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<\/a><\/p>\nLe<\/span>ttuce<\/span> Entertain You<\/span><\/span>, a premier name in the restaurant industry, <\/span>operates<\/span> an impressive portfolio of over 130 unique dining experiences across various cuisines and price points. Founded in 1971 by Rich Melman, the company has redefined the landscape of hospitality by emphasizing innovation, quality, and exceptional customer service. Under the leadership of <\/span><\/span>Kevin Brown<\/span><\/span><\/a>, who has been with the company for over 40 years and currently serves as CEO, Let<\/span>tuce<\/span> Entertain You continues to thrive by cultivating a Culture of Caring among its employees and creating memorable dining experiences for guests. This discussion delves into the values and strategies that have propelled Lettuce Entertain You into a hospitality powerhouse, highlighting insights from Brown’s extensive experience in the industry.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Kevin Brown (KB):<\/strong> At its core, we are fundamentally a restaurant company. However, <\/span>I believe we<\/span> encompass much more than that. Our diverse portfolio spans various cuisines, price points, and dining experiences\u2014ranging from Spanish and French to casual Italian and sophisticated American fare. We strive to offer unique experiences that cater to a variety of tastes while emphasizing exceptional quality. The breadth of our offerings means that whether a guest is looking for a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, they can find something distinctive that meets their needs.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n KB:<\/strong> For instance, we <\/span>maintain<\/span> a commitment to providing excellent food at outstanding value, <\/span>accomplished<\/span> through rigorous testing of our menu items in terms of taste, portion size, and pricing\u2014all aimed at exceeding guest expectations. Furthermore, we adapt to changing market trends, ensuring that our concepts <\/span>remain<\/span> relevant and exciting over time.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n KB:<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>One notable concept we developed was <\/span>Scooz<\/span>i<\/span>, an Italian restaurant <\/span>located<\/span> in a spacious venue characterized by a vibrant atmosphere. The design featured a big, open layout with a bow truss ceiling, making it a visually impactful space. We offered engaging features such as risottos being served <\/span>for<\/span> <\/span>half<\/span> <\/span>an hour<\/span> and a wood-burning oven for pizzas\u2014a rarity at the time. The atmosphere was lively and fun, and the overall experience resonated with diners, encouraging repeat visits despite its unique location far from the main dining areas. This concept embodied the idea of creating an adventure in dining that left <\/span>a lasting impression<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n KB:<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>Another example is The Omakase Room at Sushi-San. This is a unique dining experience. <\/span>It\u2019s<\/span> a ten-seat, 18-course omakase restaurant led by two Master Sushi Chefs<\/span>,<\/span> Kaze <\/span>Chan<\/span> <\/span>and Shigeru Kitano. From the design of the space to the curated playlist to the interactions between our master chefs and each guest, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> all part of a carefully orchestrated experience <\/span>that\u2019s<\/span> designed to truly delight <\/span>all<\/span> the senses.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n KB:<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>Indeed, value embodies the entirety of the guest experience\u2014this includes the quality of food, the level of service, the ambiance of the restaurant, and the personalized attention returning guests receive. Our servers are trained to foster genuine relationships with loyal patrons, enhancing their overall experience and ensuring every visit is memorable. We <\/span>utilize<\/span> a tasting sheet during our test kitchen evaluations, which ranks dishes based on taste, <\/span>portion<\/span> size, cost, <\/span>and ultimately, value<\/span>. This framework helps us ensure <\/span>our <\/span>guests consistently receive high-quality experiences that exceed their expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n KB:<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>This allows us to introduce new concepts that are innovative yet approachable, enabling us to cater to diverse palates while <\/span>maintaining<\/span> a focus on quality and guest satisfaction. For example, when developing the Big Bowl concept<\/span> (Chinese and Thai)<\/span>, <\/span>we<\/span> envisioned Asian cuisine paired with a Western atmosphere, making it comfortable and relatable for our American clientele. This approach has often led to success because we strive to present dishes in a familiar context.<\/span><\/p>\n KB:<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>We<\/span> hope our commitment to <\/span>delivering consistently<\/span> quality experiences is a hallmark of our brand. Guests trust us to provide reliable service and satisfaction, which we <\/span>maintain<\/span> through effective management and operational excellence. Our reputation is built on the understanding that <\/span>when you <\/span>din<\/span>e<\/span> at a <\/span>Lettuce <\/span>Entertain <\/span>You<\/span> establishment<\/span>, <\/span>we\u2019re<\/span> going to provide an experience that reliably meets or exceeds your expectations. Part of that experience is related to the quality of our food and the ambiance of our venues\u2013but even more, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> about how we make you feel as one of our guests.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/bhr\/files\/2025\/03\/2023-12-06_SHLV_Opening-Week_0053-1-636x425.jpg\")
How do you describe<\/span> <\/span>Lettuce <\/span>Entertain You?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The longevity of your organization is remarkable, particularly in a competitive industry such as the restaurant sector. What factors do you attribute this longevity to?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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“Our guiding philosophy is straightforward: we consistently prioritize <\/span>our<\/span> <\/span>guests<\/span> in all our decisions. We strive to encourage <\/span>people<\/span> to explore new offerings without overwhelming them<\/span><\/span>.”<\/em><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Can you <\/span>provide<\/span> a specific example that illustrates your commitment to crafting unique dining experiences?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tYou<\/span>\u2019ve<\/span> said<\/span> <\/span>before that <\/span>value extends beyond mere price points. C<\/span>an<\/span> you<\/span> <\/span>elaborate on this concept?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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How do you balance creativity in menu design with customer preferences?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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“Creativity in menu design is <\/span>an important factor<\/span> <\/span>in<\/span> keeping the dining experience fresh and exciting. We conduct thorough market research and engage our guests through feedback mechanisms.<\/span>“<\/em><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Within your diverse portfolio, what are the unifying themes that connect all your restaurant concepts?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"\/bhr\/files\/2025\/03\/Aba_DiningRoom_Photo-by-Jeff-Marini-636x424.jpg\")