Danny Meyer
@dhmeyer
Followers
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Following
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Founder Union Square Hospitality Group. Founder Shake Shack. Always Setting the Table.
New York
Joined June 2009
If a life can be measured by the number of other lives it inspired, enlightened, enraged, delighted, provoked, instructed, touched, and ultimately devastated. Anthony Bourdain’s sits atop the list. Beyond stunned. Hug someone you love today.
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Can’t fathom that there will be no #stimulus until after the election. On behalf of millions of restaurant employees - still without work - and hundreds of thousands of independent restaurants striving to provide jobs and return vitality to their communities, please reconsider!.
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This is so seriously wrong. Beyond comprehension how it serves our national interest to dismantle the @USPS. Benjamin Franklin must be shaking in his grave. Is there nothing sacred? #ProtectUSPSwhistleblowers.
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After 37 years, I’m proud to pass the CEO torch to Chip Wade, an exceptional colleague who leads with enlightened hospitality and excellence. I’ll be staying on as executive chairman, and will hope to keep learning and bringing fresh ideas to the table.
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Today is the beginning of a new day. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In its place will be something that you have left behind. Let it be something good. #spring.
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A crazy week comes to a close and we’re learning about a multitude of major conferences being postponed across the country-with massive economic ripple effects. If you’re no longer traveling somewhere out of town, please do all you can to support your favorite local restaurants.
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Thinking a lot about the crucial role pets are playing these days as emotional support systems for individuals and entire family units. As stress reducers and loving companions, they’re peerless. We’re beyond grateful to have this guy in our lives. Love to see a photo of yours.
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Union Square Cafe opened 38 years ago today. Few of us had any idea what we were doing, except we hoped our guests would leave the restaurant feeling better than when they’d arrived. Beyond grateful for 1000’s of team members and guests who’ve been enjoying that dance for years.
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35 years ago I woke up full of butterflies, preparing to open my #1 restaurant, @UnionSquareCafe. No idea I’d be embarking on the most challenging, beautiful and rewarding journey of my life. Sending gratitude to everyone who’s been there along the way. You know who you are! 🙏.
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If ever there were a time for gov to provide fiscal leadership for hospitality workers and the industry it’s NOW. Mandated closings wisely protect communities, but minus rev, restaurants alone simply cannot fully care for our people and be able to reopen when this storm passes.
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A note of hope for hospitality colleagues everywhere: Like you, I miss our dining rooms full of friends sharing stories, laughter and love; clinking glasses and clanging silverware; enjoying tastes that sometimes stop conversation. Visualize those things. The smiles will return.
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Very few states still permitting unrestricted dining out. Welcome news for national safety; brutal for hospitality workers. This industry is made up of over 600K restaurants, most independent, employing more people than any industry other than government. Legislators take note.
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To friends who feel deflated tonight: a big virtual hug. To those who feel elated: enjoy this uplifting moment. Time for us all to show the virtue of leading with hospitality. Much hard work to do, many big problems to solve. Nothing possible without a place at the table for all.
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When did a 6:00 dinner reservation become the new 8:00, most prized table of the night - and will it last?.
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We are in. A blizzard with no snow. A hurricane with no wind. A tsunami with no water. A forest fire with no flame. A flight without a compass. A stopwatch with a twitchy second hand. This is new territory for all of us. Lead with both your heart and your mind.
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Best lesson from my grandfather: in a public facing business, people will say and write both good and not so good things about you. You’re never quite as good as the positive things and never quite so bad as the negative. Always know your own center and move forward.
“I think the minute you believe in your success is a dangerous moment. You stop trying as hard.” @dhmeyer on the importance of always setting the bar high on #WhenToJump. Listen to the full Podcast here:
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This weekend marks @GramercyTavern’s 25th anniversary! Beyond grateful for the immense good fortune of having worked with so many remarkable hospitality colleagues who have served such good food and drink to so many loyal guests over all these years. Thank you all!.
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Bummed to hear that. We haven’t owned EMP since 2011, but if you’d write to info@USHGnyc.com, we’d gladly help out with a reservation - and honor your wedding gift certificate at any one of our restaurants. @THEMODERNnyc, @GramercyTavern or @manhatta_nyc might fit the bill?.
