Setting the Table

The bestselling business book from award-winning restauranteur Danny Meyer, of Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, and Shake Shack

Seventy-five percent of all new restaurant ventures fail, and of those that do stick around, only a few become icons. Danny Meyer started Union Square Cafe when he was 27, with a good idea and hopeful investors. He is now the co-owner of a restaurant empire. How did he do it? How did he beat the odds in one of the toughest trades around? In this landmark book, Danny shares the lessons he learned developing the dynamic philosophy he calls Enlightened Hospitality. The tenets of that philosophy, which emphasize strong in-house relationships as well as customer satisfaction, are applicable to anyone who works in any business. Whether you are a manager, an executive, or a waiter, Danny’s story and philosophy will help you become more effective and productive, while deepening your understanding and appreciation of a job well done. 

Setting the Table is landmark a motivational work from one of our era’s most gifted and insightful business leaders.

Danny Meyer is the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group, which has created some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, including Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, Tabla, The Modern, Blue Smoke, Maialino, Ci Siamo, Daily Provisions and more. He is also the founder of Shake Shack, co-founder of Enlightened Hospitality Investments, and is a sought-after speaker and educator, setting industry standards for innovative hiring practices, building culture, corporate responsibility, and leading change.