A visit with EAT Restaurant Group

Chris Tsui, the CEO of EAT Restaurant Group (ERG) and a renowned restaurateur based in Richmond, Virginia, is thrilled to partner with the Entegra Culinary Team. Chris has been a close friend and colleague of John Csukor, the Head of Culinary at Entegra, for many years. Recently, the two industry leaders had the chance to catch up and swap experiences navigating the rapidly evolving food world.

Adjusting to the Changing Landscape

In response to the significant changes that have occurred within the food industry in recent years, ERG has been meticulous in adapting its approach to packaging takeout food. This shift towards a more takeout-driven sales model has helped ERG establish a new identity, as it has for many other restaurant groups. To succeed in this fiercely competitive market, it is crucial to conduct the necessary research and development to make vital adjustments to cooking times, packaging and holding methodology.

Indicators of Success

During conversation, Chris shared a few indicators of success that have helped ERG stand out in the crowded restaurant industry. For example, his new concepts have been going national, and the business can rely on Entegra’s ability to maintain consistent standards and specifications. Chris also expressed his gratitude for Entegra, which has alleviated the need for conducting culinary-driven ingredient research. Finally, Chris emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships and relying on partners to help achieve success.

Dedicating Time to Strategic Objectives

John’s conversation with Chris shed light on the importance of dedicating focused time at the Entegra Performance Kitchen to completing strategic objectives. These include conducting consumer focus groups, perfecting recipes, and experimenting with new and up-and-coming ingredients. Entegra shares Chris’s philosophy that the experience of the consumer is the key to success in the restaurant industry and that possessing strong business acumen — along with the gift of hospitality — is essential.

The Perfect Recipe for Mutual Success

The strong partnership between Entegra and EAT Restaurant Group is grounded in their shared goal of providing exceptional hospitality. Together, they are proud of their ability to create the perfect recipe for mutual success.