"The future in this country is one where the folks setting the pace will be more diverse than ever. That’s baked in, and while there’s backlash, the numbers will ultimately tell the tale."Clarence Otis

Clarence Otis Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc., is busy these days serving on the Boards of Verizon as Lead Director, of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, and as chairman of Jazz at Lincoln Center, among others. During his 10 years of leadership at Darden which ended in 2014, whose brands include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Yard House, and Capital Grille, the company achieved remarkable sales growth.

Otis reflects on his time at Darden and provides insights into the sale of Red Lobster during his tenure, and how public policies often inadvertently favor larger companies, making it difficult for smaller, independent businesses to thrive. Otis reveals his views on immigration’s role in hospitality and discusses AI's potential to automate certain restaurant functions, particularly in back-office tasks.

Growing up in Watts shaped Clarence's perspective on fairness and opportunity. He learned from his father that positive family influence and a strong work ethic are crucial to success. Sharing our mutual love of jazz, we discussed the genre's state and its struggle to attract younger audiences in the US.

Our discussion concludes with Otis’s optimism about America's diverse future and his belief in resilience amid changing demographics. His journey showcases how leaders can rise to significant roles while staying true to their values, as a model of how strategic vision and a commitment to equity can lead to impactful, lasting success.

Thank you my longtime friend Eric Williams for connecting me with Clarence.

CHAPTERS
[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Overview
[00:02:19] Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
[00:07:10] California as a Business Environment
[00:12:55] Impact of AI and Technology on Hospitality
[00:16:03] Consumer Behavior and Economic Trends
[00:17:42] Clarence’s Childhood in South Los Angeles
[00:22:34] Navigating Gang Culture and Community Dynamics
[00:26:20] Father’s Work Ethic and Life Lessons
[00:31:52] Parenting Philosophy
[00:33:06] Diversity in Corporate Leadership
[00:38:27] The Sale of Red Lobster
[00:43:20] Cultural Reflections on Entertainment and Branding
[00:50:15] Jazz and the Arts
[00:52:36] Effective Communication and Leadership
[00:53:39] Optimism About the Future


WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Watch the full VIDEO episode on the Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube and please subscribe to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community.

Instagram: @Corner Table Talk  and @Post and Beam Hospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail:  brad@postandbeamhospitality.comFor more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

<blockquote>
"The future in this country is one where the folks setting the pace will be more diverse than ever. That’s baked in, and while there’s backlash, the numbers will ultimately tell the tale." Clarence Otis
</blockquote>
Clarence Otis Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc., is busy these days serving on the Boards of <a href="https://www.verizon.com/about/investors/clarence-otis-jr-lead-director">Verizon</a> as Lead Director, of Danny Meyer’s <a href="https://www.ushg.com/">Union Square Hospitality Group</a>, and as chairman of <a href="https://jazz.org/about-us/leadership/">Jazz at Lincoln Center</a>, among others. During his 10 years of leadership at Darden which ended in 2014, whose brands include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Yard House, and Capital Grille, the company achieved remarkable sales growth.
Otis reflects on his time at Darden and provides insights into the sale of Red Lobster during his tenure, and how public policies often inadvertently favor larger companies, making it difficult for smaller, independent businesses to thrive. Otis reveals his views on immigration’s role in hospitality and discusses AI's potential to automate certain restaurant functions, particularly in back-office tasks.
Growing up in Watts shaped Clarence's perspective on fairness and opportunity. He learned from his father that positive family influence and a strong work ethic are crucial to success. Sharing our mutual love of jazz, we discussed the genre's state and its struggle to attract younger audiences in the US.
Our discussion concludes with Otis’s optimism about America's diverse future and his belief in resilience amid changing demographics. His journey showcases how leaders can rise to significant roles while staying true to their values, as a model of how strategic vision and a commitment to equity can lead to impactful, lasting success.
Thank you my longtime friend Eric Williams for connecting me with Clarence.
CHAPTERS
<ol>
<li>[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Overview</li>
<li>[00:02:19] Challenges in the Restaurant Industry</li>
<li>[00:07:10] California as a Business Environment</li>
<li>[00:12:55] Impact of AI and Technology on Hospitality</li>
<li>[00:16:03] Consumer Behavior and Economic Trends</li>
<li>[00:17:42] Clarence’s Childhood in South Los Angeles</li>
<li>[00:22:34] Navigating Gang Culture and Community Dynamics</li>
<li>[00:26:20] Father’s Work Ethic and Life Lessons</li>
<li>[00:31:52] Parenting Philosophy</li>
<li>[00:33:06] Diversity in Corporate Leadership</li>
<li>[00:38:27] The Sale of Red Lobster</li>
<li>[00:43:20] Cultural Reflections on Entertainment and Branding</li>
<li>[00:50:15] Jazz and the Arts</li>
<li>[00:52:36] Effective Communication and Leadership</li>
<li>[00:53:39] Optimism About the Future
<ul></ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
WATCH ON YOUTUBE Watch the full VIDEO episode on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CornerTableTalk">Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube</a> and please subscribe to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community.
Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cornertabletalk/?hl=en">Corner Table Talk</a>  and @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamhospitality/?hl=en">Post and Beam Hospitality</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/">Brad Johnson Hospitality</a>
E.Mail:  <a href="mailto:brad@postandbeamhospitality.com">brad@postandbeamhospitality.com</a>For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: <a href="https://postandbeamhospitality.com/">https://postandbeamhospitality.com/</a>
Theme Music: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brycevine/?hl=en">Bryce Vine</a>
Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post &amp; Beam Hospitality<a href="mailto:brad@postandbeamhospitality.com"></a>
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post &amp; Beam Hospitality LLC

