🌱 From Peer to Leader: Navigating the Transition Path

A 2 min read.

Last week, I coached someone who just moved up from team member to leader at their restaurant. Maybe you've been there too—trying to be the boss to people who were just your coworkers.

Having a hard time with this leadership stuff? My coaching can help you feel more confident in your new role. Book a 30 min call and let's talk about working together.

My client was worried about keeping good relationships while also being taken seriously as a leader. I see this a lot! Many new leaders avoid conflict and do all the work themselves instead of asking others to help.

During our session, we had a big "aha moment": Giving work to your team isn't being mean, it's giving them chances to grow. When you think, "I don't want to burden them" and do it all yourself, you're actually stopping them from learning new skills.

We found that my client was a people-pleaser (like many in restaurants). But here's the thing: avoiding tough talks now creates bigger problems later. When you don't address issues right away, they get worse, people get confused, and feelings get hurt.

We practiced some simple ways to bring up problems: "I noticed this happening, and I'm worried about how it affects the team. Can we talk about a better way?"

We also made a list of people who can give good advice when things get tough. The best supporters aren't just friends who agree with everything, they're honest people who help you grow.

Then we created a simple 90-day plan:

• First month: Get to know your team better and watch how things work

• Second month: Fix the obvious problems and get some quick wins

• Third month: Connect daily work to the bigger picture and set up ways to measure success

This plan gives new leaders permission to learn before making big changes.

What I've learned from all my clients is that leadership isn't about doing everything yourself, it's about helping others grow while keeping good relationships.

Want to become a better leader? My coaching is made just for restaurant leaders like you. Click here to book your free call or reply with "LEADERSHIP" in the subject line.

Christin

P.S. Know another restaurant leader who's struggling? Please share this email with them. Together, we can build stronger restaurant teams everywhere.

🌱 Facing Fear, Fueling Strength: What Restaurant Leaders Are Talking About Right Now

A 1 min read + an invitation.

This week, I hosted a powerful group coaching session with a room full of restaurant owners, coaches, and consultants. The topic? Facing fears of an upcoming recession and doing something about it.

Everyone shared five fears in the chat. Here’s what kept coming up:

• “What if guest spend drops again?”

• “Are mid-priced full-service restaurants a dying breed?”

• “Our sustainability efforts are at risk of being the first cut.”

• “I’m not sure I have the skillset to lead through another downturn.”

• “Labor laws in my city are making it nearly impossible for small businesses to stay competitive.”

These weren’t just worries, they were real concerns from smart, experienced people trying to keep their teams strong and their businesses alive.

We worked through these fears together.

We explored how to protect the parts of the business that align with your values. How to have the hard conversations now, not later. How to stay grounded in what you can control and double down on what’s worked before.

We also made space for celebration. Because fear thrives in isolation. But strength grows in community.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of uncertainty, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to lead through it alone either.

In June, I’m launching a 6-month group coaching program designed specifically for restaurant leaders who want to move from fear into focus, and from surviving into sustainable growth. It’s intimate (only 6 spots), actionable, and built for transformation.

→ Join the waitlist now.

Let’s face what’s next together.

P.S. Here’s how I can support you in leading through uncertainty with strength and clarity:

✅ Leadership Coaching – One-on-one support to help you navigate tough decisions, build resilience, and lead your team with confidence—even when the future feels uncertain.

✅ Group Coaching Program (Launching June) – A 6-month small-group experience designed to help you stay focused, proactive, and aligned with your values while growing your business through challenging times.

✅ Strategy & Support Sessions – Whether it’s tackling rising labor costs, shifting guest behavior, or protecting your core offerings, we’ll build a plan that works for your restaurant.

Ready to face what’s next—together? Let’s talk at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

🌱 The Ones Who Hold Us Up

A 1 min read.

Entrepreneurship might look like a solo journey from the outside, but anyone who’s been in the trenches knows the truth—we don’t do this alone. Behind every risk we take and every long day, there’s often someone quietly holding it all together so we can chase our dreams.

For me, that person is my husband, Tyler.

Two and a half years ago, he took a job—not because it was his passion, but because it was stable. It had benefits. It gave me the space to build my business, to serve the restaurant industry I love, and to step fully into my purpose. He believed in my dream so much that he put his own on hold.

