Carbone's Covid Pivot: From New York Shutdown to Miami Success

Welcome back to this clip of EYL series! We sit down with Mario Carbone, co-founder of Major Food Group and the mastermind behind the world-renowned Carbone restaurant. Mario Carbone shares the story of how his company navigated one of the most challenging times in recent history: the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this insightful conversation, Mario dives deep into the unpredicted challenges and how Major Food Group pivoted quickly to adapt to the new reality. At the start of the pandemic, the company had nearly 3,000 employees and was operating smoothly. However, seemingly overnight, they found themselves with just 20 employees on the payroll and only one functioning restaurant left, Carbone on Thompson Street in New York City.

Mario explains how they managed to stay afloat by pivoting fast and seizing opportunities in cities that remained open, such as Miami and Atlanta. Amidst a landscape of closed restaurants, Major Food Group saw potential and grabbed premium real estate spaces in bustling areas. This aggressive strategy turned what could have been a debilitating crisis into a growth opportunity.

In Miami, they secured AAA location, an exceptional piece of real estate on South Beach, which quickly became another key location for the company. Thanks to a unified effort, hosting a company-wide Zoom call and encouraging employees to move to Miami, they were able to rally their team and get Carbone up and running in just ten weeks. Their Miami venture was a massive success, leading to the rapid expansion from one to thirteen restaurants in the city.

Beyond restaurants, Major Food Group ventured into the realm of exclusive members clubs with the introduction of the ZZ Club in Miami. Mario discusses how they saw the trend of members-only clubs gaining popularity in the United States and decided to create their own. This club offers a one-stop-shop experience for its members, with amenities such as a cigar terrace, cocktail bar, lounge, restaurant, and sports bar, making it the perfect spot for a night out or an exclusive event. The successful launch of ZZ Club in Miami influenced their decision to open another in New York.

Mario also highlights a fundamental business philosophy inspired by Warren Buffett: "Be fearful when people are aggressive. Be aggressive when people are fearful." This approach led them to take advantage during a fearful moment and expand confidently, resulting in a company that is now twice its original size.

Don't miss this episode if you are curious about how businesses can adapt during crises and turn challenges into opportunities. Mario Carbone's story is a testament to resilience, quick thinking, and the importance of seizing the moment.

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