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Imagine if each US Senator were randomly paired with a colleague from the opposite party; each pair required to spend one week together (no aides; no media), with commitment to emerge with a joint bill on anything. Could those relationship bridges lead to civility and solutions?.
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Flight attendant just asked me, “Are you still working on your nuts?” Preferable - in this case only - I suppose, to “May I remove your nuts?”.
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The frightening part of delegating is letting go. The joyous part is letting others grow.
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Leadership isn’t defined by what you do, but rather by your persistent courage to encourage others that your priorities matter, and that they are worthwhile and necessary to pursue.
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One of life's simple pleasures: when cabin door has closed and adjacent seat remains empty. 💺👊
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When I was growing up, “Pardon me” was something a polite person said when seeking to be forgiven after accidentally bumping into someone, interrupting a conversation, committing an indiscretion, or acknowledging having made a mistake.
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Thank you @ScottPelley and @60minutes for revealing the challenges being faced by 660,000 restaurants and 12 million employees who cook for you and bring your communities together. Many ways to help. Here’s ours: USHG HUGS: .
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By the time someone orders a drink, they’re beyond wanting it. Learn that lesson anew every time we make someone wait too long.
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My otherwise very smart son (not a law major) just asked why the American Bar Association would not be fully supporting someone who was such an enthusiastic advocate for beer.
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We’re better than this. Even if this were the best written bill, it’s unconscionable to vote for something that will impact so many lives without first fully understanding its myriad contents. Pretty sure no senator would want to buy a home without reading the entire contract.
I was just handed a 479-page tax bill a few hours before the vote. One page literally has hand scribbled policy changes on it that can’t be read. This is Washington, D.C. at its worst. Montanans deserve so much better.
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What are your top 4 commercial food products? (ie: can’t improve upon it even with homemade) . Here goes:. 1. Hellman’s Mayonnaise .2. Heinz Ketchup.3. Rao’s Marinara Sauce.4. Haagen Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream.
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Friends, it's official: @shakeshack is heading to #StLouis! Stay tuned for details. Time to bring it home!
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If you’re not creating new problems, you’re probably not creating anything. Winning comes from solutions, not absence of problems.
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Recalling the day a regular lunch guest @THEMODERNnyc looked like she needed something. I asked if there was anything I could bring. “I’m just waiting for coffee.” Concerned that we’d missed her order, I flag down her captain. At that moment, in walks Kofi Annan to join his host.
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Best, clearest, and most effective advice ever for solving problems and overcoming mistakes. Even better - it’s from the mouth of a 10-year old: . 1. Own it. 2. Fix it. 3. Move on.
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Cannot wait. See you in STL!
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What a thrill to join treasured industry colleagues in honoring the most deserving @chefjoseandres last night as he accepted the @JuliaChildAward on behalf of #WeThePeople.
They kicked off the weekend at our #SmithsonianFood gala, where Andrés received the @JuliaChildAward . Today they’ll join fellow @JuliaChildAward winners Rick Bayless, Danny Meyer, and Mary Sue Milliken in a panel moderated by Carla Hall. You can watch it *live* on our website.
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As a @StLouisBlues fan since the inception of the team, never having experienced a @StanleyCup win makes the experience even sweeter than I’d ever imagined. And above all, makes me feel joy for a city that both needed and deserves to feel like a winner.
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If Marchageddon leaves you homebound, please support a restaurant you can walk to. Staffmembers likely worked hard to be there to serve you.
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Today has delivered the most hopeful good news we’ve seen in a year. - Congress adopts stimulus bill, including restaurant recovery 💵 .- NYC restaurants can open 50% beginning 3/19 🥘 .- NYC vaccination rate keeps climbing 💉 .- NYC thaws, w/warm spring weather in the air.☀️.
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Arrived for 1st day of NYC early voting nearly an hour before opening bell. The staggering number of people in front of and behind me - all ages, from all walks of life - is beyond inspiring. Campaign to urge voting has to be the greatest #democracy marketing success of all time.
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One small step. Planning to roll out biodegradable straws for all @USHGNYC restaurants in next weeks.
We decided to phase out plastic straws after learning that 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. The team here is excited to help take a small step towards protecting our environment by replacing them with a biodegradable alternative!
