Sometimes all you need to do is listen

Last night I invited to a forum and reception hosted by the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association. The forum was your usual fare. Elected officials given specific questions and responding with vague answers. It was the reception that was interesting. I'm still learning to "work a room" so I relied on my host to introduce me around. In hindsight I think I was the one who got "worked." I met some interesting people and learned quite a bit about the restaurant industry. One thing I noticed that successful restaurant owners have in common is complete knowledge of their business. I talked to one long time owner of a very succesful Mexican restaurant. He had immediate answers to all my questions. How many full time employees, how many part time employees. His percentage of food sales to liquor sales. His food costs. His margins. He could probably tell me the price of a head of lettuce on any given day if I had asked. The overwhelming desire of restaurant owners in Kansas City is for common sense policies, and a level playing field. Common sense policies as far as licensing, inspections and other administrative issues. A level playing field as far as wages, smoking ordinances and taxation. They seem frustrated with KC's elected officials. They feel ignored. I have to admit by the turnout of elected officials, or lack thereof, I can understand why. I didn't agree across the board with everything I heard last night, but I will say I have a deeper appreciation for the restaurant industry, its importance to Kansas City, and the need for government to help small business and not hinder it. Most importantly, I think I earned a few votes just for caring enough to show up and listen.