The #1 Trait that Separates Thriving Restaurant Owners from Those Who Struggle
Some restaurant owners seem to have it all figured out. Their restaurants hum with energy, their teams are dialed in, and they keep hitting their numbers, even when the industry throws curveballs. Others? They spin their wheels, overwhelmed and barely keep their heads above water. I’ve coached thousands of restaurant owners and let me be clear, it’s not luck. And it’s not talent, either. It’s something much simpler — and far more powerful. Over the years, I’ve noticed one common thread that ties all successful restaurant owners together. The #1 trait that separates thriving restaurant owners from those who struggle is they’re persistent.
The one trait that changes everything
That’s it. Not flashy, not trendy, not even particularly glamorous. Just pure, unwavering persistence.
When things go sideways (and they will), the most successful owners don’t flinch. They lean into the discomfort. They don’t waste time waiting for the perfect time to act; they just get moving. They take action. Passion may get you excited to start a restaurant but persistence is what gets you through to the finish line.
Real-world proof of restaurant owner persistence
One of the restaurant owners I coach, who runs a business outside the US, lost over $130,000 in annual sales when political unrest rocked his country. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also dealing with staffing nightmares. His manager was underperforming. Margins were slipping. The pressure was intense.
But he kept showing up.
He didn’t let the chaos paralyze him. He leaned on the systems we built together. He held his team accountable. He focused on the things he could control, implemented changes and pushed forward, one day at a time.
Now? His restaurant is rebuilding, stronger than ever.
Why persistence matters in the restaurant industry
Persistence is the secret sauce. It’s the difference between control and chaos. Between surviving and thriving. It’s what turns a struggling restaurant into a profitable, well-oiled machine.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.
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