Most restaurants rely on heroics. That’s why they break.
Chef calls out—everything collapses.
Staff turns over—culture disappears.
Owner burns out—nothing changes.

After 33 years in the kitchen, I’ve seen it all.
I’ve run high-volume operations, trained green teams into machines, and led groups through chaos and culture collapse.
And here’s what I know:

Culture eats talent for breakfast.
Systems beat talent when talent doesn’t have systems.

Today, I help restaurant leaders build kitchens that don’t rely on superheroes.
I work with chefs and operators to:

→ Define their way of doing business
→ Build leadership systems that teach it
→ Create operations that run consistently—even when they’re not there

It’s not theory. It’s not fluff.
One client cut turnover by 60% and grew profit by 15% in 90 days.

If your team is talented but inconsistent…
If your culture changes depending on who’s in charge…
If your restaurant falls apart when one person is out…

Let’s talk.

On the CULINARY MECHANIC podcast, I host candid conversations with hospitality's most innovative leaders. From kitchen culture to tech innovations, we blend battle-tested wisdom with modern insights that challenge 'the way it's always been done.' It's where restaurant wisdom meets real systems that work.

🎙️ Host: CULINARY MECHANIC
📩 DM me or visit culinarymechanic.com

Simon Zatyrka

Faherty Brand

Sales Lead

PS Air Bar

Server

Tommy Bahama

Sales Associate/Server

Agua Caliente Casinos

Assistant Hotel Manager

Artisan Event Floral Decor, Inc.

Warehouse Inventory Manager

TurnKey Vacation Rentals

Permitting Specialist

Ronaleebydesign

Designer

Trader Joe's

I like working for great companies that understand how to set themselves apart. I started at Trader Joe's as a temporary position as I transferred out of the restaurant industry and soon found out how great they are to work for. Now I'm looking for another great company where I can use all my experience and skills.

Crew Member/ Order Writer

Order writer

Restaurants Unlimited

Started as a dinner server. Expanded to host. supervisor, and shift manager. I worked at 4 different restaurants during my employment.

Restaurant Supervisor

Working with people is when my work life is my dream.

Experienced Customer-focused professional. Skilled in Food & Beverage, Event Planning, Hospitality Management, and making a good impression. Strong operations professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from University of Washington. 
In addition, I've expanded my work history with Real Estate staging for the past 5 years. I have "an eye" and my sense of organization and urgency can help your place looks its best.

Daniel Smith

taplio

The Battle

Simon Zatyrka

Daniel Smith

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Posts

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