Setting the Table cover art

Setting the Table

The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

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Setting the Table

By: Danny Meyer
Narrated by: Danny Meyer
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About this listen

 Danny Meyer started Union Square Cafe when he was 27, with a good idea and scant experience. He is now the CEO of one of the world's most dynamic restaurant organizations, one that includes 11 unique dining establishments, each at the top of its game. How did he do it? How has he consistently beaten the odds in one of the toughest trades around?

In this landmark book, Danny shares the lessons he learned while developing the winning recipe for his way of doing business � what he calls "Enlightened Hospitality". This innovative business philosophy emphasizes putting the power of hospitality to work in a new and counterintuitive way: the first and most important recipients of hospitality are the people who work for you. In descending order of priority, the next most important receivers of hospitality are guests, the community, suppliers, and investors. This way of setting priorities stands more traditional business models on their heads, but Danny considers it the foundation of every success he and his restaurants have had.

Full of behind-the-scenes history on the creation of Danny's most famous restaurants, and the anecdotes, advice, and lessons he has accumulated on his long and ecstatic journey to the top, Setting the Table is a treasure trove of innovative insights applicable to any business or organization.

©2006 Danny Meyer (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers Inc. Management Management & Leadership Business Inspiring Leadership

Critic Reviews

  • Audie Award Finalist, Non-fiction, Abridged, 2007

"This honest, modest book will appeal most to foodies and aspiring restaurateurs but also offers insight for entrepreneurs in any industry." (Publishers Weekly)
All stars
Most relevant
Brilliant insight into awesome hospitality. Great knowledge of customer service and how to achieve it

Loved it

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Such an inspirational motivational book with such great business ideas but overall his customer service/customer experience/staff community and experience … the whole picture is outstanding and so very many businesses, corporate and small family business, have so much to learn from Danny and his business acumen. Deserves far more than five stars!

Must read for businesses

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I loved the breadth of the kinds of restaurants that this covers. An easy-listen and an inspiring subject matter.

Restauranteur Inspiration

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I prefer how-to books so found this too biographical. It would be perfect for somebody who is learning how to play the long game in biz after focusing on short term growth hacks. But I've spent my career focused on the slow game and customer delight, so didn't find much new information.

I wanted this to be less biographical

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This book was interesting and well written, but reads a bit like a text book.

To clinical

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.