And today? I got to send him out the door to a new job that lights him up. He’s back in his zone of genius, doing what he loves. Now it’s his turn.

To every entrepreneur with a partner who has sacrificed, supported, and stood beside them through the highs and lows—don’t take that for granted. The unseen work they do, the belief they have in us, is often what makes our dreams possible.

If you’ve got someone in your corner like that, take a minute today to remind them how much it means. Because not all heroes wear aprons—some take jobs they don’t love so we can chase what we do. 💙

P.S. Just like Tyler’s support helped me build my business, I’m here to support you in building a stronger, more successful restaurant.

✅ Leadership Coaching – One-on-one coaching to help you lead with confidence, reduce stress, and create a thriving team.

✅ Team Training & Workshops – Hands-on sessions to improve communication, service, and overall team performance.

✅ Operational Strategy Sessions – Let’s tackle the challenges holding you back and create a plan for growth.

If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s talk! Visit christinmarvin.com/contact to get started. 🚀

🌱 How Reading the Table Can Elevate Your Guest Experience and Boost Sales

A 3 min read.

A great dining experience isn’t just about the food—it’s about how guests feel from the moment they sit down to the moment they leave. The ability to read a table effectively is one of the most valuable skills a restaurant leader can develop. It’s the difference between an ordinary meal and an experience that brings guests back.

👉 Want to sharpen your team’s ability to read tables and deliver exceptional service? Let’s work together! Whether it’s leadership coaching, team training, or refining your service strategy, I can help. Let’s connect. 🚀

Understanding Guest Cues

Guests communicate their needs in subtle ways, and it’s up to your team to pick up on those cues. Some guests want a high-energy, engaging experience, while others prefer a quiet, intimate meal. Recognizing body language, tone of voice, and engagement levels can help your team adjust their approach accordingly.

For example, if a table is engaged in deep conversation, a server who frequently interrupts with upsell suggestions might frustrate them. On the other hand, a table that is eager to chat and ask questions may appreciate a more interactive approach.

Signs Guests Want to Connect

Guests who are open to engagement will often show signs through their body language and verbal interactions. Here are some cues that indicate they want a more interactive experience:

• They make eye contact and smile when the server approaches.

• They ask questions about the menu, the restaurant, or the server’s recommendations.

• They lean slightly forward and engage in friendly conversation.

• They initiate small talk beyond just ordering.

• They laugh or react warmly to light humor.

• Their body language is open, with relaxed postures and uncrossed arms.

Signs Guests Prefer Minimal Interaction

Some guests prefer to enjoy their meal with minimal interruption. Your staff should recognize these cues and respect their space:

• They give short, direct answers without asking follow-up questions.

• Their body language is closed off—arms crossed, avoiding eye contact.

• They engage more with their dining companions than with the server.

• They keep their menus up for extended periods, signaling they need more time.

• They glance around or check their phones rather than engaging with the server.

• They offer polite but quick responses, such as a simple “thank you” with no additional comments.

Shifting Mindsets for Better Service

Reading a table isn’t just about identifying guest moods—it’s also about recognizing your team’s approach to service. Some staff may use humor or insecurity as a crutch, unintentionally signaling to guests that they should tip more. Others might be overly formal, missing opportunities to create a genuine connection.

A great leader helps their team strike the right balance. By providing coaching and clear expectations, you can ensure your team presents themselves with confidence, reads guests effectively, and delivers a seamless dining experience.

Leading by Example

Your leadership sets the tone for how service should be executed. If you emphasize the importance of professionalism, reading guest cues, and communicating with confidence, your team will follow suit. Invest in training that helps your staff develop these skills—it will not only improve guest satisfaction but also create a more cohesive and empowered team.

P.S. Here’s how I can help you elevate your restaurant’s service and leadership:

✅ Leadership Coaching – One-on-one coaching to help you and your managers build confidence, improve team communication, and develop strong leadership skills.
✅ Team Training & Workshops – Interactive workshops that sharpen service skills, enhance team dynamics, and create a stronger, more cohesive staff.
✅ Operational Strategy Sessions – Need help implementing new policies or refining service execution? Let’s build a plan that aligns with your restaurant’s values and guest experience goals.

Let’s talk about what’s next for your restaurant! Visit christinmarvin.com/contact to start the conversation. 🚀