Short Staffed? Burned Out? Here’s the Real Opportunity for Restaurant Owners

Apr 24

There’s something about restaurant people. They’re scrappy, soulful, and more than a little stubborn—in the best way. I’ve felt that ever since my first shifts working the line, and I felt it again talking to Anthony Anton, President & CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association.

We covered a lot in this episode, but the heartbeat was clear: restaurants aren't just places to eat—they’re powerful engines of culture, community, and the American dream.

From Greece to Wenatchee: Roots That Run Deep

Anthony’s story is straight out of a movie. His grandparents came to the U.S. from Greece and, like so many immigrant families, found their footing in food. He grew up in his family’s restaurant—his mom ran the books, his uncle worked the line, and his dad ran the bar. It was chaotic, beautiful, and formative. That sense of “family business” is something I felt deeply too, working in my own family’s restaurant and even keeping my McDonald’s name tag from back in the day.

It’s no wonder Anthony’s gone on to lead one of the largest and most respected hospitality associations in the country. His work is about creating conditions for that same dream to thrive—for immigrant founders, local legends, and next-gen operators alike.

Restaurants Are Where Work Ethic Begins

More than a third of Americans had their first job in a restaurant. It’s where you learn how to handle pressure, make people feel seen, and yes, sometimes dodge flying sandwiches. Anthony joked that working in hospitality builds both “people skills and dodgeball skills”—and he’s not wrong.

But it’s not just a stepping stone. It’s a career path. And in many cases, one with incredible upward mobility. Six-figure salaries, regional leadership, ownership—these are real outcomes for those who stick with it and lead with heart.

Staffing Stress and the New Labor Equation

We dug into one of the hottest topics out there: staffing. From Reddit threads to real-world conversations, it’s the #1 issue operators are facing. Anthony explained why it’s so tough right now—boomers retiring, Gen Z applying later, and a tight labor market overall.

But he also had advice: Know your numbers. Understand your community. And most of all, lead with culture. “If your team won’t recruit their friends to work with you, there’s probably a reason why,” he said. Powerful reminder.

The future workforce doesn’t want to be barked at—they want purpose, mentorship, and the ability to swap a shift without friction. (If you’ve ever worked the floor, you know how sacred that shift flexibility really is.)

Tech Isn't the Enemy—Done Right, It’s a Superpower

This was one of my favorite parts of the conversation. Anthony and I both believe that tech and hospitality aren’t at odds—they’re allies when done right. From AI-powered scheduling to smart labor forecasting to robots that let servers stay on the floor, the goal isn’t to replace people. It’s to empower them.

That’s what we’re building at Tanda too. Better visibility, less stress, more time to focus on what matters: your team and your guests.

Hall of Fame Moments, And the Power of Purpose

It was a real honor to have our first-ever Hall of Famer on the podcast. (Seriously—he was the last one inducted at Washington State University before they changed leadership.) But beyond the title, it was Anthony’s humility and clarity of purpose that stuck with me.

He’s a guy who lights up when talking about operators he’s helped—from a pho shop owner in Seattle to someone who dreamed up a taco concept while in rehab and now runs three thriving stores. “I get to help people chase the American dream every day,” he said. What a mission.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you’re an operator feeling stuck, stressed, or spread too thin, this episode is for you. There’s wisdom here. There’s hope. And there are tactical insights to help you lead differently.

You don’t have to do it alone.

👂 Listen to the full episode on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

🌐 Learn more about the Washington Hospitality Association at wahospitality.org

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