Preston Lee’s journey from fired server to industry expert is redefining success in the tough world of dining.
The $1,000 Epiphany
“Let’s say, for example, every customer who walks through your door is potentially worth $1,000 a year,” Preston Lee declares, his eyes glinting with the fervor of a man who’s stumbled upon a universal truth. “But one bad experience, and that grand just vanished into thin air.”
Lee isn’t your typical restaurant guru. At 40, he’s a self-proclaimed “reformed terrible employee” whose rocky start in the industry became the foundation for a revolutionary approach to restaurant management. His brainchild, The 30% Rule, is turning heads and filling seats across Orange County and beyond.
From Zero to Hero: Lee’s Unlikely Ascent
Lee’s story begins where many in the restaurant industry fear to end – with a pink slip. “I was entitled, selfish, and lazy,” he admits, recalling his first stint as a server. “Not being able to get another job for over 120 days was the wake-up call I needed.”
Broke, car repossessed and nearly homeless, Lee, after going to dozens of unsuccessful interviews, finally landed a new job. But this time, armed with a new perspective and a chip on his shoulder, he was determined to succeed.
The Customer Retention Revelation
Working in a well-managed establishment, Lee had an epiphany. “I realized that chasing the big tip wasn’t the right goal. Creating an experience that made people want to come back – that was where the real money was at.”
This shift in mindset led Lee to develop a customer-centric approach that would eventually become the cornerstone of The 30% Rule.
Cracking the Code: The Birth of The 30% Rule
Lee’s ascent through the ranks was meteoric. From server to trainer, manager to consultant, he absorbed the best practices of top-performing restaurants like a sponge. But it wasn’t until 2021, when a family friend’s struggling eatery came to him for help, that The 30% Rule truly crystallized.
“We turned everything around in just 90 days,” Lee recalls, still sounding a bit amazed. “And we did it all remotely.”
The Secret Sauce: What Makes The 30% Rule Different
So what exactly is The 30% Rule? At its core, it’s a holistic approach to restaurant management that prioritizes three key areas:
- Culture Development: Creating a team-wide obsession with customer satisfaction.
- High-Level Systems: Implementing processes that ensure consistency, even when the owner isn’t present.
- Staff Training: Equipping employees with the skills and mindset to turn first-time diners into regulars.
“Most consultants focus on menu engineering or cost-cutting,” Lee explains. “We’re looking at the bigger picture – how to make every customer a repeat customer.”
The Proof is in the Pudding
The results speak for themselves. Restaurants implementing The 30% Rule report not just increased sales, but improved staff morale and dramatically lower turnover rates.
“Preston’s approach completely transformed our business,” raves one client. “We’re not just surviving anymore; we’re thriving, but in more ways than one”
A New Hope for Independent Restaurants
In an industry still reeling from the impacts of the pandemic, Lee’s method offers a a solution for independent restaurant owners dreaming of achieving the success of top-tier establishments.
“The successful restaurant groups have been using these strategies for years,” Lee points out. “We’re leveling the playing field, giving the little guys the same tools without sacrificing their unique identity.”
The Future of Dining?
As The 30% Rule gains traction, Lee is already looking to the future. “We’re just scratching the surface,” he says, a glint of excitement in his eye. “Imagine a world where every restaurant experience is exceptional, where loyalty is the norm, not the exception.”
It’s a lofty goal, but if anyone can make it happen, it’s the man who turned his biggest failure into a recipe for success. Preston Lee isn’t just changing restaurants; he’s reinventing the entire dining experience, one satisfied customer at a time.
Ready to Transform Your Restaurant?
If you’re a restaurant owner looking to elevate your business, or if you’re simply curious about The 30% Rule, visit Preston Lee’s instagram ‘the30rule’ . Whether you’re struggling to keep your doors open or aiming to take your successful establishment to the next level, Lee and his team are ready to help you serve up success. Don’t let another $1,000 customer walk out your door – discover how The 30% Rule can revolutionize your restaurant today.