What does it really take to build restaurants that last? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Tracy Rathbun—restaurateur, co-founder of Dallas gems like Shinsei and Lover’s Seafood—joins host Sebastian Stahl for a raw and insightful conversation.
With over 30 years of experience spanning hospitality, luxury automotive, and entrepreneurial leadership, Tracy shares how her people-first philosophy, relentless adaptability, and creative vision have kept her restaurants not just surviving—but thriving.
Discover:
- Why self-policing teams outperform rulebooks
- How to scale without losing your soul (or your values)
- Lessons from missteps, including what COVID taught her
- The surprising secret behind her back-of-house longevity
- Why independence still has an edge in today’s market
Whether you’re an aspiring restaurateur, a seasoned operator, or just hungry for real talk about building something that matters—this one’s for you.
Connect with our guest:
Her Restaurants: https://shinseirestaurant.com/ , https://www.loversseafoodmarket.com/ , Perch, Rathbun Curbside BBQ
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/loversseafoodmarket/
Website: www.shinseirestaurant.com
Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl
Follow us on social media to stay updated:
Instagram: @sebastian_stahlb | @breadthrestaurantmarketing
YouTube: @SebastianStahlb
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