How to Stop Bleeding Profits in Your Restaurant | Shane Stephen Stagg | Ex Private Chef | Founders Mindset Unfiltered
Follow Shane Stephen StaggInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/shanestagg/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-stephen-stagg-502911314/Culinary Systems GlobalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinary.systems.global/Website: https://www.culinarysystemsglobal.com/More about Culinary Systems Global Below In this episode of Founders Mindset Unfiltered, host Albert sits down with Shane Stephen Stagg, culinary consultant and founder of Culinary Systems Global.With over a decade of experience in high-pressure kitchen environments from Hilton Hotels to managing culinary operations for Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) families, Shane breaks down the operational flaws, profit leaks, and management mistakes that plague the hospitality industry.Shane shares how turning a blind eye to food wastage, poor procurement systems, and weak portion control can wipe out thousands in revenue each month. He breaks down how structured culinary systems, clear leadership, and smarter operational strategies can improve efficiency, protect margins, and set up hospitality businesses for sustainable, long-term success.Key Topics Covered:- Reality vs. Hollywood tropes in professional kitchens (Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, The Bear).- Navigating kitchen hierarchy, high-pressure environments, and mental health in hospitality.- How a 900kg carrot ordering blunder taught Shane the ultimate lesson in operational management.- The hidden cost of food wastage, voids, and broken procurement systems.- Practical strategies to fix inventory depletion, manage portion control, and boost profit margins.- Transitioning from a professional chef to cooking for UHNW families and yacht owners.- Financial mindset shifts: moving from high spending to reinvesting and building long-term wealth.- How Culinary Systems Global helps restaurants eliminate waste and optimize back-of-house operations.About Culinary Systems GlobalProtecting Profit. Strengthening Systems. Building Better Food Businesses.CSG specialises in helping food businesses identify operational inefficiencies, improve stock and costing systems, strengthen financial control and uncover opportunities to protect and maximise profit.Follow us on Socials:Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG...TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcastChapters00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:13 - Behind the Scenes: Pressure & Culture in Professional Kitchens00:02:37 - Starting at Age 15: The Hilton Apprenticeship & Early Regrets00:06:33 - Debunking Kitchen Tropes: The Reality of TV vs. Real Life00:09:23 - Managing Pressure, Efficiency, and Knowing Which Corners to Cut00:11:03 - Shifting Pressure: From Busy Saturday Services to Solopreneurship00:13:33 - Diversity, Camaraderie, and Hierarchy Behind the Scenes00:15:04 - The 1,000kg Carrot Ordering Mistake & Key Operational Lessons00:17:48 - The Best Advice: Be a Sponge, Listen, and Absorb Everything00:18:50 - The Hidden Cost of Food Wastage and Voids in Hospitality00:20:47 - Step-by-Step Solutions: Procurement Systems & Portion Control00:24:40 - Great Chef vs. Good Business Owner: Balancing Passion & Strategy00:26:13 - Lessons Learned from Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) Clients00:27:41 - The Truth About Cooking for Billionaires, Celebrities & Yacht Owners00:29:33 - High Earnings & Financial Mindset Shifts: Spending vs. Saving00:31:10 - Founding Culinary Systems Global: Solving Back-of-House Inefficiencies00:34:33 - Why Relying on Systems is Better Than Relying on One Person00:35:49 - Rapid Fire Round: Scares, Working Hours & Biggest Wins00:39:56 - Expanding Internationally & Outro