Canada restaurateur’s ‘passionate’ speech highlights hospitality’s biggest issue
A viral video featuring a passionate pep talk by a restaurateur to his staff has sparked a conversation about the current state of the hospitality industry.
In the video, filmed in the kitchen of Table 51 restaurant in Montreal, Canada, the owner reminds his team of their role in creating an unforgettable dining experience — something many believe is a lost art in hospitality today.
In the clip, which has over two million views, he describes the energy and excitement that Friday and Saturday nights bring for customers.
“Going out on a Saturday night or a Friday night — don’t forget, people got dressed,” he said.
“Girls went to the salon today. They did their hair and nails. They bought a nice outfit to wear out tonight, right? There’s meaning behind a Friday or Saturday night dinner service. People come out for some fun, for a bit of action … they got a babysitter. They don’t want to be rushed home to their babysitter only to realise they’ve been out for 45 minutes. I want to be out. I want to enjoy the evening. I want to people-watch. I want to feel the vibe and energy in the restaurant.”
He emphasises that from the moment diners enter the restaurant, everything contributes to the atmosphere.
“That energy starts from the hostess, from the managers on the floor, from the bartender when she’s shaking up their martinis nicely so everyone’s like, wow, that looks delicious,” he added.
“I don’t know what she’s making, but just that sound of the ice going back and forth off that metal shaker is electric, right? This is the restaurant business — it’s a show. You all need to understand you’re a big part of this show, OK? So show up. It’s a sexy thing to be alive in the dining room.”
He then criticized what he called “deadbeats” in the industry — staff who fail to bring energy and entertainment to their work.
He urged his team to be “memorable” and to think “outside the box”.
“When a customer leaves here and says, ‘Claudia served me’, ‘Clara served me’, ‘Stefan served me’, ‘Cat served me’ … I can remember the name and I can write it up on Google. We’ve left a mark on that person, and next thing you know, Monday we were busy, Tuesday we were busy. It’s all a trickle-down effect.”
The video received praise from commenters, with one writing, “This guy understands hospitality.”
“Damn, this is leadership. Makes me want to go to dinner,” remarked another.
“Especially in this economy. Eating out is a luxury,” added someone else.
“So many restaurants have lost this touch. It’s nice to see it,” a commenter wrote.
However, others disagreed, with one person admitting they don’t want a memorable waiter.
“I hate it when they interrupt our conversation. I want a ghost server so I can enjoy my husband,” they stated.
“You shouldn’t put that pressure on low-wage workers,” a social media user claimed.
But another argued that he was just trying to help his staff earn good tips.
