Cameron Mitchell restaurants recently celebrated their 100th opening. They've grown very large. A long time ago they were great. Now, they're just an upscale Olive Garden offering garden variety food - nothing special. Miss and I are full scale foodies. She is one of the best cooks. She sources local, organic, high quality produce, veggies, and proteins. Puts together amazing meals. So, when I take her out for a rare date night (at least in Cbus) it has to be great. Cameron Mitchell used to be in the "great" rotation. They went large. They are no longer great. Don't get me wrong, lots of people love their restaurants. They are wildly successful.
They are large, not great. Hard as hell to be both.
We go to KC once a month to see our clients there. Cafe Provence, owned by a transplanted French family, is great. They own French Market (casual but fabulous) around the corner, it too is great. They've been an icon in KC for nearly thirty years. Have. Not. Expanded. They understand large is the enemy of great. They've chosen to be a small Giant. We visit Cafe Provence nearly every month and have been for decades. We know the family. They know us. Feels like an extension of home, you know.
Do not rush your growth, friend. Be great whatever your size. Hold your teams to high standards. Create margin so you have time to master your craft. Chase greatness. You will develop rabid, loyal followers. Choose wisely when and how you scale. Many well intended advisors told me the problem with BTL is it's not scaleable. I smile whenever I hear this great news. My ccd response? Good. Exactly how I designed her. She's my baby, you know. Only for the few.
Live hard. Love harder…
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