Pineapple Hospitality Group’s founder and head chef on the power of treating guests like family

In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Jim Rehm, the founder of Pineapple Hospitality Group, alongside vice president of culinary Jessica Tomlinson. Pineapple owns five going on six restaurants in the Tampa area, and the restaurants flourish on homey atmosphere that Jim has been developing over the course of his nearly 50-year career in restaurants. In fact, Jim believes so much in restaurants treating guests like family that most of his actual family is involved in the business. Jessica, meanwhile, is a veteran of restaurant chains that was brought in last year to further fuel the culinary creativity across Pineapple’s five concepts. Sam recently sat down with Jim and Jessica inside their restaurant Craft Street Kitchen & Drinks to talk more about their commitment to hospitality and creativity and how it’s helped them through this challenging economy.

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

1. People remember how you made them feel more than what you said
2. The first 90 seconds that a guest is in your restaurant are among the most important
3. Great hospitality starts at the job interview
4. When launching a new concept, you’re writing a new story to share with guests
5. A multi-concept portfolio will allow your team’s creativity to flourish

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.