Chef Says This Is the No. 1 Thing That Makes a Restaurant Successful or Not Chef, coach and BIZ Experiences Christian Fischer reveals the vital ingredient for restaurant success.

By Shawn P. Walchef

Key Takeaways

  • Chef Christian Fischer says that his Austrian upbringing taught him the importance of hospitality. It is customary, he says, for everyone to be treated as family.
  • Fischer believes that anyone who has found an efficient way to complete a task has a responsibility to share that knowledge with the world by writing a book. He has come up with a system to make it easier for that to become a reality for others.
  • Fischer has had to deal with tragedy surrounding friends and colleagues. As a way to combat the cause and give back to the industry, he helped develop the Culinary Leadership Academy, which provides a safe space for individuals to ask for help and be a part of the community.

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

For chef-turned-BIZ Experiences Christian Fischer, hospitality is a serious business.

Christian Fischer is a culinary coach, author, and stalwart in the restaurant industry. And for him, hospitality is not just a profession; it's ingrained in him through his upbringing in Austrian culture. It's about treating everyone, including guests, as family. The genuine warmth means sometimes a casual chat about restaurant recommendations could lead to an invitation to someone's home for dinner.

Related: How The Nourish Spot Is Building a Legacy of Healthy Eating and Community Connection

"Hospitality in Austria, that's what we're known for," he tells Restaurant Influencers host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media.

Fischer believes in sharing knowledge efficiently, especially in industries where a streamlined process can make a significant impact. "Complexity is the enemy of execution," says Fischer, explaining his goal to simplify book writing and other processes for others in his industry. "We don't want to write the book. We want to help you write a book because as soon as you have the first one done, more things can come."

Culinary Leadership Academy

Fischer's commitment to the well-being of those in the culinary world extends beyond the kitchen. Having experienced the tragedy of losing friends to suicide within the industry, he co-founded the Culinary Leadership Academy in 2014. This non-profit initiative aims to provide chefs with essential leadership skills and a supportive community.

Related: The Waitlist for This Sushi Spot Numbers in the Hundreds. Here's the Secret Ingredient of Its Success.

Recognizing the prevalent notion that chefs often feel the need to tackle everything independently, Fischer believes in fostering a culture where asking for help is not a weakness. "You don't do it on your own. And for me, it started around leadership, because how can I manage a kitchen, how can I manage a team, if I can't even manage myself?"

About Restaurant Influencers

Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point-of-sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.

Toast — Powering Successful Restaurants. Learn more about Toast.

Shawn P. Walchef

Founder of Cali BBQ Media

“Be the show, not the commercial.”

Cali BBQ Media Founder Shawn Walchef helps brands and leaders leverage the new Business Creator Economy with strategic Smartphone Storytelling and Digital Hospitality.

His Cali BBQ restaurant company has generated more than $35 million since opening in 2008. They operate numerous locations in San Diego and beyond.

Shawn’s weekly video series Restaurant Influencers (published by BIZ Experiences Media and produced by Cali BBQ Media) has been seen by over 25 million people.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Restaurant Influencers

They Opened a Restaurant During the Pandemic — But Locals Showed Up, and Celebrities Followed. Now, It's Thriving.

These Co-Founders Came From Different Backgrounds, Joined Forces and Now Run 10 Restaurants Together

This Restaurant Tech Cost Him a Client — Then Changed Everything for His Business

Jon Taffer Teamed Up With This $300 Million Franchise Company to Build Something Bigger Than Restaurants

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Money & Finance

These Are the Expected Retirement Ages By Generation, From Gen Z to Boomers — and the Average Savings Anticipated. How Do Yours Compare?

Many Americans say inflation prevents them from saving enough and fear they won't reach their financial goals.

Starting a Business

I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here's How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

Wealth-building in your early twenties isn't about playing it safe; it's about exploiting the one time in life when having nothing to lose gives you everything to gain.

Business Solutions

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

Ideal for BIZ Experiencess and small-business owners who are looking to streamline their PC setup.