Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Hart.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started as a dishwasher when I was 18 and have been working in restaurants ever since. I bounced back and forth between front and back of house; I hosted for a couple of summers, worked as a cook another, ended up working as a server until I made the decision to go to culinary school. For the past decade, I have worked my way up kitchens and eventually landed the role Executive Chef at Seed Kitchen. When the GM opportunity at Seed came up, I saw as a way of marrying all this varied experience in a really cool way.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I questioned whether I made the best choice for me a lot throughout this path. When I was struggling to break into management, that was really hard because I knew I was ready but was struggling to find someone to give me a chance. Luckily Doug Turbush saw my potential and took a chance. During the pandemic, like many in this industry, I questioned if it was worth it and had to really decide what I wanted and what I wanted out of this career. Transitioning to the GM role helped with me finding my place in this whirlwind industry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the General Manager of Seed Kitchen and Bar and Stem Wine Bar. For the past decade, I focused on casual fine dining cooking, but have recently transitioned to managing busy dining rooms. I am known as being a constant presence at seed for the past four years. I have strong connections with our regulars and enjoy connecting with guests. I am most proud of the team at Seed and the positive culture we have managed to foster. I take a lot of pride in knowing that my staff likes coming to work every day and knows that the management team is here to support them. I don’t know if it sets me apart but I focus on my team and making sure they are taken care of so that all they have to worry about is taking care of the guests.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen to the “Dare to Lead” podcast from Brene Brown regularly for broad leadership development. She brings such interesting perspectives on the show and I see so many issues from so many angles other than my own. Simon Sinek’s The Infinite Game also had a major impact on how I look at my successes. And of course, Danny Meyer’s Setting the Table played a major role in how I view hospitality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eatatseed.com/home.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatatseed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatatseed/
Image Credits
Green Olive Media
