accountability
malleability
problem solving aka solution oriented
communication
ego deflating aka humility
delegating
sharing
support
teamwork
initiative
self care
teaching
empathy
compassion
go gettedness
flow going
quick decision making
~
what else y'all?
what does one need in their toolbox, in their mental mis en place, in order to be strong enough to open a restaurant?
Perseverance, because it never works out quite right the first time.
Posted by: Matthew Stein | 01 September 2010 at 12:00 AM
trust.
solidity.
foundation.
smiles :D
Posted by: Jess | 01 September 2010 at 12:38 AM
dogged determination
Posted by: lainie | 01 September 2010 at 12:45 AM
I imagine it needs stamina and, in a perfect world, enough sleep.
Posted by: Victoria | 01 September 2010 at 09:24 AM
I've never opened a restaurant but have worked for small businesses and the one thing I often see lacking is - Belief in your product/business. Don't sell yourself short.
Posted by: latenac | 01 September 2010 at 09:33 AM
An understanding of what the customers want?
Good luck! Cant wait to see your new work!
Posted by: jenny | 01 September 2010 at 03:21 PM
That spark, that hunger, impregnable actions. You know that Mike Tyson ruthlessness, invincible type shit. Yes?
Posted by: Joseph Mendoza | 01 September 2010 at 05:55 PM
Ummmm... Making sure you don't go off path, as in - don't dilute your original idea too much?
Posted by: Foodie in Berlin | 02 September 2010 at 04:37 AM
patience always.
Posted by: melissa | 02 September 2010 at 11:51 AM
Strength to follow your gut in the face of argument
Willingness to try something new a little bit ar a time
Ability to see with your mouth and taste with your eyes
Posted by: Baron | 03 September 2010 at 09:02 AM
emotional stability, understanding spouse, realistic expectations, ability to weigh emotional decision against business decision, strong vendor relationship, vision, ability to inspire others...
Posted by: Shawn | 03 September 2010 at 07:31 PM
ability to multitask
physical and mental energy
Thick skin
sense of humor - (biggie)
a touch of insanity
Posted by: Susan | 04 September 2010 at 01:45 AM
vision and focus.
Posted by: Rebecca Stevens | 04 September 2010 at 11:50 PM
Coffee! And at the end of some days, whiskey.
Posted by: Lauren | 06 September 2010 at 07:19 PM
What else?, you ask?
Sharing its name, so that we all know what it's called and can find it and dine at it and rub our bellies happily afterward!
: )
Amanda, Just a lit bit of Googling and I'm sure you'll be able to find it... ~ shuna
Posted by: Amanda | 06 September 2010 at 08:12 PM
learn to be in the moment,
enjoy the process,
make lists!
Can't wait to see the new place.
Posted by: Janet | 08 September 2010 at 11:54 AM
A sense of humor, vision, and a killer menu:)
Posted by: Sherman Unkefer | 08 September 2010 at 04:09 PM
malleability and ego deflating aka humility
Badass, by far my two favorite and often most under looked requirements in any job, but especially important in the insanity that is the restaurant business.
Posted by: Gabriel Hummel | 10 September 2010 at 05:06 PM
Cajones, man...big ones.
Posted by: Carri | 13 September 2010 at 02:40 AM
Sense of humor should be number one. Otherwise, what's the point?
Posted by: sharon | 13 September 2010 at 02:37 PM
A damn good accountant
Posted by: Natalie Sztern | 17 September 2010 at 07:16 PM
A steadfast desire to work 120 hours a week, only to realize 150 would have been better.
Posted by: Graeham | 18 September 2010 at 11:35 AM
What I learned in the restaurant business? Teamwork, organization, speed, humility, creativity. Good Luck!
Posted by: katrina | 18 September 2010 at 10:49 PM
Your right on the money with these suggestions. A big thumbs up from this little Aussie Chef :)
Posted by: Anna Johnston | 07 October 2010 at 09:30 PM
All of the above, but above all, to open a restaurant, as with anything, you need to plan plan plan - project management is absolutely key
Posted by: Natty Dredd | 12 October 2010 at 06:20 PM