Food

How Gavin Kaysen defines his role as chef-CEO as he expands his restaurant company in new directions

The award-winning chef has not only positioned Minneapolis as a dining destination, but he has also published a cookbook, initiated a mentorship program and more.

Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen has been instrumental in turning Minneapolis into a dining destination, moving back to his hometown after advancing his career in Daniel Boulud’s New York City restaurants.

Eight years ago, he opened Spoon and Stable and has since added two restaurants - Demi, Mara - and Socca Cafe, along with several locations of Bellecour, a French-inspired bakery and cafe. Just last month, he self-published his first cookbook, At Home, plus he hosts a Synergy Series of dinners with guest chefs and initiated a mentorship program.

At Home book cover
At Home book cover

Although Kaysen no longer cooks at service, he leads menu R&D at all of his restaurants and considers himself a chef-CEO. Listen as he describes this expanded role, how At Home evolved to become a very personal project and why geography no longer plays a part in the recognition and success of a restaurant.

Subscribe to Menu Feed on Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Technology

How third-party delivery became indispensable

Tech Check: Thanks to lower prices and a growing list of features, DoorDash and Uber Eats are becoming hard for customers to quit. That has made them an inevitability for restaurants.

Marketing

Here are the worst pitches for coverage we fielded in 2024

Reality Check: We appreciate all the assistance that was offered for developing stories. Some far, far more than than others.

Financing

Noodles & Company stock hits a new, all-time low

The Bottom Line: The fast-casual noodle chain was once dubbed the "Next Chipotle." But it has lost 80% of its value this year amid persistent sales weakness and compounding losses.

Trending

More from our partners