In Episode 21 of The Business of Restaurants Podcast, I chat with legendary chef Michael Bonacini.

Michael was born in South Wales. He trained classically under legendary Chef Anton Mosimann at London’s Dorchester Hotel. Micheal is today one of the most famous Canadian chefs and has written multiple cookbooks as well as hosting many of his own Tv shows on American Tv.  Micheal partnered up with Peter Oliver in 1993 and founded Oliver & Bonacini restaurants.

Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality is recognized as one of Canada’s leading restaurant and event groups. With locations in Toronto, Montreal, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton and beyond, O&B’s diverse portfolio includes a collection of unique and innovative restaurants, event spaces, a bakery, and several strategic partnerships. O&B’s restaurants include à la carte dining, quick service, catering, grocery and special events. The company’s private dining and events division, Oliver & Bonacini Events and Catering, manage several large-scale event venues, including Arcadian, The Carlu, Malaparte, and others.

I chat with Michael about his early career working in kitchens in London, opening his first restaurant Jump in Toronto, the tough slog of the first few months in business, why his business partnership works so well, how he runs over 42 restaurants, why it is important to always be in growth mode, the reason for the success of O & B, the core value handbook, the management structure of his business, what criteria they look at when opening a new location and much much more!

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