The most representative moment of my year took place at the Texas Restaurant Show.
As I was giving one of my talks, a hand went up in the standing-room-only crowd. The speaker looked around 30 – not that young, but maybe new to the industry. He said, “You keep saying that the market looks flat; when has the market not been flat?”
My response? “In my entire career! Up to now, the market has grown steadily and cycled through an occasional downturn.”
The waters we’re sailing were previously uncharted – until we saw clearly what to do this year.
Presenting my greatest hits from the year: five especially popular or meaningful posts from 2025 that will help you prepare for 2026.
The people who read my newsletter or blog, those who listen to my podcast, and the clients I work with have told me these messages resonated and made a difference in their companies, providing impetus for action and success.
1: Know Yourself and Create Restaurant Success in Any Market and 2: How to Clarify the Best Way Forward for Your Restaurants
By November, it had hit me: Every restaurant is in one of three groups: Winners, Stable Companies, and Floundering Companies. Once you identify your slot in that three-tiered hierarchy, you know exactly what action to take. That felt so powerful, I made it into a two-part presentation.
3. How to Avoid the Deceiving Restaurant “Superhero Trap”
This was my most-read and shared post of the year. A lot of people saw the dreaded “Superhero” in the mirror. The greatest way I serve my clients? Showing them how to do less, with their team doing more. That opens up time to enjoy success, putting an end to 60-hour work weeks and vacation homes people don’t have time to use.
4. How to Increase Your Restaurant Profit with No Excuses During This Flat Market
People often feel a lot of negativity about the path they’re on – until someone points out another way to go. When operators complain to me about a terrible economy or low consumer confidence, I respond with stories of my clients who have increased revenue and profit. Sometimes they look at me in disbelief, until the message kicks in. That starts a chain of events with the ability to create a seven-figure profit boost.
5. When You Lack Experience, Add Someone Who Has It
Just like people can’t believe how fast an electric car can go, they’re amazed at how fast results can increase with the right people in place. I love to tell the stories of the leaders I hired 10 or 15 years ago who still show up as extremely successful. Another life-changing way I serve clients includes my track record of identifying and integrating a new level of leader.
My life’s work involves helping people like you. The more people I can help, the better.
My wish for you? Take these five initiatives and use them to prepare for breakthroughs in your results and your life in 2026.
I want you to know that I appreciate the time you take reading or listening to my work – and especially the many of you who share it with your peers and others in your organization.
I never forget the privilege of being trusted to make a difference in your life and business, and in the lives of your employees, their families, your guests, and the communities you serve.
If you recall another impactful post I created in 2025, click reply and tell me.
Happy New Year!
