Toa Green always cites this mantra when it comes to managing people and fostering a positive work environment: "be good humans to each other." Massive amounts of research from major studies and surveys support this adage. When employees feel taken care of, they take care of their customers and deliver outstanding products and service.

This week, Toa and the team from Noko, a revolutionary restaurant in Nashville (whose food is as good as their attitude toward employee satisfaction), discuss the connection between employee wellness and a successful business, and how they’re working to foster an environment where their people come first.

Wilson Brannock, Jon Murray, and Chef Junior have set a new standard in the hospitality industry for how they treat their team members at Noko. By establishing a robust employee wellness program, they are game changers in their space. Tune in as they impart valuable insights and learn how their approach can positively impact your own business.

In this episode, you’ll learn to:

• Prioritize the well-being of your employees to build a stronger team that delivers outstanding service

• Break free from the norms of the restaurant industry and create a unique company culture

• Understand small ways to cultivate a work environment that promotes employee wellness, mental health, and work-life balance

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Goldbelly | Find the most famous, most regional iconic foods from around the country–including Crank & Boom Ice Cream–and ship it all right to your door at goldbelly.com/

Holly Hill Restaurants | 9 unique locations in Kentucky that celebrate the connection of family, to farm to table. Find stories, recipes, how-to's, and curated gifts by visiting hollyhillandco.com

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Check out the menu and all the favorite dishes of Team Noko: https://www.nokonashville.com/menu

The key moments in this episode are:


00:03:59 - Introducing Noko and Their Mission,

00:08:28 - Starting Noko and Pursuing Their Vision,

00:14:00 - Creating a Deeper Connection in Their Team,

00:19:47 - Changing the Narrative,

00:22:39 - Employee Benefits and Why Noko Prioritizes Them,

00:29:07 - Taking Small Steps for Small Businesses to Support Employees,

00:29:49 - Working Together to Change Hospitality,

00:32:20 - Highlighting Favorite Dishes and Stories,

Quotable Moments From the Episode

“The old traditional ways of working yourself into sickness or working yourself in distress is not life anymore. You can build success; you can build greatness; you can build wealth–and not work 80 hours a week for ten years. It's possible.” - Jon Murray

“Investing in your people is the best investment for a public facing and customer-centric company.” - Jon Murray

Connect with the team at Noko!
Noko Website

Noko's Facebook

Noko's Instagram

Connect with Toa!
C&B Podcast website

C&B Ice Cream website

C&B Podcast's Instagram

C&B Substack

*Production by Four Eyes Media*