After years of lowering the velvet rope and pulling out chairs on both coasts for countless guests, Brad Johnson puts his warm, present and welcoming hospitality skills to use as the host of Corner Table Talk, covering topics spanning FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE. Following the guest conversation, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention in HOW WE MOVE.

Brad Johnson’s career in hospitality began in the early 70s in the dish pit of his father’s renowned NYC restaurant, The Cellar, followed by his subsequent storied road creating high profile establishments, from the lavish LA nightclub The Roxbury (yes, that Roxbury) to the Melrose Avenue soulful hotspot, Georgia, and the James Beard Award-nominated Post & Beam.

Instagram: cornertabletalk and postandbeamhospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail:  brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

After years of lowering the velvet rope and pulling out chairs on both coasts for countless guests, Brad Johnson puts his warm, present and welcoming hospitality skills to use as the host of Corner Table Talk, covering topics spanning FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE. Following the guest conversation, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention in HOW WE MOVE.
<hr>
Brad Johnson’s career in hospitality began in the early 70s in the dish pit of his father’s renowned NYC restaurant, The Cellar, followed by his subsequent storied road creating high profile establishments, from the lavish LA nightclub The Roxbury (yes, that Roxbury) to the Melrose Avenue soulful hotspot, Georgia, and the James Beard Award-nominated Post &amp; Beam.
<hr>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cornertabletalk/?hl=en">cornertabletalk</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamhospitality/?hl=en">postandbeamhospitality</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/">Brad Johnson Hospitality</a>      <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/"></a>
E.Mail:  <a href="mailto:brad@postandbeamhospitality.com">brad@postandbeamhospitality.com</a>
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: <a href="https://postandbeamhospitality.com/">https://postandbeamhospitality.com/</a>
Theme Music: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brycevine/?hl=en">Bryce Vine</a>
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post &amp; Beam Hospitality LLC

Corner Table Talk

After years of lowering the velvet rope and pulling out chairs on both coasts for countless guests, Brad Johnson puts his warm, present and welcoming hospitality skills to use as the host of Corner Table Talk, covering topics spanning FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE. Following the guest conversation, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention in HOW WE MOVE.

Brad Johnson’s career in hospitality began in the early 70s in the dish pit of his father’s renowned NYC restaurant, The Cellar, followed by his subsequent storied road creating high profile establishments, from the lavish LA nightclub The Roxbury (yes, that Roxbury) to the Melrose Avenue soulful hotspot, Georgia, and the James Beard Award-nominated Post & Beam.

Instagram: cornertabletalk and postandbeamhospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson

E.Mail:  brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

After years of lowering the velvet rope and pulling out chairs on both coasts for countless guests, Brad Johnson puts his warm, present and welcoming hospitality skills to use as the host of Corner Table Talk, covering topics spanning FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE. Following the guest conversation, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention in HOW WE MOVE.
<hr>
Brad Johnson’s career in hospitality began in the early 70s in the dish pit of his father’s renowned NYC restaurant, The Cellar, followed by his subsequent storied road creating high profile establishments, from the lavish LA nightclub The Roxbury (yes, that Roxbury) to the Melrose Avenue soulful hotspot, Georgia, and the James Beard Award-nominated Post &amp; Beam.
<hr>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cornertabletalk/?hl=en">cornertabletalk</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamhospitality/?hl=en">postandbeamhospitality</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/">Brad Johnson</a>      <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/"></a>
E.Mail:  <a href="mailto:brad@postandbeamhospitality.com">brad@postandbeamhospitality.com</a>
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: <a href="https://postandbeamhospitality.com/">https://postandbeamhospitality.com/</a>
Theme Music: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brycevine/?hl=en">Bryce Vine</a>
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post &amp; Beam Hospitality LLC

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