Too many great candidates slip away due to unclear compensation expectations. HopDov’s Annie and Molly share why restaurant operators need to talk money upfront, and how to do it respectfully.

Takeaways:

• Ask for pay expectations in the first interview.
• Clarify wage structure early to speed up hiring.
• Avoid misalignment that costs you top-tier talent.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

HopDov’s Annie and Molly make the case that “fully staffed” is a myth. This episode breaks down proactive restaurant staffing strategies for long-term success.

Takeaways:

• Keep recruiting systems active, even when you feel covered.
• Stay flexible with roles and schedules to attract top talent.
• Organize your hiring workflow using smart hospitality software.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

Difficult conversations don’t get easier with time—they get harder. HopDov’s Annie and Molly explain how restaurant leaders can communicate with transparency, empathy, and structure.

Takeaways:

• Schedule feedback conversations ahead of service, not after.
• Prepare your messaging to reduce defensiveness.
• Commit to consistency. Don’t let busy days push hard talks aside.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

Creating a culture of safety and accountability is no longer optional. It’s essential. HopDov’s Annie and Molly explain how proactive training can protect your people and your business.

Takeaways:

• Train managers to identify and address inappropriate behavior.
• Respond quickly and thoroughly to any harassment claim.
• Use respectful workplace policies to safeguard your restaurant brand.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

HopDov’s Annie and Molly explain why offboarding isn’t just about logistics—it’s your final chance to learn how to lead better, boost retention, and sharpen your restaurant management tools.

Takeaways:

• Ask thoughtful questions to understand why people really leave.
• Use feedback to improve onboarding and company culture.
• Strengthen your employer brand through respectful offboarding.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

In this episode, HopDov’s Annie and Molly lay out how to handle terminations with professionalism—and how clear documentation can protect your business from legal headaches.

Takeaways:

• Give written feedback early and consistently.
• Document disciplinary conversations to prevent surprises.
• Follow hospitality software solutions for fair, transparent processes.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

Conflict is inevitable on restaurant teams. What matters is how you respond. HopDov’s Annie and Molly explain why ignoring drama backfires—and how proactive, empathetic leadership helps young workers thrive.

Takeaways:

• Address small conflicts early to prevent escalation.
• Coach team members to work together respectfully, not perfectly.
• Offer actionable empathy: listen, then guide them forward.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

HopDov’s Annie Eisemann explains the surprisingly accurate parallels between managing restaurant employees and raising kids—or training dogs. The throughline? Affirmation and clarity.

Takeaways:

• Offer consistent, positive feedback to reinforce trust.
• Address workplace drama with patience, not panic.
• Build a culture where constructive feedback is safe and welcomed.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.