Can structure and systems actually make hospitality feel more human?

Yann de Rochefort, founder of Boqueria Restaurants, has spent the last 20 years redefining what modern hospitality feels like. From a single tapas bar in Manhattan to beloved locations across the U.S., Yann has built a restaurant brand rooted in warmth, culture, and design, all while keeping the experience consistent and deeply human. Yann shares how structure creates freedom, why culture matters more than any single person, and how intentional design can make every guest feel at home the moment they walk in. He also opens up about scaling Boqueria through stormy seas, building resilient teams, and leading with purpose in one of the toughest industries around.

Takeaways: 

• Build strong habits and systems in your work or business. This structure provides the freedom to improvise and be creative when needed.
• Prioritize genuine human connection over transactional interactions. Listen, observe, and tailor your approach to each individual’s needs.
• People may come and go, but a strong, clearly defined culture anchored in real values, beliefs, and rituals will sustain and grow your organization.
• Don’t just put values on a wall. Integrate them into daily language, feedback, and rituals so they become part of your team’s identity and decision-making.
• When expanding or collaborating, ensure alignment in values, energy, and target audience. Don’t compromise on what makes your brand unique.
• The hospitality industry offers steep career paths for those willing to learn and work hard. Invest in training and provide opportunities for advancement.
• Sometimes the simplest products (like dates wrapped in bacon) become customer favorites. Don’t overlook the power of doing simple things exceptionally well.

Quote of the Show:

“What distinguishes hospitality from a transaction is the human connection.” - Yann de Rochefort

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yann-de-rochefort-1050771/ 
• Website: https://boqueriarestaurant.com/ 
• Book Link: https://a.co/d/5LmLh57 

Shout Outs:

• 1:07 - James Beard Foundation https://www.jamesbeard.org/ 
• 2:05 - AC Hotels https://ac-hotels.marriott.com/ 
• 2:24 - Schnippers https://www.schnippers.com/location/schnippers-times-square/ 
• 3:12 - Dave Trost https://davetrostdesign.com/ 
• 5:30 - Ethan Gabany https://www.linkedin.com/in/egabany/ 
• 5:37 - Hyatt https://www.hyatt.com/loyalty/en-US 
• 5:55 - Bon Appetit Magazine https://www.bonappetit.com/ 
• 5:58 - Houston/Hillstone’s https://www.houstons.com/ 
• 13:56 - Meyer Davis https://www.meyerdavis.com/ 
• 18:11 - Will Meyer https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-meyer-7685677/ 
• 22:45 - Mike Tyson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Tyson 
• 26:15 - Ritz Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 
• 28:38 - Mark Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmarkgreen/ 
• 36:48 - Hampton Inn https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hampton-by-hilton/ 
• 36:53 - Moxy https://moxy-hotels.marriott.com/ 
• 36:57 - W Hotels https://w-hotels.marriott.com/ 
• 43:02 - Entrepreneurs’ Organization https://eonetwork.org/ 
• 45:52 - Setting the Table https://a.co/d/fvTjMA9 
• 45:54 - Danny Meyer https://www.ushg.com/team/danny-meyer 
• 45:58 - Union Square Cafe https://www.unionsquarecafe.com/ 

🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/