Daniel Serfer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Daniel, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Me and my kids recently started diving off of diving boards. Its really fun and challenging. Jumping off a 10 foot high springboard is scary and exhilirating, and rewarding when you make a good dive. My kids are getting more comfortable with it and jumping backwards now, which im too scared to do, but its amazing to see them so brave.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Daniel Serfer, I am the chef owner of Blue collar and Mignonette in Miami Florida. I have owned and operated these restaurants for 14 and 12 years. That is a huge amount of time for a restaurant to operate. I am really proud of our staying power and reputation. We have so many regulars and our staff has been with us for so long. I have several team mates that have been with us for over 10 years which is mid blowing to me. We keep it simple, good honest food, warm service,
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My Dad. He owned his own business but never took it for granted, The guy woke up every day at 5am no matter what he did the night before and showed up with a smile. He never yelled at a employee and was always kind with them giving mulitple chances to people even when they messed up repeatedly
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Not to get too sappy, But I have been an orphan for over 20 years. My dad died when I was 15 and my mom when I was 21. I never sat there feeling sorry for myself and I kind of plowed through it. When my dad passed, I stayed focused on school and debate and graduated well, went to college, etc. When my mom passed, and I felt all alone, I still picked myself up, finsihed college and started my cooking career. Most parents of middle class jewish kids would not have been as supportive of my dream of being a chef, she was even until her end. It took some years of therapy to really heal the emptiness I felt from losing them. Now that I am a father of 4 kids though, I get to experience so much joy from them doing the simplest things like a big hug or watching them be kind to each other
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, what you see is what you get. I can be really nice, grumpy, selfish and selfless all within the same hour
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When have you had to bet the company?
I think this happens everyday. Every day is a new opportunity to piss it all away, or make it better. I choose to just put one foot in front of the other and do my best, sometimes it works out, sometimes I have to do something else because what I thought was my best , was a mistake.
Contact Info:
- Website: bcrmiami.com mignonettemiami.com
- Instagram: @bcrmiami @mignonettemia
- Linkedin: danielserfer
- Twitter: @bcrmiami @mignonettemia
- Facebook: @bcrmiami @mignonettemia
