist in a mystery novel:

“I always put the restaurant first. And, most of the time, what’s best for the restaurant is what’s best for the people who work there. But on the rare occasion when what’s best for the restaurant and what’s best for an individual are at odds, the restaurant has to win.”

Wait—the restaurant has to win? Sure, most people have heard “the customer is always right,” but this felt more like, “The restaurant is always right, and the people? Well, they’re along for the ride.” Was this a leadership book or the opening scene of a corporate villain origin story? What’s next—a restaurant manager in a cape, cackling maniacally as they ban someone for using the wrong fork?

A chef walking through the middle of a restaurant kitchen wearing both an apron and a cape

But before jumping to conclusions and labeling it the coldest take ever, it’s worth digging into what that actually means. Spoiler: it’s not nearly as evil as it sounds.

What Does It Mean to Put the Restaurant First?

Let’s rewind. What does “putting the restaurant first” really mean? If that conjures an image of an overly dramatic restaurant acting like the Beyoncé of the business world, don’t worry. That’s not the point. This isn’t about putting the organization on a pedestal—it’s about making decisions that support the long-term health and success of the entire operation.

A restaurant isn’t just a place for artisanal flatbreads and perfect Instagram lighting. It’s a system—an intricate machine of people, schedules, supplies, last-minute substitutions, and occasional Yelp-induced existential crises. Managing that system means sometimes making choices that benefit the whole, even if one individual might feel the sting.

Sure, someone might really need a day off because their pet hamster has a very important appointment (we’ve all been there). But if one person’s request threatens to disrupt the whole machine, a leader has to think bigger. Letting chaos reign just to keep the peace with one person? That’s a recipe for disaster—and possibly guacamole spilled everywhere. No one wins.

When People and Profit Don’t Mix: The Tough Calls

Here’s where things get real: those moments when the needs of the individual and the needs of the restaurant don’t align. Picture it: a star server asks for a personal day during one of the busiest weekends of the year. If they’re off the floor, the whole operation risks falling apart like a poorly assembled soufflé.

It’s a tough position to be in. No leader wants to say “no” to someone they value. But leadership sometimes means being the bad guy in the moment to protect the team as a whole. It’s not about saying no for fun—it’s about ensuring the business can function. Because let’s face it, if the restaurant collapses like a house of cards, no one’s going to be clapping for the manager who said yes to everything.

Leadership Is About the Long Game (And Not Being the Villain)

Of course, putting the restaurant first doesn’t make someone cold-hearted. They’re not out here crunching spreadsheets and denying time-off requests just for sport. It’s about longevity—building something stable that supports everyone over time.

Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes that means canceling those unnecessary appetizers or declining that whimsical team-wide nap hour. And while people may not cheer in the moment, they’ll appreciate it when the team is strong, the business is thriving, and no one’s scrambling to find another job.

So no, these decisions don’t make someone the villain. More like the quiet hero—keeping the ship afloat, even when it means breaking a few hearts (and hamster appointment dreams) along the way.

Putting People First, but Not at the Expense of Everything Else

This isn’t to say people don’t matter. Quite the opposite. The hard decisions happen because people matter. A healthy business supports employees, customers, and yes, even Fluffy the dog. But if the foundation cracks because every individual need is prioritized over the whole, everyone suffers.

A good leader protects the long game. They make the tough calls to ensure the business—and the team—can thrive. And while there may be grumbles in the moment, respect comes from consistency, fairness, and vision.

The Final Dish: Why It’s Okay for the Restaurant to Win

So, the next time a tough call looms and the leader wonders if they’re being too harsh, here’s the reminder: sometimes, the restaurant has to win. Not because leadership is about dominance or control—but because a well-run organization is what allows everyone to win.

And yes, it helps to throw in some fries for the crew now and then. Because great leadership isn’t about saying “no” to iguanas or vacation days just because. It’s about balance. Knowing when to say yes, when to say no, and when to protect the bigger picture—even when it’s unpopular.

Because in the end, when the restaurant wins, everyone wins.