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There’s no existing playbook for how a restaurant should respond to COVID-19, and so any time there’s even a trace of doubt about the safety of a team member or guest, you can always rely upon us to act with utmost caution. My message to our staff here:
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Happy birthday @UnionSquareCafe! Prouder than ever of our 32-year old startup, and grateful as ever for all who've written the story.
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Thank you for the profound inspiration, Joël Robuchon. Our profession is in your debt.
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I’m also enjoying NYC’s sidewalk dining scene, but it’s important to recognize that most restaurants are primarily doing so to rehire their teams and to show a sense of civic pride. On its own, it’s not a sustainable business model and we’ll need to figure out indoor dining soon.
gotta get that heat lamp game going like they do in Europe.
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25 years and $5mm ago, @tomcolicchio and I cooked up an idea with @billshore @debshore to close @gramercytavern for a night, and invite a bunch of our favorite chefs to cook a benefit dinner for @ShareOur. Tonight we'll all come home to @UnionSquareCafe for @nokidhungry.
We will be closed tonight (10/9) for the 25th annual Autumn Harvest Dinner, a benefit for Share Our Strength's @nokidhungry. Honored to be working with this inspiring organization, learn more about their work here:
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Moved to NYC 40 years ago to the day. Was so excited for my first night in the big city, and then came the shocking news that just 20 blocks away, #JohnLennon40 had been shot. Still look to his words and music for wisdom and hope.
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Favorite interview question: “What’s the greatest misperception others have of you?” Reveals self-awareness and usually leads to productive follow-ups.
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Tried everything to avert this day. This place was built on the shoulders of two beautiful communities: barbecue and jazz. We cherish those ties and the music will play on. Beyond grateful for the most loyal community of guests and talented team members over nearly 20 years.
In March 2002, we set out on a journey to marry authentic pit barbecue with great jazz in NYC with the opening of Blue Smoke and Jazz Standard in Flatiron. We’re incredibly saddened to share that Blue Smoke Flatiron and @JazzStandard will not be reopening on 27th Street.
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Proud of #houston @shakeshack team. Wish there were a way to do even more.
Shoutout to @shakeshack for feeding our Midwest Patrol officers today as they work long hours under incredible conditions #HoustonStrong
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Please come to #StLouis @Giancarlo818! @shakeshack burgers will taste just as good as they do in Florida, and you will look great in @Cardinals red!.
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Watch what happens when my cousin tosses a cup of boiling water in Chicago. Yikes!
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Hard to believe Setting the Table was published 10 years ago today. Much has changed, but hospitality lessons endure.
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Great read about a dining room lifer from whom I’ve learned so much about hospitality. Taught me all about reading signs, and inspires me daily through her loving pride for her craft.
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Would have been nice if my mom had asked if I’d accept cookies half as often as my mobile phone now does. On the other hand, she did always serve them with milk, and not one website that values my privacy has ever even offered.
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Shedding a tear for my childhood hero and adult friend, Bob Gibson. A champion competitor who loved life, always told it like it was, and had many more great stories to tell than he was given days to share them. #ripbobgibson
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The very last steak to be kissed by the grill @NorthEndGrill. So proud of what this restaurant accomplished since opening in 2011, and grateful for each and every team member & guest who brought beauty, humanity and hospitality to this place. So long, and thank you all!
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Yesterday we lost James Kent, one of the brightest lights shining in the hospitality industry. An honor to watch him blossom early on as sous chef at Eleven Madison Park, and then to see him blaze a path as an exceptional chef, restaurateur and mentor to so many. RIP, dear James.
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I first moved to NYC 38 years ago today. That night, #JohnLennon was shot and I wondered if I’d made a mistake. On Dec 14, I joined thousands of fans in Central Park for this silent vigil, and learned the meaning and power of community. I❤️NY
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We’ve decided to temporarily close all @USHGNYC restaurants. For those of us whose passion is to bring people together in a spirit of healing, it’s nearly unfathomable to confront the reality that our very purpose could in be a threat to the health & safety of our community. 1/2.
.@dhmeyer has temporarily closed all his restaurants in New York
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As we’ve rediscovered family cooking, no one has provided more comfort than @inagarten. Her recipes, cookbooks, and uplifting spirit have been such a consistently soothing tonic.
