restaurant rebel
Tired of the Chaos? I’m Here to Help You Take Back Control and Lead with Confidence—Without Burning Out.
Welcome to Restaurant Rebel!
Your go-to resource for no-nonsense, empowering strategies designed specifically for restaurant leaders like you. Here, we tackle the real challenges of the hospitality industry head-on, offering actionable insights to help you combat burnout, streamline operations, and confidently lead your team.
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This blog is your toolkit for mastering restaurant management without losing your sanity. From practical tips on effective leadership to data-driven strategies that drive success, you’ll find everything you need to transform chaos into clarity.
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Join a community of fierce leaders who are ready to take control, elevate their operations, and build thriving restaurant cultures. With Restaurant Rebel, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving—and doing it on your terms. Let’s make leadership fun, fierce, and fulfilling!
Hi, I'm Kennedy!
Ready to Lead Authentically?
Subscribe Now for Empowering Insights and Strategies That Will Help You Thrive!
I've been there...
The sixth day in a row of grinding through 10-hour shifts. My back ached, my feet and ankles were swollen, and I was lucky if I managed one meal a day. I was on a caffeine bender, pounding cup after cup to keep my mind from going fuzzy.
Snapping at my team for the most straightforward questions became my new norm, and I found myself hiding out in the office, desperately searching for a moment of peace. I was starting to feel like there was no way I was being effective anymore.
What a mess!
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But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle.
This blog is your lifeline to overcoming burnout while managing a successful restaurant. I’m here to arm you with no-nonsense strategies and real-world insights that will help you reclaim your time and energy.
We’ll tackle everything from smart time management techniques to empowering leadership practices that elevate your team and culture.
Say goodbye to the chaos and hello to a balanced approach that lets you thrive personally and professionally. It’s time to turn that burnout into badassery!
My Story
I’m one of those people who can't walk into a restaurant without mentally noting all the little things that could be better. It’s just part of who I am.
My mom’s a career restaurant manager, and I grew up living and breathing this industry. Of course, I married a chef, adding another layer to my restaurant obsession. I started hosting at 17 and hustled as a server and bartender throughout college.
But when I graduated, I tried the office life for a year—and let me tell you, I hated every second of it. So, at just 23, I jumped back into restaurants—this time as management with a nationally known company. ​After my training, they dropped me right into the busiest restaurant west of the Mississippi River as GM. In 40-seat diner, we hit $1.2 mil a year in revenue.
For the first couple of months, I threw myself into 70-hour workweeks, running straight into a brick wall. Sure, I learned a ton about operations and effective leadership, but I also crashed and burned hard. I loved the hustle of restaurant life, but I couldn’t keep up that pace. Something had to give. So, I dove into every management book from any industry I could find and started prioritizing my health and wellness.
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That journey transformed my perspective on the industry. As I focused on bettering myself, I applied everything I learned to my work and my team. I evolved into a sharper strategist and a more empathetic leader. I got fed up with the same old management lies and decided to do things my way. And guess what? My sales and profit margins skyrocketed, even though I spent less time in the restaurant. It’s proof that leading authentically and taking care of yourself pays off—big time.
