Kevin Cornish opened the original KC's Rib Shack in 1998. Prior to that he owned a printing company in Manchester, NH, as well as a rock club in Miami. The rock club lasted about 5 years from late 80's to mid-90's when he returned to Manchester. After barbecue-ing with friends he decided to open up his own restaurant. The first location was in Litchfield, NH and had only a handful of tables. The concept soon moved to the much bigger city of Manchester. Now, KC's Rib Shack is a staple in Manchester with over 300 seats.

Show notes…

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Favorite success quote or mantra:

"We are in the hospitality industry first and foremost."

In this workshop with Kevin Cornish we will discuss:

Staff longevity
BBQ mail order
Operating a music venue and bar
Being busy but not making money
Proof of concept
Pop ups
When investors pull out
Where passion gets you when money fails
Opening a restaurant in the 90s with 4,000 dollars
Guerilla marketing
Email marketing
Facebook marketing
Yelp
Mug clubs
RestaurantOwner dot com
Labor

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Knowledge bombs

Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
- Hospitality
What is your biggest weakness?
- Push-over
What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
- Longevity, loyalty
What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
- Labor and food cost
Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
- Make people feel welcome
What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
- Always smile
What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
- Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
- GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
- BentoBox
Name one service you've hired.
- KDS with Toast POS
If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
- Don't open a restaurant
- Charge what you need to charge
- Expect restaurant ownership to be hard

Contact info:

Website: ribshack.net

Email: kcsribshack@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Kevin Cornish for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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860: Kevin Cornish owner of KC's Rib Shack

Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore

860: Kevin Cornish owner of KC's Rib Shack