Test of Thyme

Get ready to shake up your day with a hilarious throwback as Marcus spills the beans on an early Aroma Thyme misadventure in Episode 33 of 'Test of Thyme'. Join us as we pour out the details of that time we stirred up more than just cocktails at a New York City bartending competition. With no recipe for success, one of us took to the stage and concocted a cocktail of embarrassment, while the other took flight faster than a shaken m...

In this enlightening Episode 32, Marcus, takes us on a personal journey back to his roots - the bustling kitchen. He's donned his chef coat once more and is cooking on the line again. This episode explores the highs and lows of his new approach, focusing on the kitchen staff and his active role in culinary operations. Listen as Marcus shares the pros and cons of this transition, providing a candid look at how this change affects hi...

In this gripping episode, join Jamie and Marcus, seasoned restaurant consultants, as they dive deep into the tumultuous world of 2024's staffing catastrophes. With a mix of horror and insight, they recount the most jaw-dropping staff stories and downfalls witnessed in the industry. From eerie mishaps to catastrophic missteps, this episode uncovers the darker side of restaurant staffing, providing invaluable lessons for every restau...

Welcome to another savory episode of "Test of Thyme," where Jaime and Marcus serve up a deliciously insightful conversation on an often-overlooked business strategy for restaurant owners: dining out at other restaurants. Far from being a simple indulgence, we argue that stepping out to savor what others offer is, in fact, a crucial part of your job. 🍽 Networking Over Dinner One of the immediate benefits of this practice is the opp...

Ever wondered why some people rave about their boss while others can't wait to clock out at the end of the day? Is it the boss, or is it something deeper? In this illuminating episode, Jamie and Marcus dive into the intricate dynamics between bosses and employees that they've observed time and again in various work settings. 💼 What Makes a Good Boss "Good" and a Bad Boss "Bad"? One person's hero can be another's villain. Often, th...

Hello, listeners! Welcome back to Episode 28 of the Test of Thyme Podcast. We have a special treat for you today. Marcus is taking us down memory lane, recounting a pivotal moment in his life that shaped his career—a lesson learned at the young age of 19 from none other than the legendary wine educator, Kevin Zraly. 🎙️ Inside This Episode, You'll Hear: Marcus' eye-opening experience with Kevin Zraly and how it set the course for h...

Hello and welcome back to Episode 27 of the Test of Thyme Podcast! We're your hosts, Jamie and Marcus, here to share another exciting episode on the intricate facets of the restaurant industry. In today’s digital age, the way we communicate has dramatically evolved—and it’s affecting our restaurants, too. Ever felt like the simple, yet vital, acts of smiling and showing genuine care are becoming lost arts among your staff? You're n...

In Episode #25 of Test of Thyme, hosts Jamie and Marcus embark on an enlightening conversation about the true essence of customer service. Join them as they unravel the intricacies of providing exceptional experiences to patrons and the importance of training your team to make common-sense decisions. Drawing from their extensive experience in the restaurant industry, Jamie and Marcus share valuable insights, tips, and anecdotes tha...

Welcome to Episode 22 of the "Test of Thyme" podcast, featuring the dynamic duo Jamie and Marcus. In this captivating episode, Marcus takes center stage as he delves into the transformative power of personal branding alongside your business endeavors. Drawing from his own remarkable journey, Marcus shares the best advice he ever received, which ignited his passion for building a brand long before the social media boom. Flashback to...

Welcome to Episode 21 of the Test of Thyme Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the topic of loving your restaurant and share a heartfelt family vacation dilemma. We explore the significance of finding time for family and the value of cherishing precious moments together. Join us for practical tips, personal stories, and inspiring insights as we navigate the delicate balance between work and family life. Tune in to Episode 21 of ...

Welcome to Episode 20 of "Test of Thyme" podcast! In this episode, your hosts Jamie and Marcus dive deep into the important topic of finding the elusive balance between work and family. Starting off in the restaurant industry, Jamie and Marcus experienced the challenges of juggling their professional and personal lives. However, as they progressed in their careers, they discovered valuable insights and strategies that helped them p...

In episode 19 of "Test of Thyme," we delve into the captivating world of the restaurant industry and explore the true value of relationships. Join us as we uncover the importance of building genuine friendships and trust with our producers, highlighting the stark contrast to supporting companies that rely on monetary incentives to gain business.

In this eye-opening episode, we shed light on the unethical practices employed by certa...

In episode 18 of Test of Thyme, Jamie takes a reflective journey through the past 20 years of her career in the restaurant industry. Throughout her experiences, she has gained valuable lessons in emotional intelligence and its impact on staffing, communication, and overall restaurant operations. As she shares her insights, Jamie dives deep into the importance of understanding emotions and how they can be used to build stronger team...

Welcome to episode 17 of the Test of Thyme podcast! Today's topic is one that many in the hospitality industry can relate to: when the guest isn't right. We've all encountered difficult customers, but how do we handle these situations while keeping our staff's well-being in mind? In this episode, we'll share some stories and our formula for dealing with guests that aren't right. Listen in, but beware - these tips should be practice...

In episode 16 of Test of Thyme podcast, we're tackling the controversial topic of standing out in the restaurant industry. Are you just another generic eatery offering the same food and drinks as everyone else? Discover how serving unique wines, beers and spirits can bring in more profits, and how to leverage the expertise of a sales rep if you're unsure where to start. Join us for valuable insights into making your establishment s...

In episode 15, get ready for an insightful discussion on the fundamental differences between hospitality and customer service. While customer service is primarily focused on addressing customer needs and resolving issues, hospitality revolves around creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for guests. Whether you're working in a restaurant, hotel or any customer-facing industry, honing your hospitality and customer service s...