Food for Thought

Whether it is working for a mentor or eventually becoming a business partner, Seth Makowsky, founder of Makowsky Restaurant Group (MRG), has proven that he can make restaurants and food and beverage concepts successful. Makowsky started MRG after working for some of the top companies in food and beverage, including Coca-Cola, Food Systems Unlimited and Earl of Sandwich.

MRG is a boutique food-and-beverage advisory and management group specializing in improving workforce capability, process management and leadership. MRG’s gaming clients include the Hakkasan Group, Hollywood Park Casino and Delaware North Companies. Outside of the gaming industry, MRG’s hospitality clients include Hilton Worldwide, Panda Express, Wolfgang Puck and Gate Gourmet.

The breadth and success of MRG are directly related to Makowsky’s formidable business acumen and previous work experience.

Makowsky began his career at Coca-Cola straight out of business school at Emory University. After four years at Coke, Makowsky left to join one of his clients, Food Systems Unlimited, where he worked in both operations and corporate restructuring. During his tenure with the company, Food Systems grew four-fold.

In 2007, Makowsky was appointed CEO of Earl Of Sandwich, a burgeoning sandwich chain started by Robert Earl. During his tenure, he was instrumental in growing the brand with placements in Disney (on both coasts), major airports, casinos, malls and travel plazas.

Throughout his career, Makowsky has always sought out new challenges. “A willingness to venture into the unknown and start the next chapter has led to my biggest breakthroughs,” Makowsky says of his career path. “Fulfillment and growth are really what drives me.” This edict led him to branch out on his own to start a restaurant consulting practice.

Since starting his restaurant consulting group, Makowsky has continued to grow a strong portfolio of clients and projects. While the top-line success has been great for MRG, Makowsky has learned that “culture is everything.”

“We embrace principles like reciprocation, civility, collaboration and incentives,” he says. “We strive to be the best partner to one another and our clients.” By developing this culture, Makowsky hopes to continue to bolster the success of MRG.

Concurrent with the strong corporate culture of the company, Makowsky is grateful for the relationships he has with his partners, co-workers and clients. “I am most proud of how my teammates and partners have grown over the years. It’s very fulfilling and inspiring to see people develop, flourish and accomplish wonderful achievements.”