This week we interviewed Dylan Johnson: Associate Hospital Leader at Restoration Hardware Courtyard Restaurant.
Dylan grew up in a small town called Forrest City, North Carolina. He went to Chase High school (also known as “the farm”) which is close to what it sounds. He jokes that his family even donated a Donkey to the school. He was very involved in his school and did all of the extracurriculars. He recalls being worried towards his later years of high school, not knowing what it was he wanted to do with his life. One thing he did know was that he loved animals so he went into college under a pre veterinarian major.
Dylan attended Western Carolina University and quickly realized that premed wasn’t for him, so he changed routes to communication with a concentration in broadcast. He had the dream of becoming an anchor, but he noticed that it felt more like a chore than something he loved. But though a connection of a job he had at the hospital he began to work at Canyon Kitchen. Canyon Kitchen was his first introduction to upscale dining where he began as a food runner. He says that this was the first time he “dipped his toes” into hospitality. From here he discovered tourism management! The major that consisted of “everything fun under the sun.”
Dylan fell in love with Canyon Kitchen and saw it as an opportunity to grow in the world of hospitality. He continued to grow and move up in his positions all the way into leadership his 5th year there as food and beverage director. It was this position that allowed him to see what it was like to truly give an experience. They held extravagant weddings, curated a wine list, and created an entire atmosphere for their guests. He inspired his staff by always saying, “This is just another day for you. For them, it is a day they will remember for the rest of their lives. So make it special.” It was this mentality that has led Dylan to be so successful in the world of hospitality at such a young age and become an associate hospitality leader at Restoration Hardware where he currently works.
Dylan’s drive to stay in the world of hospitality stems from his love of creating an experience. He describes his job as making sure he is excited, and his team is excited for every individual experience that he can create. He also loves the opportunities he gets to create a genuine connection with all of the people that come into the restaurant and he loves that he has the unique ability to bring everyone together. He can network, travel, and almost live a “double life.” Hospitality is a community and it will never die. There is always a need for an experience and always the opportunity to cultivate one.
Dylan accredits hospitality to many attributes that have shaped who is he today. He says he wouldn’t be as understanding or as open. There are so many things in hospitality that can go wrong and being in leadership you have to be able to take those situations with grace and come up with solutions on the fly. He says it gave him the perspective that you never know what someone may be going through, so try your best to make a good experience for them in the chance it could make their day a little better. Dylan says that if he has the chance to take care of someone’s meal because it will mean something to someone, then he will take that opportunity.
It was great being able to talk with Dylan and to hear all about his journey with hospitality. To him, it is more than an industry job, it is a way to make an impact on someone and a way to cultivate community.
But of course our conversation wasn’t all business! Here are some rapid fire questions to get to know Dylan a little better:
What is your favorite eating utensil?
Spoon
What is your ideal afternoon?
I would go to a nice restaurant w a nice meal
What word embodies who you are?
Optimistic
Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?
smooth
Who were you in a past life?
Carrie underwood
Feeling inspired?
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See you next time!
Dear Normal