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You know you’ve been traveling too much when this happens: 1st reaction: the most revolting tasting toothpaste I’ve ever put into my mouth. 2nd: as I continue brushing, hoping it gets better: the Italians obviously have a different palate when it comes to toothpaste. 3rd: 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
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North End Grill won’t outlive its first lease. My piece below on how that feels, and also how we’re moving ahead. Please honor our valiant team by visiting one more time before our final service on December 15.
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Grateful for the opportunity to discuss where things are heading in the restaurant industry with @TrevorNoah tonight @TheDailyShow, 11pm EDT on @comedycentral.
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Friends, we've reached the (no) tipping point @USHGNYC. Hospitality is a total team sport. http://t.co/UMLVuCT3XT
#HospitalityIncluded.
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Beginning this week with deep sadness, introspection, and determination to actively confront institutionalized racism that must be expunged from our nation before we can even begin to believe in E Pluribus Unum. Committed to constructive conversations @USHGNYC. #BlackLivesMatter.
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This pre-flight pilot announcement: “Welcome aboard! Our flight attendants are going to do everything possible to keep you happy - assuming you were happy when you boarded.” #hospitality.
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Feels so good to see @dailyprov back in business for curbside pickup. And beyond gratifying for the team to be welcomed back with a drop off family meal from friends at @shakeshack!
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On this final day @UnionSquareCafe, proud of what we accomplished, humbled by friendships made, excited for what's next. Thank you all!.
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Friends, we are not living in normal times. Apart from other reasons to be appalled, I am sickened that a 21-year veteran of service to our country could be summarily fired hours before receiving pension. Perhaps a citizens @gofundme is in order. 2018 can’t come soon enough.
When the full extent of your venality, moral turpitude, and political corruption becomes known, you will take your rightful place as a disgraced demagogue in the dustbin of history. You may scapegoat Andy McCabe, but you will not destroy America. America will triumph over you.
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NYC restaurants are again permitted to reopen for indoor dining at 25% capacity. That’s a good start and good thing for our city. We’re waiting for more vaccinations, warmer weather, and greater indoor capacity before it’ll be feasible to reopen. Meanwhile, takeout and delivery.
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Happy 1st birthday to @shakeshack in #StLouis! So grateful for the warm embrace from the most amazing hospitality community which has made our team feel so welcome. Check out the birthday cake from Patisserie Chouquette @SimoneFaure @BenPoremba. #StLouisProud
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Opting out of unwanted (and unsolicited) email has become ever more time-consuming. The biggest nuisances are those that make opting out a three-step process: 1. Opt out. 2. Are you sure? 3. Tell us why? Whatever happened to permission marketing? cc: @ThisIsSethsBlog.
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Still sickened by what we all saw yesterday. No leader of *any* organization would stand a chance of keeping their job after inciting violence among members of their team, encouraging destruction of the workplace, threatening law enforcement, or winking at the confederate flag.
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Just put flight delay @BostonLogan to delicious good use, as @legalseafoods to-go counter produces one the most satisfying cups of clam chowder in my memory. Grateful that the cashier convinced me to pass on the Rhode Island Red Chowder in favor of the classic.
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Watch @floydcardoz in his prime in @RogerMSherman’s acclaimed film, “The Restaurateur”: Roger’s provided free rental promo code: StaySafe. After viewing, please support Floyd’s family and favorite causes via: #thankyoufloyd.
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It's not everyday you get 12.5 of @60Minutes! Thanks @andersoncooper, @CBSNews, and all friends of @USHGNYC for your well wishes!
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Sobering piece from cherished restaurant colleagues. Still, remaining hopeful. After Coronavirus, Will We Have an America Without Restaurants?
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Following today’s tragic shooting, each tweet (“thoughts and prayers”, as well as “when will politicians stop bowing to NRA”) could just as easily have been written last time. Assuming NRA doesn’t favor school shootings, how about tasking them with an acceptable solution?.
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“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” True words from awesome driver in Napa, sharing his definition of #hospitality.
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Today we learned that a guest who joined us last week at The Modern tested positive for COVID-19. NYS Health Commissioner says no risk of transmission; we’ve nonetheless chosen to close & sanitize every inch. Reopening tomorrow. Team & guests come first.
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My daughter the nursery school teacher: “this what I have to do with my three year-olds.”.
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