In this kickoff episode with attorney Michael Zalay, we break down whether you should start your restaurant as an LLC, S-Corp, or something else—and what legal and financial factors really matter.

Takeaways:

• Understand how LLC and S-Corp structures affect restaurant ownership.
• Choose a structure based on flexibility, funding, and distribution plans.
• Structure your restaurant for long-term growth and investor returns.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

What goes into a well-written disciplinary warning? HopDov’s Annie and Molly walk through the essential elements, from clarity to tone to exactly what you should say next.

Takeaways:

• Be specific: vague terms like “disrespectful” won’t cut it.
• Include clear expectations for future conduct.
• Keep language simple enough for anyone to understand.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

HopDov’s Annie and Molly explain why manager logs filled with complaints don’t hold up in legal disputes, and how switching to transparent written warnings is better for everyone.

Takeaways:

• Replace vague manager notes with clear written warnings.
• Use documentation as a tool for support, not punishment.
• Flip your mindset: written feedback shows you care about success.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

Wage and hour claims can bankrupt a restaurant overnight. HopDov’s Annie and Molly share how to protect yourself now, before a lawyer finds the cracks in your system.

Takeaways:

• Stay current with wage laws in your specific state.
• Avoid tipping violations by following hospitality regulations closely.
• Proactively consult HR or legal experts to reduce risk.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

Hop Dov’s Annie Eisemann outlines the legal and ethical responsibilities of restaurant operators when an employee brings up an ongoing health condition, and why avoiding this conversation is not an option.

Takeaways:

• Treat long-term health issues as potential disabilities under the law.
• Engage in a clear interactive process before saying “no.”
• Avoid liability by documenting requests and showing good faith.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

If your bonus program can’t be explained to an 8-year-old, it’s probably not working. HopDov’s Annie and Molly explain how to build transparent, motivating bonus plans that align team goals with restaurant performance.

Takeaways:

• Put your bonus criteria in writing—no exceptions.
• Include both operational and financial KPIs.
• Define terms clearly to avoid disputes and boost accountability.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

Tired of complaining about Gen Z? HopDov’s Annie and Molly challenge operators to stop criticizing and start engaging with this digitally native generation using a mix of app-based tools and real human interaction.

Takeaways:

• Use digital systems like scheduling apps and payroll portals.
• Incorporate short, in-person training moments for hybrid learning.
• Reinforce consistency with repeatable training formats across shifts.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.

HopDov’s Annie and Molly outline a three-tiered approach to training that helps restaurant teams stay sharp, compliant, and ready for growth.

Takeaways:

• Standardize new hire onboarding across your restaurant.
• Provide ongoing training for long-term team development.
• Equip managers with tools for people management and performance reviews.

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest? MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.