Inside Danny Meyer’s promote-from-within culture: 80% of his GMs started as hourly staff

Danny Meyer, founder and executive chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group, is known for his optimism and focus on empowering employees. In his new book, "What Could Possibly Go Right?", Meyer shares the lessons he's learned over his 41-year career in hospitality, including how he promotes from within. According to the source, 80% of his general managers (GMs) started off as hourly staff, while 80% of his hourly workers were their first jobs.

Meyer stepped down as CEO in 2022, handing over leadership to Chip Wade, while retaining his role as founder, executive chairman, chief culinary officer, chief cultural officer, and chief creative officer. He attributes much of his success to empowering others and letting go of control, as evidenced by the process he developed for identifying tasks that could be handled just as well—or better—by someone else on his team.