This Entrepreneurial Chef Discovered Valuable Leadership Lessons That SAVED His Restaurant Company

Troy Guard, the Founder of TAG Restaurant Group, encountered a number of challenges during his transitioning from top chef to business owner but has learned, endured, and expanded TAG Restaurant Group into an industry powerhouse.

Watch now to learn about transforming from chef to owner, asking for what you want, and the power of storytelling.

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WHAT DID YOU LEARN on this episode of the Restaurant Influencers podcast, presented by the @Toasttab point of sale and restaurant management technology company? Let us know by leaving a YouTube comment below.

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Chapters:

[01:17] - Relationship with Roy Yamaguchi

[07:01] - Getting Into the Restaurant Business at 21

[09:32] - Transitioning from Chef to Business Owner

[22:02] - Making the Decision to Close Restaurants

[28:59] - Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Episode Links:

Troy Guard Instagram

TAG Restaurant Group Instagram

TAG Restaurant Group Online

Chef Roy Yamaguchi on Restaurant Influencers

Takeaways:

Trust but Verify - Going from chef to owner was not an easy transition for Troy Guard. He was happy with being a top chef, but that was not profitable. Luckily, he was able to impart tips given from mentors and investors that helped him turn things around.

Don’t Ask. Don’t Get - Asking for help can be extremely difficult for anyone. In the business world, it can be even more intimidating. For Troy Guard, asking has proven to be beneficial to himself and his restaurant company.

Power of Sharing Stories - Troy Guard is admittedly not the most technologically savvy. However, sharing compelling stories about his business is paramount, and a practice that he understands is important.

ABOUT TROY GUARD —

Troy Guard was born and raised on the islands of Hawaii. Starting as a young dishwasher, he eventually worked his way into becoming a sous chef for renowned Chef Roy Yamaguchi. Guard became the executive chef at TAO before settling in Denver, CO and making the transition from chef to owner and opening the first TAG Restaurant in 2009. The TAG Restaurant Group now comprises a multitude of restaurants, including the acclaimed Guard and Grace in Houston, TX.

Troy Guard LinkedIn

ABOUT RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS —

Restaurant Influencers is a weekly video podcast series presented by Entrepreneur Media and Cali BBQ Media. Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) talks with business leaders like Rob Dyrdek, Emeril Lagasse, Stratis Morfogen, Chris Comparato, Meredith Sandland, Jon Taffer, and more, about their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling, marketing, branding, and how to show up where customers are engaging online.

Published by Entrepreneur Media

Produced by Cali BBQ Media

RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS IS PRESENTED BY TOAST —

Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point of sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.

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