Top 6 Movies for Restaurant Owners

June 1, 2017

The movies that connect with us on a personal level are the ones that linger in our memories forever, especially when it deals with food and the drama in a commercial kitchen. 

Achieving that level of intimacy in the fictional world of movies is easier said than done. For those who are passionate about the culinary arts, it is even harder to find a portrayal of a commercial kitchen.

There are so many movies that you can relate to if you are in high school, a secret agent or a worn out wall street investment banker. Even with over 14 million people working in the food industry in the United States, finding a movie that truly captures the restaurant experience is a bit rare. Nonetheless, there are few great movies that will appeal to those in the restaurant industry. These 6 movies that will make you remember what you love about owning, working in, or managing a restaurant.

  1. Chef (2014)

This movie will make you feel special if you belong to the restaurant industry. Jon Favreau plays the role of Chef Carl, a food truck entrepreneur (pretty much a commercial kitchen on wheels). Despite hateful critics, Carl carries out his passion for delivering great food to his customers. It is an inspiring story of the amazing results that can come from being in the business for the right reasons.

  1. Big Night (1996)

Don’t look down on Big Night just because it’s older. This movie is a big one. With its comedic undertone, the two brothers running an Italian commercial kitchen will remind you of the one big night that you loved in your restaurant. You will find it easy to relate to this movie if you love what you do.

  1. Burnt (2015)

In the most recent movie on our list, Bradley Cooper goes up against strong competition as he strives for a comeback in the restaurant industry. He partners with Sienna Miller, and together they are led by their passion to raise their game in their commercial kitchen. If you have ever started your own restaurant, you will certainly relate to the obstacles and the drive it takes to overcome them.

  1. Spinning Plates (2012)

If you need motivation, inspiration, and insight about running a restaurant, this is the movie for you. You will be able to compare three restaurant owners in terms of their approach to business. One lesson you will pick from this movie is the great importance of teamwork in running a commercial kitchen.

  1. No Reservations (2007)

Change can bring about mediocrity if you do not know how to respond. If your personal life is clashing with your professional in the restaurant, turn on No Reservations. This movie will brace you for the many challenges of running a commercial kitchen.  

  1. Hundred Foot Journey (2014)

This is a story of two very different people that learn to work together. Even though the two families are cooking healthy foods for their customers, they are in an unhealthy feud. Even if you are not working in a commercial kitchen, you will see a reason to watch this movie more than once.

Take Advantage of Your Customer’s Technology

Take Advantage of Your Customer’s Technology

Some restaurant owners hate seeing customers snapping photos of food – it means that the food isn’t eaten at its best, and sometimes it’s a sign of a table that’s going to be slow to turn over. Then there are other owners and managers who see an opportunity. The truth...

read more
How to Reduce Turnover at Your Restaurant

How to Reduce Turnover at Your Restaurant

Having the right employees can make or break your restaurant. You can have the best food and kitchen supplies, but tension in the back of the house can cause delays, poor morale, and even the loss of key staff. You can have a beautiful dining room, but surly wait...

read more
Should Your Commercial Kitchen Consider Catering?

Should Your Commercial Kitchen Consider Catering?

As a business owner, it’s important to always be looking for new ways to grow your business. There are a lot of ways to do this, and one of the most common for many restaurants is catering. Of course, catering changes how your commercial kitchen runs a lot of the...

read more
Why Your Restaurant Needs an App

Why Your Restaurant Needs an App

We know, you’re a restaurant owner, not a developer or programmer. Let other people worry about apps, you just want to run your restaurant! The truth is if you want to have a successful establishment, you have to take advantage of the technology that brings people in....

read more
Choosing the Right Sink for Your Restaurant

Choosing the Right Sink for Your Restaurant

There are many, many pieces of kitchen equipment that are vital but often taken for granted. The kitchen sink is one of them. This workhorse of the back of the house handles a lot of jobs. Sinks give you running water as well as a place to wash either food or dishes....

read more
Restaurant Supplies You Need to Add Delivery

Restaurant Supplies You Need to Add Delivery

Delivery services are becoming more and more popular, and that’s generally good news for restaurants. The ability to order online and receive food in the comfort of home drives up sales and that’s good for revenue. And when these sales don’t require additional tables,...

read more
Should You Add a Salad Bar to Your Restaurant?

Should You Add a Salad Bar to Your Restaurant?

New Year’s is a prime time for resolutions – and one of the most common is to eat healthier and lose weight. In fact, for 2018 45% of Americans said they wanted to lose weight or get in shape for the new year. The new year might have you eyeing new options for your...

read more
How to Overcome the Seasonal Rollercoaster

How to Overcome the Seasonal Rollercoaster

Are you tired of having huge swings in your business throughout the year? Do you wish you could just have consistent, easy-to-predict income? If so, it’s time for you to get off of the seasonal rollercoaster. You might think there’s nothing you can do to overcome the...

read more
The Restaurant Supplies and Strategies You Need in 2019

The Restaurant Supplies and Strategies You Need in 2019

Are you ready for the new year? If you’re like many restaurant owners, you’re thinking about how to get through the holiday rush – both in your restaurant and in your own life. However, you can’t overlook planning for the future. It’s vital to make sure you have the...

read more
2018 Cooking Equipment Holiday Gift Guide

2018 Cooking Equipment Holiday Gift Guide

Do you know someone who loves to cook? Or are you looking for a new, special piece of cooking equipment for yourself? Whether you’re interested in home cooking or you run a restaurant, you can benefit from these gift ideas. These great cooking items will thrill...

read more
Accommodating the Keto Diet at Your Restaurant

Accommodating the Keto Diet at Your Restaurant

The keto diet – a low-carb, high-fat combination – has been gaining a lot of traction in the last couple of years. As a restaurant, it’s vital that you are able to accommodate your diners’ needs. More than that, having popular options on the menu can help bring people...

read more
Restaurant Supplies You Need to Prepare for a Power Outage

Restaurant Supplies You Need to Prepare for a Power Outage

It happens to all of us. You’re going on, doing just fine, and suddenly…Dark. The power is out. And of course, you have no idea how long it will last. Fortunately, you have the restaurant supplies and process in place to weather the storm without losing your...

read more
Considerations when Converting a Food Truck to a Restaurant

Considerations when Converting a Food Truck to a Restaurant

Your food truck has been successful, and you have a loyal following. So loyal, in fact, that you struggle to serve them all each day. Customers have started to ask you when you’re going to open a restaurant. It started as a teasing suggestion, but it’s become more...

read more
Tips for Great Plating & Why it Matters

Tips for Great Plating & Why it Matters

You may have heard that we “eat with our eyes” before we physically eat food. That’s why pictures are so important – on menus, in cookbooks, online, and more. It isn’t just a gimmick – the truth is that the way food looks and smells actually changes our experience of...

read more