Krista Cole is the sole owner of Sur Lie in Portland, Maine, which she built from the ground up in 2014, and Gather in Yarmouth, which she acquired in 2022. A two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, Cole brings a perspective on restaurant ownership shaped by her background in healthcare, where systems, empathy, and accountability are non-negotiable.

In this episode, she shares how nursing informs her leadership style, why sustainable culture requires intentional workflows, and how equity, transparency, and community engagement show up in daily restaurant operations.

Takeaways

• Hire for attitude and values, then teach the skills
• Strong systems protect people from burnout
• Work life balance requires structure
• Leadership means meeting people where they are
• Consistency matters more than sweeping change
• Culture improves when owners stay close to the work
• Transparency builds trust during difficult decisions
• Growth should create opportunity for the team, not just the owner
• Community context must shape how each restaurant operates
• Sustainability includes financial, emotional, and human health
• Equity starts with listening and shared decision making
• Change works best when applied steadily over time
• Restaurants thrive when people feel seen and supported
• Everyone brings something valuable to the table

Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders like today’s guest?

MAJC has built a community of hospitality professionals, where insights and tools help drive sustainable, profitable businesses. To get early access to the MAJC community, sign up at www.MAJC.ai.