Brisket, BBQ and how to run a strong restaurant business with Dick Rivera

February 1, 2024

This week, we speak with Dick Rivera, owner of Suncoast Hospitality Partners, a Sarasota-based restaurant and development company. Brands it operates include Brick’s Smoked Meats and Classico Italian Chophouse, both in downtown Sarasota. They also own Classico Chophouse and Taproom in Brandon.

Together, we speak about Dick’s extensive career in restaurants, what he looks for in managers and leaders and how his company survived the pandemic. We also discuss some mistakes he learned the most from, including always sticking to what the customer wants.

3 Takeaways:

(10:50) Profit is a result of having a well run operation
(16:05) Having good character is no guarantee of success, but its absence is a disqualifier
(20:30) Don’t teach customers what they want, give them what they want

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Dick Rivera and starting Brick’s Smoked Meats

(03:45) What went through your mind when you had to close due to the pandemic?

(05:30) Brick’s next door neighbor

(06:40) How did you get into the restaurant business?

(09:50) What are the keys to building a successful restaurant?

(15:30) What do you look for in leaders?

(17:38) What challenges are you facing in the restaurant business?

(21:25) What are some mistakes you learned from?

(24:22) Rapid fire questions

Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more.