It's All About the Guest: Exceeding Expectations in Business and in Life, the Davio's Way

A veritable handbook for anyone considering opening their own restaurant, DiFillippo pulls back the curtain to share his experiences%E2%80%94good and bad%E2%80%94and offers specific, distilled advice. A foodie practically from birth, DiFillippo did time in other restaurants before assuming ownership of Davio's, an 80 seat Italian restaurant in Boston, when he was just 24. At the time, Davio's was on its last legs and he quickly learned why. He quickly learned why: financial mismanagement, rampant drug use, theft and decrepit equipment had undermined the restaurant, forcing DiFillippo to make some quick decisions and set the tone for employees as well as customers. An attention to the smallest details, from bathrooms to wineglasses and the desire to go the extra mile for customers are just some of the lasting changes that have helped the restaurant expand to other locations and build loyalty. Budgeting, problem employees, food critics, labor laws, food costing, and knowing when to close up shop aren't as juicy as stories about hanging out with Julia Child (which he also includes) but they'll stick with serious readers a lot longer and help budding restaurateurs get a much more realistic feel of the road ahead. Anyone seriously considering entering the restaurant or hospitality business would do well to spend some time with DiFillippo's entertaining and insightful book. (Oct.)