In this episode, Salt & Fire dives into one of the harshest truths of the restaurant world — the invisible emotional labor behind every plate and smile.

From unpredictable customers (“I’m full, recommend me something!”) to kindness turning into entitlement, we explore how constant emotional performance drains creativity, finances, and even identity.

As Salt puts it, “We’re chefs, not comedians — and servers aren’t therapists.”

The episode breaks down how emotional labor kills innovation, triggers burnout, and fuels the urge for “reward spending.”

But more importantly, it presents real systems to reduce the load:

🧾 Menus and videos that replace small talk

😷 Masks and hats to block emotional cues

🚫 No SNS — only analog communication for calm customers

👵 The “Grandmother FOH Model” to defuse complaints

💡 Layout design and lighting that lower customer stress

Salt also argues that emotional labor shouldn’t just be endured — it should be redesigned. And to truly recover, small business owners need a healthy public forum where honesty and wisdom replace toxic positivity.

Tune in to learn how to protect your mental energy, reclaim your freedom, and build a restaurant that serves comfort — for both sides of the counter.