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Situated in the vibrant city of Portland, Maine, Sur Lie is a celebrated tapas restaurant recognized for its innovative approach and nominated for a James Beard Award. The culinary vision is led by chef Mimi Weissenborn, who has gained further recognition as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef.
While Weissenborn dazzles in the kitchen, Krista Cole, the owner and a semifinalist for a James Beard Award herself, plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless operations. Her passion for tapas and wine pairings led her to establish the restaurant, which has filled a niche in the Portland dining scene. Weissenborn’s arrival has transformed their collaborative dynamic into a cornerstone of Sur Lie’s success.
“We make an incredible team,” Cole notes. “I’m organized, data-driven, and efficient, while she brings the creativity and vision for the menu, which is a major draw for our patrons. As women striving to break barriers in this industry, we focus on our strengths and how we complement one another.”
Together, they have developed a menu that stands out, accompanied by exceptional service. One satisfied customer, Mike C., vividly recalls his experience after a recent visit.
“The quality of service can elevate or diminish a meal,” Mike remarks. “My server Meg was outstanding—friendly, professional, and perceptive. The attentiveness without being intrusive truly enhanced the experience. That’s the essence of great service: knowing when to engage and when to step back.”
Cole acknowledges that this exceptional service instinct may not be easily teachable, but she inspires her team to take pride in their roles. She observes significant improvements in service quality when staff members view their work as a craft and feel empowered to personalize the guest experience.
When reflecting on Weissenborn’s influence, Cole emphasizes that strong leadership is just as important as culinary skill. “Mimi is an exceptional leader, and her ability to inspire the team translates directly to an enhanced guest experience,” Cole adds.
Building a competent team is a deliberate process for Cole. She employs two distinct recruitment strategies to identify promising candidates. First, she assesses applicants’ resumes and investigates their past workplaces to gauge compatibility with Sur Lie’s culture. Second, she inquires about their favorite previous job and the reasons behind their choice, which helps her understand their values and potential contributions.
Cole seamlessly manages every aspect of the restaurant, from hiring to inventory management, underscoring the necessity of organizational skills to ensure quality and consistency. Before venturing into the restaurant business, she honed her abilities as a healthcare manager and immersed herself in entrepreneurship, insights that continue to inform her management style.
“Implementing effective systems and processes is vital for maintaining quality,” she emphasizes. “This approach fosters engagement and accountability among the team, creating a well-functioning environment with clear expectations.”
Such strategies allow Cole to maximize her limited time, as she oversees two additional restaurants in Maine alongside Sur Lie. Simple tools like an Amazon order request form or organized meeting agendas prove invaluable in managing her commitments efficiently.
Monitoring customer feedback is another critical element of her role. She values insights from patrons, particularly locals, and considers their input essential for continuous improvement.
Upon acquiring Gather, she focused on branding and sourcing local ingredients, which led to adjusted menu pricing. Cole recalls, “Community feedback indicated that costs were rising too high. We took that seriously, recognizing that support from the locals is crucial for our success in a small town environment. We aimed to make our offerings more accessible and accommodating for families.”
From her transition from healthcare to restaurateur, Cole has gleaned essential lessons that propel her business journey:
- Embrace transferable skills: The path of entrepreneurship can be unpredictable, but skills acquired in other industries can be immensely beneficial.
- Prioritize community feedback: Local input is crucial for maintaining loyal relationships with customers.
- Identify market gaps: Assessing your unique standing in the market can guide your business strategy.
- View service as an art: Exceptional service creates memorable experiences, and encouraging staff to express their individuality can enhance customer interactions.
- Manage time efficiently: Establish clear guidelines for team interactions to optimize productivity.
- Invest in team culture: Recognizing and cultivating staff potential is vital to enhancing customer service.
For further insights, tune into the episode below featuring Cole and Mike C., and explore more stories from new business owners and customers on “Behind the Review” every Thursday.
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