Restaurateur Danny Meyer Says Building a Career in Hospitality Is ‘Absolutely’ a Calling: ‘No One Does This Because It’s Easy’

Danny Meyer, the visionary behind Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, recently shared his reflections on a career rooted in hospitality during an engaging event hosted by People Talks. The event took place on 14 September 2026, alongside Hunter Lewis, the editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, and aimed to raise funds for the Southern Smoke Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting food industry workers in need.

In an intimate setting, Meyer, now 68, articulated his belief that hospitality is not just a profession but a calling. He explained that there are individuals who derive happiness from enhancing the experiences of others, a sentiment that resonates across various sectors, not just within the confines of restaurants. “No one does this because it’s easy. They do it because it matters to them,” Meyer stated, acknowledging that while some may not be naturally inclined towards such roles, those who are should embrace their calling.

Central to Meyer’s philosophy is optimism, which he regards as a crucial ingredient for nurturing teams and creating positive environments. This outlook inspired the title of his forthcoming book, *What Could Possibly Go Right?: The Essential Journey to Scale an Enduring Culture*, set to be released on 29 September. Meyer emphasised that throughout life’s ups and downs, one should continually ask, “What could possibly go right?”, a question he believes has led to significant achievements throughout his career.

He explained, “Optimists and pessimists may face the same fate, but they live their lives quite differently.” Meyer maintained that, particularly in today’s divisive climate and the uncertain implications of artificial intelligence, a positive mindset is essential for overcoming challenges. He is convinced that optimism offers more fruitful solutions than pessimism ever could.

Meyer’s reflections were shaped by his own experiences with setbacks in the restaurant business, particularly the closure of Tabla, a renowned Indian fine-dining establishment, in 2010 and the subsequent shuttering of Blue Smoke & Jazz Standard during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He lamented, “It’s completely gut-wrenching to do that,” underlining the emotional turmoil that comes with closing a beloved restaurant, which Meyer likens to part of the community fabric.

Despite the heartache associated with loss, Meyer views these endings as opportunities for growth rather than failures. “What I’ve learned about failure is that that’s where the greatest lessons are,” he remarked. Acknowledging the challenges of saying ‘goodbye’ to a project, Meyer asserted that experiences—whether triumphs or setbacks—should be regarded as valuable. He encourages a mindset that appreciates past ventures for what they taught, while being ready to embark on new beginnings: “Sometimes it’s a good thing to say, ‘That was great,’ and pick up a new one.”

The conversation also highlighted the important role of resilience and adaptability in the hospitality industry. Meyer pointed to the necessity of evolving in response to changing circumstances, from customer preferences to broader societal trends. His commitment to nurturing welcoming environments has been central to his career, with aspirations of inspiring others in the industry.

Meyer’s insights are not only relevant to aspiring restaurateurs but also offer guidance for anyone navigating professional pathways that intertwine with service and community engagement. His optimistic outlook and recognition of the emotional dimensions of hospitality illustrate the depth of experience that shapes leaders in the industry.

As the event concluded, attendees left with valuable lessons on the importance of optimism and the understanding that setbacks can often be stepping stones to greater achievements. Through his commitment to transparency and sharing his journey, Danny Meyer continues to redefine what it means to create enduring, meaningful cultures within the hospitality sector.

With the publication of his upcoming book, Meyer hopes to inspire a new generation of hospitality professionals to embrace their calling, navigate challenges with a positive spirit, and, above all, appreciate the profound connections that define the industry.