Episode 15: Life in the COVID Lane

Although many restaurants have suffered this year due to COVID, many restaurant owners and businesses have learned to pivot and adjust to make take out work and slowly get people back into the restaurants. In this episode, Jamie and Leo talk about the hard parts of owning a restaurant during the pandemic, but also talk about how they pivoted to make business still happen! 

At first they had to create a system and make take out work which kept things afloat until they could open up dine in again. Now with people able to come dine in, they are taking all the precautions such as wearing masks and taking guest’s temperature. They’ve had to create new systems to keep dine in and take out going. It hasn’t been easy. They’ve even changed the menu 7-8 times since May! But they’ve pivoted. They thought outside the box and they kept their restaurant alive during a very difficult time. Take a listen to hear more about how they make it work and some fun...

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Episode 14: Gailloween and Survivability of Small Business

In this episode, Leo and Jamie talk about the small business facts. You may be surprised to hear that in the first year 30 out of 100 restaurants will fail and that the national average of profit a restaurant will make is 6.2%. They talk about some more interesting facts about restaurants but most importantly some tips on how you become a business that survives. One of the keys to being a successful restaurant is creating and cultivating great relationships with vendors, staff, the community, and guests.

They also have a fun time chatting about their annual Halloween event, Gialloween! This will be their 5th year doing it and every year they say it gets better! Last year, 95% of the people that came, came dressed up! It’s a lot of fun. Be sure to go if you are local in Atlanta. 

Get on the Block waitlist here:  https://www.theblockmembership.com

Visit them at their Restaurants in Atlanta:

https://ilgialloatl.com/

https://www.lagardeatl.com/

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Episode 13: Food is Life

Last week on the podcast, Jamie and Leo started talking about why food is their life and ended talked about the importance of giving and how food has played a huge role in how they serve their community. In this episode, they talk more about why food is life! They each tell stories about memories that involved food! Food was, and still is, a huge part of both their families and their lives. They said, “Food is family!”. 

They talk about how one of the greatest things about food is trying to capture an experience for a guest. Through their food, they want to transport you to a moment. With their restaurant, il Gallo, they are trying to take you to Italy and at Legarde they hope that you remember your experiences in New Orleans or maybe you want to go visit now because their food inspired you! Hopefully, this episode will take you down your own food memory lane. How has food been a part of your life? When you eat a certain dish, where does it take you? Who were you...

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Episode 12: Helping Others by Giving

Jamie and Leo both come from big families who love to cook! Jamie comes from a very giving family. He was taught to live life to its fullest, have joy and that giving was a part of the journey. The importance of giving has always been a part of him. Together, Leo and Jamie have been giving in their own way by providing food for those who are in need. They’ve recognized the needs during the COVID pandemic and have been trying their best to help in the way that they know best which is with food! They said, “We make food, we give it away!” Enjoy this episode as they exit the restaurant talk for a minute and talk about a topic this is important not only now, but always and that's the importance of giving.

 

Get on the Block waitlist here:  https://www.theblockmembership.com

Visit them at their Restaurants in Atlanta:

https://ilgialloatl.com/

https://www.lagardeatl.com/

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Episode 11: Music, Music and Talents

You might think that music has nothing to do with the restaurant business, but that is far from the truth!

In fact, the intro and outro music for the podcast was written and played by Leonoardo’s 11 year old son, Alexandar, and Jamie Adams slaying it on the guitar solo. Special thanks to Greg Hannonn who helped produce it.

Music in the restaurant business is important because it creates the ambience of the restaurant and experience. If the guests are singing along, then they know they are doing their job right with picking the right music to fit the mood of the restaurant. Music and cooking are a lot alike because you can’t cut corners and you have to practice a lot to perfect the art. In this episode, enjoy Leo and Jamie talking about Jamie’s music background, how they incorporate music into their restaurants, and their appreciation for music!

Send them a video of you playing! If you are in Atlanta, they would love to get some live music at Lagarde! Email...

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Episode 10: The Pasta Concept

 Anybody big pasta lovers here?

Then this episode is gonna get you hungry for a tasty noodle dish. Jamie and Leo talk about how they got their idea to make fresh pasta and create a space in their restaurant, il Gallo, where guests could watch the pasta being made.

It’s an Italian concept that Jamie is familiar with from his time in Italy. Jamie knows how to make pasta and teach people how to do it so he loved the idea of everyone seeing this incredible process. You will also love this discussion as they talk about how they make the pasta.

If you're local, go visit them at their restaurant to see the pasta creation in action!

This podcast episode dedicated to Aida.

Get on the Block waitlist here:  https://www.theblockmembership.com/waitlist

Follow them on Instagram: @theblockatl

Visit them at their Restaurants in Atlanta:

https://ilgialloatl.com/

https://www.lagardeatl.com/

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Episode 9: The Block Explanation

You may have heard Jamie and Leo mention “The Block” a time or two. This week on the Katzenjammer Podcast, they tell the story of how the podcast came to be, how the pandemic affected their business and triggered the idea of doing The Block.

The Block is an online membership that gives you the professional tips and insider secrets to creating beautiful memories with food and beverage (including video lessons, recipes and shopping lists).

In this episode, Jamie and Leo talk more about how the podcast came to be and how the pandemic affected their business and triggered the idea of doing The Block.

They will be doing LIVE chats via social media to show you the secrets to cooking, wine, and what goes on behind the scenes. There will be video content available with Leo making cocktails and Jamie talking about wine.

They are going to have fun guests, who are also in the restaurant business, sharing their expertise. They want to teach you about food and how to cook for two, 4...

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Episode 8: Food & Service Part 2

In this PART 2 episode about Food and Service, Jamie and Leo focus on the food expectations and procedures in their kitchen.

They talk about the small window fresh fish has to taste as close to fresh as possible after being portioned and cut.

They discuss the main line cook stations that make it possible to get the food put together in a timely and efficient manner. The importance of the expediter, who lets the cooks know when it’s time to put the plate together with food and serve a table. This role of the expediter plays a crucial part to get the food out to the guests at the right time.

Jamie discusses the special orders guests give and how they do their best to find the best alternatives and make modifications for guests.

In this two part series about food and service, Jamie and Leo shared a lot about how the food procedures and the service of guests go hand in hand in having success at a restaurant.

Check out part 1 where they talk more about the importance of service.

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Episode 7: Food & Service Part 1

“The guest may not always be right, but they’re always our guest”

In this Part 1 of 2 episodes about Food and Services, Jamie and Leo focus on talking about the service in their restaurants and why it is so important.

They talk a lot about how the front of the house and the back have to be in sync. The control of the door, and reservations, set the pace for the kitchen. All restaurant employees have to work together to make the night memorable for the guests and that they will want to come back for more.

They also discuss how important it is for them to listen and observe their guests.

Leo says, “If you stop and observe their first bite, it can tell you everything!” They also wanted to remind people, that as restaurant owners and their employees, they are human too.

They will make mistakes and they will go above and beyond to make up for it. The most important part of their service is that the guests have a great time, enjoy their experience and are...

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Episode 6: The Three Legged Stool

Want to know some of the crucial things you need to consider when starting a restaurant?

In this episode, Jamie and Leo go over 3 things, what they call the three-legged stool, that have to be considered before moving forward with starting a restaurant. They go into the details about why location, parking and THE deal are key to helping you make decisions when it comes to your restaurant.

You'll greatly appreciate their perspective, their experience and their advice in why-and-how to consider these details.

Follow them on Instagram: @theblockatl

Visit them at their Restaurants in Atlanta:

https://ilgialloatl.com/

https://www.lagardeatl.com/

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