Vol 8: Being a Better Leader in the Kitchen, with Irene Li
Irene Li, Owner of Mei Mei and Prepshift tells us how she's turned Open Book Management into a (James Beard Award) winning strategy for leadership.
Welcome to Nu Business, where we share features of some of our favorite food and beverage people and resources specifically for food business owners.
TL;DR
Irene takes a radically transparent approach to Open Book leadership, involving her team in crucial business decisions and goals. It’s led to:
Buy-in and shared goals across the team
A stronger, more involved customer base
Plenty of awards and accolades
Irene’s Journey from Kitchen to Tech Office
Irene Li's journey in the the hospitality world is one of experimentation in leadership and fearlessness to get things right. As the owner of Mei Mei Dumplings, Irene has transformed the dumpling restaurant into a community-centered enterprise. But her influence extends beyond the kitchen; Irene is also the founder of Prepshift, a platform designed to empower restaurant operators and workers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. Prepshift was born out of her time in the Visible Hands program, informed by deep experience in the hospitality industry. Irene is also one of NuMarket’s first contributors (Mamaleh’s campaign) and campaign owners.
Her leadership in the restaurant sector has been marked by a commitment to sustainability and employee welfare, setting new standards for what a socially responsible restaurant can look like. This holistic approach to business has not only garnered critical acclaim from the likes of The James Beard Foundation but also built a loyal customer base across the country that resonates with her team’s values. We got the chance to talk about leadership in restaurants, “Open Book Management” and the state of hospitality today.
Understanding Where Hospitality is Today
The hospitality industry today faces an unprecedented array of challenges, from navigating the complexities of skyrocketing costs to addressing the critical issues of sustainability and worker well-being. Irene Li is acutely aware of these challenges and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and openness in overcoming them. "The landscape of hospitality has changed dramatically," Irene observes. "We're at a crossroads where the choices we make today will define our industry for years to come."
One of the most significant shifts Irene notes is the increasing demand for transparency and ethical practices from consumers. "People want to know where their food comes from, how workers are treated, and what businesses are doing to minimize their environmental impact," she says. This heightened consumer consciousness is pushing restaurants to adopt more sustainable and ethical business models not only for their customers, but for their own teams.
Shaping the Future
As for the future, Irene predicts that "sustainability isn't just going to be a buzzword but a fundamental operation principle for successful restaurants." This includes everything from sourcing ingredients locally to reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.
While also a fierce critic of many of the “platforms” (see 30% fees on delivery orders, which we’ll talk about in later posts), Irene highlights the role of technology in transforming the hospitality landscape. "Technology will continue to play a pivotal role, not just in how we serve our customers but in how we manage our businesses." From innovative ordering systems to platforms like Prepshift that offer professional development opportunities, technology is making the hospitality industry more efficient and accessible. We’ll be sharing more info on some of the tools we like in future Nu Business posts, webinars and carrier pigeons.
However, it's the focus on community that Irene believes will truly define the future of hospitality. "Building a sense of community and connection will become even more vital," she explains. This involves not only how restaurants engage with their customers but also how they support their employees and contribute to their local communities. We couldn’t agree more.
Navigating the Hospitality Terrain Today
"The hospitality industry today is navigating through a sea of change," Irene begins, reflecting on the huge amount of challenges currently facing the sector. From fluctuating consumer expectations to the imperative for sustainability, the industry is at a crucial juncture. Irene notes, "Customers today are more informed and conscientious. They're not just looking for a meal; they're seeking an experience that aligns with their values." This shift demands a reevaluation of practices, pushing for greater transparency. For Irene, a big focus for the industry needs to be on better employment practices.
The post-pandemic recovery phase has ushered in a renewed emphasis on employee well-being and mental health. "We've seen a paradigm shift in how we view our teams. It's no longer just about efficiency but about ensuring a supportive and nurturing work environment," Irene emphasizes. This holistic approach to employee welfare is crucial in an industry historically plagued by high turnover rates and burnout.
The Philosophy Behind Open Book Management
At the heart of Irene’s success with Mei Mei's is a management strategy that Irene Li passionately implements: Open Book Management. This approach is fundamentally about "creating transparency around financials and operational decisions within the business," as Irene describes. Irene involves the Mei Mei team in high level management decisions and financials, opening the book for the team to see.
By involving the whole team in understanding the financial workings of the restaurant, everyone becomes a stakeholder in its success. This method demystifies the often-guarded domain of business finances, empowering employees with knowledge and fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
Irene's belief in this approach is evident when she says, "We’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when everyone on the team understands not just their role, but how it fits into the bigger picture. It’s about building trust and making sure everyone is pulling in the same direction."
Mei Mei: A Case Study in Engagement and Resilience
Mei Mei Dumplings, more than just a restaurant, is a centralizing community force where the principles of Open Book Management have flourished. "Sharing our challenges and triumphs openly has not just helped us internally; it has also drawn our customers and community closer to us," Irene notes.
This engagement has been crucial, especially when navigating the unpredictability of the restaurant business. The approach has turned customers into advocates, deeply invested in the restaurant's success.
That success was clearly evident on NuMarket, where Mei Mei has raised over $200,000, a testament to the strong bonds formed with its customers through transparency (see also, building imperfectly). These funds have been instrumental in sustaining the business during hard times and fueling its continuous growth.
Prepshift: Expanding the Impact
With the establishment of her latest business, Prepshift, Irene aims to extend the principles of Open Book Management to the broader restaurant industry. This platform serves as a beacon for sustainable employment practices, emphasizing transparency, education, and worker empowerment. "Prepshift is about taking the lessons we've learned at Mei Mei and helping the industry evolve," Irene shares. It's a call to action for restaurant owners to embrace a more inclusive and transparent approach to business management.
The Importance of Open Book Management
Our conversation with Irene underscored the transformative power of Open Book Management. It’s a philosophy that transcends the conventional boundaries of business management, advocating for an environment where transparency, education, and shared responsibility are the norm.
Irene's experience with Mei Mei and Prepshift illustrates the practical application and benefits of this approach. "It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels valued and vested in the outcome," she reflects. This collective ethos has been instrumental in Mei Mei's resilience and success, proving that when a team is united in purpose and understanding, challenges are far more possible to overcome.
The Final Role of Open Book Management
Irene shares it "isn't just a management strategy; it's a philosophy that permeates every aspect of our business." By demystifying the financial aspects of the business and involving the entire team in decision-making processes, Mei Mei fosters a culture of transparency and collective investment in the restaurant's success.
“Through Open Book Management, we've not only improved our financial health but also cultivated a team that's deeply committed and aligned with our mission." This model has proven effective in building resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community within Mei Mei, setting a blueprint for success that extends beyond its walls.
Want more?
Want to learn more about Irene’s work with Prepshift? Reply to us here or at community@numarket.co and we’ll put you in touch with Irene.
Are you a business owner in Massachusetts? Irene is running a webinar with NuMarket in April: How to access $20,000 in restaurant grants w/ Irene Li of Mei Mei. Click here to RSVP.