In this engaging conversation, host Holly Meyer Lucas sits down with Randy Sauder as he shares his remarkable journey from being adopted from Korea to becoming a successful restaurant owner in South Florida.

Randy dives deep into his early life, remarkable career rising through the ranks from bus boy to franchisee and eventual independent restaurant owner. Randy reflects on his extensive career in the restaurant industry, from corporate roles to eventually creating the beloved waterfront restaurant - Sauder's Landing on Nettles Island, in Jensen Beach, Florida.

Randy emphasizes the importance of consistency and passion in running a successful restaurant while also sharing insights about family life and the balance between work and home. This conversation offers a unique perspective on the restaurant business and personal growth. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of restaurant management, discussing everything from sales figures and menu consistency to the challenges of staffing and rising food costs.

The discussion also touches on the evolving work ethic of employees, the significance of customer loyalty, and the social responsibilities of restaurant owners. Throughout the conversation, the speakers share insights, anecdotes, and advice for aspiring restaurateurs, making it a rich resource for anyone interested in the food industry.

How to connect with the host and guest:

Holly Meyer Lucas:

https://www.hollymeyerlucas.com or https://www.inthehypeseat.com https://www.instagram.com/holly.meyer.lucas

Randy Sauder: https://www.sauderslanding.com https://www.facebook.com/SaudersLanding https://www.instagram.com/sauderslandingrestaurant/

In The Hype Seat is recorded at PodPlus Podcast Studio in Jupiter, Florida and produced by Hype Boss.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction to Randy Sauder and Sauder’s Landing

02:55 – Randy’s Early Life and Adoption Story

06:01 – Growing Up in America and Cultural Identity

08:59 – First Restaurant Job and Career Beginnings

12:05 – From Corporate Restaurants to Independent Ownership

15:01 – The Art of Running a Successful Restaurant

17:56 – Balancing Family Life and Parenthood

20:51 – Lessons from a Lifetime in the Restaurant Industry

54:25 – Understanding Nettles Island’s Unique Setting

01:06:35 – Staffing Challenges in Today’s Industry

01:18:34 – Personal Reflections and Family Connections

01:20:22 – Finding Balance Between Work and Home

01:25:17 – Memorable Dining Experiences and Customer Loyalty

01:29:10 – Signature Dishes that Define Sauder’s Landing

01:35:07 – Business Insights and Profit Margins

01:37:29 – Reflecting on a Career in Restaurants

01:41:41 – Closing Thoughts and Future Plans