FOOD IS POWER

Without clarity, you may think this phrase is pretentious and absurd. I had the nerve to say this to my club’s treasurer years ago, then he immediately threw me out of the office. Really, this happened.
I have a philosophy behind this assertion.

While people react passionately to food, there must be a united establishment behind the affair.

I tried to explain this to the treasurer, as I could call any member and they would get on the phone within moments. You may say your membership does the same, however, this club’s memberships were doctors and executives associated with a leading medical school and numerous well-known hospitals. Try to reach your doctor with a quick phone call or call the office of the president or the dean and see how quickly you are talking to the leadership. In my case, I was able to talk almost immediately to doctors, presidents, the dean, and many executive members within moments, or they would call me right back. This was the relationship, and without hesitation, I can say this was power. Not power in the sense of control, or oversight, or strength over another, but acknowledgment from providing quality, and services, and comfort, and especially loyalty. This was loyalty to the position and the role behind the responsibility, and the membership responded with the same gift of respect. They did not perform this way because they had to, but willingly for they knew the value and wanted this relationship to be maintained.

I say food is power when this ability is compounded by many exceptional factors. The membership in this club was respected by me. Every member was regarded with the organization of knowing their likes, their needs, and their wants, oftentimes even before they knew what they wanted. Called by name upon arrival, seated immediately and oftentimes their favorite table, and offering their favorites while keeping them delighted with surprises as often as possible. The compounding of concerns to service and attention to details is especially important to success, yet the engagement of this commitment is oftentimes invisible or inconceivable in foodservice.

The consideration of treating people exceptionally, both guests and employees, is generally a common denominator in the club industry, but not in restaurants. However, this mindset may be needed in the transitioning of restaurant services in 2021 and beyond. The contemplation of a dramatic change is upon us, and without this consideration, we may see a further collapse of restaurants. Beware, a back-to-business-as-usual concept will be a cause for disappointment.
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The understanding behind food is power is when an owner or manager realizes and provides the unquestionable realities that are required for success. If you harness an incredible atmosphere, encourage creativity, employ people that pass along this passion, and offer it unconditionally to your members and guests you will create an outcome that will attract business, and everyone will reap the pleasures that you have to offer.  

We have the power to change people’s lives, albeit only for a moment.

You make sacrifices, you treat people well, you perform the role with heart and caring, and you change people’s lives. Hospitality is about power, but the kind that is given, not received.

By the way, the club’s treasurer was the Senior Associate Dean Director of Finance and whenever he was too busy to talk to me, I would return with hot fresh chocolate chip cookies, and he would always wave me in. True story.

Jim Lopolito, President
Lopolito Hospitality Consultants