Sur Lie: Where Culinary Vision Meets Operational Excellence
In the vibrant culinary scene of Portland, Maine, Sur Lie stands out as a James Beard Award-nominated tapas restaurant. Spearheaded by chef Mimi Weissenborn, a recent contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, and owner Krista Cole, a semifinalist for the same prestigious award, the restaurant embodies a unique synergy that enhances both food and service.
A Dynamic Duo in the Kitchen and Beyond
Chef Weissenborn and owner Cole have forged a collaborative partnership that has transformed the dining experience at Sur Lie. Cole, driven by her passion for tapas and wine pairings, established the restaurant to fill a noticeable culinary gap in Portland. Her operational expertise complements Weissenborn’s creative prowess, resulting in a highly successful establishment.
“We’re this incredible dynamic duo,” Cole states. “I’m very data-oriented, organized and efficient, and she’s the brilliant, creative brain that comes up with the menu. As women in the industry trying to break down barriers, we focus on what we’re good at and how to complement each other.”
Exemplary Service: The Heart of Dining
Service quality plays a critical role in the restaurant experience. A customer named Mike C. recounts a memorable visit, emphasizing the impact of attentive yet unobtrusive service. He appreciated the interaction with his server, Meg, highlighting her friendly approach that made the meal enjoyable.
“Service makes the meal, and it can break the meal,” Mike reflects. “The service we got was attentive but not overbearing. That’s service: learning that knowledge, that experience, that know-when-to and when-not-to.”
Cole believes that great service isn’t just a skill that can be taught but rather a craft in which employees should take pride. She fosters an environment where her team feels empowered to add their personal touch, leading to improved customer experiences.
Strategic Hiring Practices
Building a capable team is crucial for sustaining quality service. Cole employs specific hiring strategies to identify candidates who align with the restaurant’s values. She meticulously reviews resumes and investigates past workplaces, ensuring a cultural fit at Sur Lie. An insightful question she asks candidates is about their favorite workplace, which illuminates their personal values and priorities.
Operational Expertise from a Unique Background
Before her venture into the restaurant industry, Cole gained experience as a healthcare manager, an aspect that greatly informs her approach to running Sur Lie. Her focus on organization is pivotal, ensuring that operations run smoothly across her restaurant, which is part of a larger portfolio that includes two additional eateries.
“Having systems and processes in place is super important to providing quality and consistency,” Cole states. “It should be a well-oiled machine, and there should be very clear expectations.”
Community-Centric Business Approach
Active engagement with the community provides a foundation for business sustainability. Cole regularly reviews customer feedback, particularly valuing input from local patrons. This was evident when adjustments were made to pricing at another restaurant, Gather, based on community feedback regarding affordability.
“You’re not a destination restaurant in a small town. Usually, you’re supported by your community and the locals. That was something we shifted and tried to make a little more approachable for people.”
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Cole’s journey underscores several vital lessons for other entrepreneurs:
- Transferable Skills: Skills from previous careers can prove invaluable in entrepreneurship.
- Community Engagement: Listening to local opinions fosters loyalty and sustains business.
- Market Awareness: Recognizing gaps in the market can create opportunities for differentiation.
- Service as an Art: Staff should be encouraged to personalize their service approach.
- Time Management: Systems for communication and organization save valuable time.
- Cultural Fit in Hiring: Investing in staff growth enhances customer experiences.
To gain more insights from Cole, tune into the podcast episode available below:
Editorial contributions by Erin Palmero and Kristi Lindahl.