If I knew then, what I know now...

We all say it, as we grow and look back on our past work...."if I knew then what I know now..." Would my choices have been different? Menu writing, management style, priorities...how would they have been different with my current perspective. One of my greatest joys has been seeing the growth and progress of some of the idividuals that I have worked with over the years. In my seemingly young career, I have now seen a 5th former employ go on to open their own restaurant. Amazingly, 3 former sous chefs are now chef/owners of their own properties. So, in short, whatever I've done in the past it has made it seem possible and for that matter desirable to enter into this crazy business and put one's name on the door. So, if I knew then, what I know now, what would I do differently. Nothing! My advise to all that have chosen the path of ownership...enjoy every minute of it, every little detail. Bringing in the garbage cans on Christmas morning when the whole city is quiet. Answering the fire department's call at 3am to a false alarm. Getting your first great review. Being the first one in the building and the last one out, far too often. The look on the guest's face when they tell you it was the best meal of their lives. People ask me from time to time if I ever want to have my own restaurant again, and my answer is usually the same...you never know...