What 17 Years in Restaurant Management taught me about People and Money

If you've worked in restaurants long enough, you've probably heard it:"So... when are you getting a real job?"

Cute.

After 17 years in this business—starting as a barista, bouncing between front and back of house, and eventually managing full operations—I can confidently say this is a real job. And not just that: it’s a masterclass in leadership, grit, and getting sh*t done under pressure.

Restaurant Management taught me about People and Money in ways no traditional career path ever could. I’ve learned how to calm an angry guest with a smile and a comped brownie, coach a line cook who’s about to walk mid-shift, and make a budget spreadsheet sing with just the right labor cut. I’ve worked in places where we barely made it through Sunday brunch, and others where we built incredible culture, systems, and profit.

So why start Plate & Pen?

Because I’ve lived every version of the restaurant story—good, bad, and absolutely chaotic—and I want to share what I’ve learned. I’m writing for the managers who feel like they’re on an island, the owners who want to do right by their staff but are drowning in overhead, and the team leads who take the job seriously even when no one else does.

This blog is a mix of:

• Real-life stories from behind the scenes

• Management tips that actually work in the real world (not just in theory)

• Tough love and truth about restaurant finances, culture, and burnout

• And just enough sarcasm and sass to keep things interesting

If you’ve ever walked into a shift already thinking about the backup plan for when someone inevitably no-calls, or if you’ve ever spent your “day off” reorganizing the prep list and scheduling coverage—then you, my friend, are exactly who I’m writing for.

Running restaurants isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those of us who stay? Who actually love the pressure, the people, the art of service, and yes—even the spreadsheets?

We’re a different breed. And I’m here to talk about it.

Thanks for showing up. Let’s get into it.