[Founder Notes] Danny Meyer

Be careful overgrowing. Growth is not inherently bad, but before you grow it is necessary to have the infrastructure in place — a growth system, people already in place, enough margin so growth doesn't wreck you.

The best decision in his career: traveled the US to learn from top burger joints, then decided not to be a chef but an engineer and operator. Learn to communicate clearly with chefs in their own language. Firing himself as chef was the best decision he ever made.

Meyer had a long time holding himself back from expressing himself, but embracing that helped him become a better businessman.

• Road to success is paved with mistakes well handled.
• No flawless perfection will push you to be risk averse.
• Perfection is impossible in business.
• Get an assignable lease. Max optionality. Transform the neighborhood.

— Jay