Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect (The Unreasonable Hospitality Collection)

This book was recommended by a colleague who heard the author, Will Guidara, on a podcast. My colleague enjoys coaching youth sports and found it interesting that a lot of the principles Guidara spoke of in running a restaurant were also very applicable in sports and coaching. That piqued my interest enough for me to start reading Unreasonable Hospitality. From the moment I picked up the book, it was hard to put down. Guidara keeps the reader engaged by beautifully weaving leadership principles with real stories where he showcased those principles in action which in turn led to greater success for his restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, ultimately culminating with winning the World’s Best Restaurant Award in 2017. I found the book delightingly insightful in two ways. First, consider the power of pattern thinking where a pattern identified in one area can be just as successful in an untapped market. I found so many patterns in how Guidara approaches hospitality and being a restauranteur to being highly successful in running a business. Principles such as How You Do One Thing is How You Do Everything and The 95/5 Rule (controlling costs intensely for 95% of your expenses and splurging with the remaining 5% to delight customers) should be doctrines for running every business. Second, I knew nothing of the internal workings of restaurants. Learning of the trials and tribulations along with the culture and processes within the restaurant world was so cool. I definitely have a new appreciation for the restaurant business and a newfound motivation to visit fine-dining establishments after reading the book. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a very entertaining true story on how to become the best restaurant in the world and/or a business leader looking for new approaches to drive performance and customer satisfaction.

We were one of the early preorders for this book, and I’m really glad we got it. What stood out to me most was how grounded the content felt. My wife and I are currently in the middle of building a business in Los Angeles, and there were so many ideas in the book that helped us think more clearly about the journey we’re on... from staying focused, to understanding the bigger picture, to navigating the uncertainty. It felt like the kind of book you can take something from and apply to your own life or work. For us, it was both encouraging and useful, especially at this stage of our business. Definitely worth reading if you’re building, creating, or trying to approach your next chapter with more intention.

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara is a game-changing book that left me truly inspired and filled with fresh perspectives on running a business. This captivating read not only relates to the hospitality industry but also offers valuable insights that can be applied to any type of business. Guidara's approach is refreshingly comprehensive. He urges readers to examine all aspects of their business with a critical eye, encouraging a shift in mindset that leads to exceptional results. The author's ability to articulate complex ideas in a relatable manner is commendable, making this book accessible to both industry professionals and entrepreneurs from various fields. What sets Unreasonable Hospitality apart is its emphasis on the human element. Guidara understands that success in business is not solely about the bottom line but about the relationships we build with our customers, employees, and partners. By weaving together personal anecdotes and real-world examples, he demonstrates the immense impact of genuine hospitality on the overall success of a business. As part of a book study group, we embarked on this literary journey together, and the response was unanimous: we loved it! Each chapter presented us with thought-provoking ideas and practical strategies that we could immediately implement in our own businesses. It served as a catalyst for stimulating discussions and motivated us to push boundaries, exceed expectations, and create memorable experiences for our customers. Unreasonable Hospitality is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to redefine their approach to business. Guidara's insights go beyond the traditional concepts of customer service and delve into the art of creating meaningful connections and delivering extraordinary experiences. By embracing the principles outlined in this book, entrepreneurs and leaders can elevate their organizations to new heights of success. In conclusion, Unreasonable Hospitality is a must-read for individuals in any industry who strive for excellence in their businesses. Will Guidara's profound wisdom, engaging storytelling, and practical advice make this book an indispensable tool for entrepreneurs and industry professionals alike. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to revolutionize their business and cultivate a culture of unparalleled hospitality.

Didn’t really know what to expect but this book was very enjoyable to read. As an individual producer, but former people leader, I wasn’t really looking for a book about leadership but this one is solid. It was great to read about how competitive this ownership group with wanting to be #1 in such a complicated industry. I mean, how do you really earn “best restaurant in the world”? I loved the mantra of constant improvement and self evaluation to climb to higher heights.

This is a great book for those working in the hospitality business. A resource that explains how a customer should be treated. Recommended reading in all successful customer facing businesses.

I am LOVING this book, story, message, and way of being in the world!✨ I first hear about it from my business coach, put it in my cart and forgot about it…then a friend & I re-connected. We went for a long hike & he owns a local epic pizza joint, and he couldn’t stop raving & sharing about, unreasonable hospitality & your book. I was SOLD. I ordered it that day, got it this weekend & started to read it. I cried, highlighted master points, & felt shifted only 3 chapters in🥹⚡️🍾 I can’t wait to read it all and it’s changed me already. Not just for my coaching biz, or for my future gym/hybrid space for mindset, movement & human connection brick & mortar biz I am now going to start to pursue here in Asheville, but for how to LEAD & BE in the world as a whole!! As a mama, as a future wife, as a person driving on the road. Thank you for sharing your gifts, for going FIRST & saying yes to your way & innovating, & for listening to that voice that said, unreasonable hospitality.

Inspiring read for restauranteurs (I somehow ended up owning 9) and a great place to learn lessons of service and for business people in general concerning problem solving, creating positive employee relations, and marketing. Son of a restaurant industry Father who worked hard, Will went to Cornell (known for its hospitality specialty) entered the business and worked his way quickly to not only fostering the Top restaurant in the world, but also owning this restaurant with investors and a chef partner. His great outlook on life is shown in his excellent partnership with the chef, not easy, as well as his employee relationships mentoring and motivating. Probably the most interesting sections to me are his "over the top" attempts to WOW guests. stories like buying an NYC street hot dog and having the chef present on plates when he heard a guest mention his desire for this. Or, recognizing the many people with luggage are probably headed for the airport and presenting them unrequested with carry on food that will be much better than the airline food. At another restaurant in a NoMad hotel they hid liquor bottles in their library/bar books and if found, guests could keep. Or champagne flutes given to some guests who proposed at his restaurant. These were just some creative ideas of many more presented where they attempted to create "an above & beyond" experience. I once had a partner in a 1st year venture send me a clear brief case loaded with gold wrapping coins with chocolate inside. He turned out to be a bad partner but I never forgot the gift. This is what Unreasonable Hospitality is. This is a decently short book. It's fun. It's full of things to learn. like the statement "it feels GREAT, to make our guests feel good." That's what I take from this book. How do you inspire co-workers to offer above and beyond service? That's what creates lifetime guests. Read it! Great business book.

Guidara interweaves his personal growth story, notes from his mentors, with the lessons he learned and implemented in turning Eleven Madison Park into the number one restaurant in the world, together with his business partner chef Daniel Humm. Many of these lessons translate across industries, from inspiring, growing, and infusing a team of leaders to placing a focus on what your clients, customers, business partners, or even family members prize. Highly recommend.

Amazing book, highly recommend to read

Libro comprato dopo averlo sentito citare in un podcast. Parla di come hanno trasformato radicalmente EMP da una steakhouse a 3 stelle michelin e ristorante numero 1 al mondo secondo la 50 best. Durante la narrazione però è letteralmente straripante di spunti, consigli ed esempi pratici su come migliorare principalmente la leadership ma come collega in generale secondo me. Io lavoro nel settore e quindi posso prendere spunto direttamente ma sono convinto che chiunque faccia un lavoro dove comunicazione, collaborazione e armonia sono fondamentali può trarre qualche spunto e consiglio da applicare alla propria situazione. Per quanto mi riguarda un capolavoro assoluto. Credo tra l'altro che da qualche tempo sia disponibile anche la versione ufficiale tradotta in italiano.

最後まで楽しく読めました。ホスピタリティを目指す方にオススメです

especially if you are in the industry this is a great book

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