Service

“At dawn, Jesus was standing on the beach. He called out, ‘…have you caught any fish?’ ‘No,’ they replied. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right-hand side of the boat…’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish. Then John said to Peter, ‘It’s the Lord!’ Peter jumped into the water, and headed to shore… When the rest got there, they found breakfast waiting for them… ‘Now come and have some breakfast!’ Jesus said.” – John 21: 4-12

The Gramercy Tavern in New York City holds the title of the “favorite restaurant” in the city. It may not be the best, but it’s the favorite.

This dining destination was shaped by Danny Meyer, whose vision forged a unique culinary establishment, in turn transforming the NYC dining scene. Here are Danny’s guiding principles:

1. Passion: For Danny Meyer, the act of gathering family around the table and sharing a meal is his love language. The aromas, the closeness, the conversation, the laughter, the food, and the recipes passed down through generations all contribute to creating a transformative experience.
2. Team First: Contrary to what one might expect, guests do not come first. By prioritizing his team, Meyer creates a place where team members become family—individuals with hopes, dreams, goals, talents, and knowledge. He believes that “I can’t expect someone to care about anyone else unless they feel cared for.” In this nurturing environment, success follows naturally as guests return, drawn by the familial atmosphere.
3. Hospitality: Are the guests understood? Do they feel loved and fulfilled? Hospitality is about building relationships. By establishing connections with guests, they can sense your care and will reciprocate with loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations. Hospitality is about more than what you do—it’s about why you do it.
4. Give Back To The Community: The community is where both team members and guests reside, making it the ideal place to give back. Meyer encourages his team to engage with guests beyond the restaurant, showing the community that they truly care.
5. Mentors: The process of mentoring and challenging team members fosters an atmosphere of innovation and growth, precluding stagnation.

John 21 tells us of one of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, where he performed a miracle his disciples had previously witnessed. And then, he cooked them breakfast. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20). He saw the needs of his disciples, provided for them, and then ate with them—like a family…like The Church.

The qualities of passion, putting the team first, offering hospitality, caring for others, and mentoring are all embodied in Jesus. Danny Meyer simply applied these qualities, which were evident in the life of Jesus, to his business.

And you, too, can do the same today.

Emulate Jesus.

He won’t mind a bit!