How do you change the restaurant industry? One speech at a time.

Looking to add a program to your event that will bring energy and deliver change? We need to talk...

SPEAKER'S BROCHURE

Meet The Restaurant Coachâ„¢

I'm Donald Burns. I grew up in the restaurant industry (my father was a Gordon Ramsey style chef). To escape the throwing of plates at me I joined the military and I am a former member of the USAF Pararescue Teams. After my service I continued down the restaurant path. Like many young chefs I opened a restaurant. It seemed like a good idea to open another (yes, I'm a recovering restaurant owner). After 7 years of being the Chef/Owner, I was recruited to be an executive chef with Wolfgang Puck (for 5 years I traveled and opened concepts and catering units for him).

So far, (knock on wood) I have 40-years in the restaurant industry and I absolutely love every single day I get to help others break free from mediocrity and reach their potential. My first book is titled: Your Restaurant Sucks! Come on...you don't write a book with that title if you can't back it up! Allow me to make your event outstanding!

A Few of the Stages I Have Been On...

"I attended three of your education sessions at the L.A. Convention Center 'Western Foodservice Expo' and they were some of my best experiences of that three day show, thank you."

Chuck Gabriels
Attendee

"Donald is a remarkable speaker! Not only is he a pleasure to work with, but he connects with the audience and brings new content that attendees can use right away. His compassion for the industry stands out when he speaks and we look forward to having him as a valued speaker! "

Patricia Copela
Conference & Special Events Manager , Urban Expositions

"About today's workshop with Donald. I've been in this business way too long and have been to far too many of these workshops. Today was different. Donald put forth a powerful hospitality message. He was engaging, informative, and entertaining. I had almost everyone come up to me and thank me for holding this. I know my batteries are now recharged and re-focused. "

Warren Gaustad
VP of Operations, Garduno's Restaurant Group

Signature Programs

If you are having an Annual Conference | Breakout Session | Leadership Summit | Conference Keynote | Panel Discussions | Moderator for Q&A Session | Webinars | Leadership Roundtables | Professional Development | Lectures | Association Workshops, or a Sales Launch...getting a dynamic speaker is critical to the success of your event (and job security). 

If you don't see something you like, I can customize a program for your event. It's rare, but it does happen...

How to 10X Your Restaurant and Dominate Your Market NOW!

In an ever crowded industry, you DO NOT want to blend in with the competition....you need to STAND OUT! This session will give you a step-by-step plan to launch your brand to the top of your market.

*A food expo favorite! I had to leave out the firewalk this year due to trademark issues with Tony Robbins. It's still epic! 

Create Culture That Wins!

What separates the great restaurants from the average? Culture. A strong culture creates a beacon that attracts guests and top talent to work for your brand. A weak culture produces high turnover and the ebb and flow in sales that so many restaurants experience. I'll show you how to stop that.

*Hint: There is not a Millennial Problem, the real problem is that we think we have a problem! 

STOP Marketing and Do This Instead

Market, market, and market some more! That’s what the gurus say, right? What if the are wrong?

What if you stopped marketing and instead positioned your brand to stand out? In this fast paced workshop, I will show you a four step formula to stop the noise and create a boom in your market!

Learn How to Win the War for Talent!

Success leaves clues. So does failure. When you work with an average of 400 restaurants a year, you see the patterns that lead to a successful restaurant. Let me share with you my signature 7 step solution to get and keep the best talent in your market

*Here, I give my inside secrets to dominating your hiring game! Oh, it's not popular with your competition. 

Take Control of Your Restaurant

I travel around the globe working with restaurants and I can honestly say that your problems are not special. All restaurants experience the same frustrations. They also have the same solutions. 

Speaking at HIP 2020

 

As Seen On:

Books for Your Event

My global bestselling books are available in Kindle and paperback. Your attendees with be able to walk away with an impressive memento of your event. 

GET A SAMPLE CHAPTER

See The Restaurant Coachâ„¢ Live!

Upcoming Speaking Events for 2021-2022

MURTEC Executive Summit. Orlando, Florida - October 13-15, 2021

Donald brings his signature storytelling style to the leading conference that is the intersection of restaurant technology and business. 

At MURTEC Executive Summit where Donald will help you identify the core values, you need to inspire your team and drive revenue.

He will also be having a book signing after his program for his Amazon best-selling book: Your Restaurant Sucks!

Hospitality Innovation Planet. Madrid, Spain - March 7-9, 2022

Donald brings his newest book: Your Restaurant Culture Sucks! to Spain! HIP is the largest congress of the Hospitality Industry in the region. It is established as the most complete training, updating, and relationship space, with the aim of contributing to the development of the sector. 

He will also be having a book signing after his program for his new book: Your Restaurant Culture Sucks!

The National Restaurant Show, Chicago, IL

The NRA Show is the largest restaurant-focused show in North America. After the cancellation of the 2020 & 2021 shows, we are back baby! Donald will be doing limited 1:1 meeting with restaurants to develop a strategic plan for your business. To reserve a session email Donald directly at [email protected] 

Nightclub & Bar Show: Las Vegas

Donald is heading to Vegas Baby! Nightclub & Bar Show is the nation’s most influential gathering of bar and nightlife professionals. Join thousands of professionals from across the U.S. to learn, network and grow the industry. The 2019 show will host 600+ exhibitors on our innovative expo floor, leading experts from the industry in our comprehensive conference program, and an unparalleled nightlife lineup.

He will also be having a book signing after his program for his new book: Your Restaurant Culture Sucks!

TRA Marketplace, San Antonio, TX 

Donald brings his signature programs to this event!

TRA Marketplace is the Texas Restaurant Association's annual restaurant and foodservice show. The largest of its kind in the Southwest.

Now in its 83rd year, the TRA Marketplace dazzles visitors with stunning and interactive displays, state of the science products and equipment, cutting edge technology and the very latest news, trends and advice from dynamic industry leaders. 

Part trade show and part conference, the TRA Marketplace motivates and inspires everyone – from first-time restauranteurs to industry veterans.

He will also be having a book signing after the program of his new book: Your Restaurant Culture Sucks!

The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York - March 2022

Whether you're an independent owner, quick-serve restaurant operator, chef, caterer, baker, bar or nightclub operator, hospital, hotel or commercial foodservice personnel - join me and the Restaurant KPI Mastery Team at the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York at the Javits Center, New York City. 

He will also be having a book signing after his program for his new book: Your Restaurant Culture Sucks!

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo: Los Angeles, California - August 2022

Donald brings his signature programs to this event! This premier 3-day event encompasses everything you need to master the emerging trends, amp up your profits, energize your business and engage your customers in unique and memorable ways. Join 8,000+ of your peers at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, where you'll have access to the hottest menu trends, state of the art design and decor, the best in business education and 500 of the leading vendors and purveyors dedicated to serving the restaurant & foodservice community -- all under one roof!

He will also be having a book signing after his program for his new book: Your Restaurant Culture Sucks!

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show: Orlando, Florida - September 2022

Donald brings his signature programs to this event! This premier 2-day event encompasses everything you need to master the emerging trends, amp up your profits, energize your business and engage your customers in unique and memorable ways. Join 8,000+ of your peers at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, where you'll have access to the hottest menu trends, state of the art design and decor, the best in business education and 450 of the leading vendors and purveyors dedicated to serving the restaurant & foodservice community -- all under one roof!

He will also be having a book signing after the program of his new book: Your Restaurant Culture Sucks!

Get The Restaurant Coachâ„¢ For Your Event

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