Table Thirteen

Susan Tung

Table Thirteen is a podcast about restaurants, small business, and the real conversations that happen around the table. Hosted from an actual table in the restaurant, it’s a mix of casual chats and insightful discussions with friends, business owners, and industry friends. Whether you’re in the restaurant game or just love good business talk, pull up a chair.

  1. 2025-10-17

    Can Content Creation Boost Your Restaurants Success?

    In this episode of Table 13, hosts Morgan and Susan dive into the growing trend of restaurant owners becoming content creators. They discuss their own experience with social media, including taking a course on content creation, and the importance of engaging content and storytelling. The duo shares valuable insights and lessons they've learned on their content creation journey, emphasizing quality, audience engagement, and the impact of watch time. They also highlight the unique challenges and opportunities for local restaurants in the digital age. Listeners are encouraged to embrace content creation as a strategic tool for business growth and community engagement. 00:00 Welcome to Table 13 00:17 The Rise of Restaurant Content Creation 02:05 Social Media Strategy for Small Restaurants 04:41 Lessons from a Content Creation Course 06:53 Tips for Effective Content Creation 12:26 Embracing the Learning Process 17:57 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    21 min

  2. 2025-10-03

    Episode 15: Managing A Hectic Week

    In this episode of Table 13, the hosts delve into one of their busiest weeks at the restaurant, filled with events, fundraisers, and catering gigs. They discuss the unusual September rush and highlight the importance of leveraging good weather and ongoing tourism. The hosts also emphasize the critical role of scheduling, delegation, and effective communication in managing such a hectic schedule. While some events might not be immediately profitable, the hosts explain the long-term benefits of community involvement and strategic marketing. Tips are shared for other restaurant owners on setting priorities, using tools like the 'Motion' agenda system, and ensuring self-care. The episode wraps up by reflecting on lessons learned and planning for future busy weeks, all while maintaining a positive work environment. 00:00 Welcome to Table 13: Inside the Restaurant World 00:17 A Surprisingly Busy September 01:11 This Week's Packed Schedule 02:13 Balancing Work and Family 04:00 The Importance of Prioritization 05:37 Using Motion for Organization 08:02 Effective Delegation Strategies 10:22 Self-Care During Busy Weeks 12:36 The Power of Communication 18:00 Reflecting and Learning for the Future 21:15 Final Thoughts and Recap

    24 min

  3. 2025-08-22

    So you want to open a restaurant?

    Morgan and Susan discuss key questions to consider before opening a restaurant. They delve into the importance of understanding your 'why,' knowing your customer base, grasping the financial realities, having the right team, being prepared for the restaurant lifestyle, and knowing what makes your concept unique. They emphasize the need for thorough preparation and realistic expectations to avoid common pitfalls and ensure sustainable success.   00:00 Welcome to Table 13: Introduction 00:22 The Dream of Opening a Restaurant 01:02 The Reality of Restaurant Ownership 02:05 Personal Experiences in the Industry 04:44 Finding Your 'Why' 09:24 Understanding Your Customer 14:11 Financial Realities and Pitfalls 21:39 Focusing Your Energy 21:48 Building the Right Team 22:34 The Importance of Support 23:33 Executing Without Burnout 24:17 The Reality of Restaurant Ownership 30:07 The Industry Lifestyle 35:36 What Makes You Different? 38:23 Recap and Final Thoughts

    42 min

  4. 2025-08-12

    We almost burned the restaurant down

    In this episode of Table Thirteen, hosts Susan and Morgan kick off the week with an unexpected incident involving an overnight broth leading to a small kitchen crisis. They recount the chaotic morning and the immediate steps they took to handle the situation, including salvaging the burnt pot as a keepsake. The conversation then shifts to an interesting experience with a high-maintenance Airbnb guest, highlighting the demands of customer service. Lastly, Susan and Morgan discuss the importance of landlord-tenant relationships and share their excitement about exploring new restaurant spaces. They invite listeners to join their community, the Thirteen Club, for valuable resources and support. Join us at The Thirteen Club

    32 min

  5. 2025-08-08

    What we've learned from our marketing blunders

    In this episode of Table Thirteen, hosts Morgan Hircock and Susan Tung dive into the world of restaurant marketing, sharing both triumphant successes and memorable fails. From memorable grassroots campaigns to digital marketing strategies, they explore what works best for different customer bases. They also reflect on marketing missteps, such as less successful event promotions targeting niche demographics.    Join us at The Thirteen Club

    29 min

  6. 2025-07-28

    We're on Skool! WTF Is Skool and why you should care

    Introducing the Thirteen Club: Building a Thriving Restaurant Community In this episode of Table Thirteen, hosts Morgan Hircock and Susan Tung introduce an exciting new initiative, the Thirteen Club. This online community is designed for restaurant and food business owners to connect, share resources, and support each other. Morgan and Susan explain the purpose of the club, highlight its features like marketing co-working sessions and safe spaces for productive conversations, and invite listeners to join. The Thirteen Club aims to provide valuable content, workshops, and a supporting network for business growth without the negativity found on other platforms. Listeners are encouraged to leave feedback and contribute to making the community a better resource for everyone. 00:00 Welcome to Table Thirteen 00:49 Introducing the Thirteen Club 01:14 Building a Supportive Community 04:04 How to Join the Thirteen Club 04:35 Continuous Improvement and Feedback 05:32 Conclusion and Invitation Connect with us:  Join the Thirteen Club Follow us on Instagram

    6 min

  7. 2025-07-21

    An Efficient Kitchen, Is a Boring One

    In this episode, we’re talking about why the most efficient kitchens are predictable, repeatable, and yes—sometimes boring. From mise en place to communication systems to not reinventing the wheel every damn day, we break down how to set up your kitchen for speed, consistency, and sanity. Whether you're running a tight line or trying to scale your prep for catering, this is your blueprint for less chaos and more flow. Spoiler: It’s not about working harder. It’s about making it easier for your team to win. Connect with us:  Join the Thirteen Club Follow us on Instagram

    16 min

  8. 2025-07-17

    The Numbers Every Restaurant Owner Should Track

    Mastering Restaurant Finances: Essential Metrics for Success In this episode of Table 13, host Susan Tung dives into the essential financial metrics that independent restaurant owners need to understand to ensure their business's success. Susan shares her personal story of overcoming financial challenges by focusing on key numbers and offers actionable advice on managing rent costs, prime costs, average ticket size, and sales per labor hour. She emphasizes the importance of making decisions based on facts rather than emotions and invites listeners to join the Thirteen Club, a supportive online community for restaurant owners. 00:00 Introduction to Table Thirteen 00:16 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers 01:58 Rent: Keeping It Under Control 02:46 Understanding Prime Costs 04:13 Balancing Labor and Food Costs 04:48 Boosting Revenue with Average Ticket Size 05:24 Sales Per Labor Hour: Efficiency Matters 06:24 Wrapping Up and Community Invitation Connect with us:  Join the Thirteen Club Follow us on Instagram

    7 min
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About

Table Thirteen is a podcast about restaurants, small business, and the real conversations that happen around the table. Hosted from an actual table in the restaurant, it’s a mix of casual chats and insightful discussions with friends, business owners, and industry friends. Whether you’re in the restaurant game or just love good business talk, pull up a chair.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Tung
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Table Thirteen