Show Notes
Introduction to Lee Pantazis and his background
- Owner of Gus’s Hot Dogs and culinary director at Kelly and Redmont hotels
- Family of attorneys, but pursued a career in the restaurant industry due to passion
Preserving the nostalgic feel of Gus’s Hot Dogs
- Serving classic beverages like Grapico and Mexican Cokes
- Maintaining the structure of the building to honor the memory of the late owner, Gus
Importance of customer service and feedback
- Providing customers with an escape and a sense of care
- Encouraging reviews and addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction
Diversifying revenue streams and challenges in the service industry
- Increasing customer volume through food trucks, pop-ups, catering and other opportunities
- Emphasizing the need for fair compensation and the importance of the employer-employee relationship
Personal beliefs and creative fulfillment
- Helping others and perspective on wealth distribution
- Success and creative fulfillment derived from pop-up events and food truck ventures
Work-life balance and organization
- Importance of putting the phone down and taking time off
- Paying attention, taking notes and using a shared calendar with his wife for organization
Leadership and delegation in the kitchen
- Ensuring personalized and positive experiences for clients, including catering at Gus’s
- Empowering others and acknowledging the support received from individuals
On-the-job business training and financial stability
- Ensuring decisions are based on sound business principles
- Maintaining financial stability to help others
Supporting local businesses and the sense of community
- Personalized service and community impact of local businesses
- Challenges faced during the early years, strategies for growth and adapting to the impact of Covid-19
Creative collaborations and unique dining experiences
- March Madness hot dog bracket at Hop City featuring regional hot dogs
- Collaborating with Alabama Peanut Company to create unique hot dog variations
- Focus on creativity and unique dining experiences in contrast to traditional menus
Collaborative culture among local businesses in Birmingham
- Knowledge and experience shared within Birmingham’s food community
- Owners willing to share advice and resources to support each other’s success
Respectful work environment and cultural significance of hot dogs
- Importance of respect shown to colleagues and guests
- Cultural significance of hot dogs in Birmingham, particularly within Greek and African American communities
Mentorship and elevating the Birmingham food scene
- Importance of mentorship in the bar industry
- Revamping bar and food programs at multiple hotels to elevate quality and experience
- Aim to make the hotels a destination for food tourism
Personal financial responsibility and online reviews
- Importance of personal financial responsibility and budgeting in both business and personal life
- Impact of online reviews on the business and meeting customer expectations
- Encouraging engagement with Gus’s through social media and website
Find full show notes, including links mentioned during this episode, at carrierollwagen.com.