In this special year-end episode, restaurant business advisor Matthew Mabel shares the five most impactful articles and episodes from 2025 that helped independent restaurant entrepreneurs achieve success in a challenging flat market. Matthew reflects on how multi-unit restaurant owners can navigate unprecedented business conditions by identifying whether their company falls into the Winners, Stable, or Floundering category—and taking strategic action accordingly. From avoiding the "Superhero Trap" that keeps restaurant operators overworked and stuck, to proven profit growth strategies and the importance of hiring experienced leadership, this episode delivers actionable entrepreneurship insights to help you prepare your restaurant business for breakthrough results in 2026.

Key Topics Covered

• Understanding the three tiers of restaurant performance: Winners, Stable Companies, and Floundering Companies
• How to identify which category your restaurant business falls into and what actions to take
• Avoiding the "Superhero Trap" and empowering your team to create solutions
• Strategies for increasing restaurant profit during a flat market
• The value of adding experienced leadership to accelerate business growth
• Preparing your restaurant operation for success in 2026

Links Mentioned

• Know Yourself and Create Restaurant Success In Any Market
• How to Clarify the Best Way Forward for Your Restaurants
• How To Avoid the Deceiving Restaurant "Superhero Trap"
• How To Increase Your Restaurant Profit with No Excuses During This Flat Market
• Restaurateurs: When You Lack Experience, Add Someone Who Has It

Resources Mentioned

• Website: www.surrender.biz
• Free initial consultation available

Connect with Matthew Mabel

Matthew works with owners of successful, independent, multi-unit restaurants to improve:

• Profit growth
• Sales optimization
• Guest count increase
• Unit expansion
• Employee engagement
• Brand loyalty

How to Support the Show

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Success Podcast and Newsletter
• Rate and review the show
• Visit www.surrender.biz for additional resources

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