What we discuss in this episode
Szymon Czerwiński: from corporate to gastronomy. Excel, reels and a promise you must deliver
Episode 009 of mysite talks is a conversation with Szymon Czerwiński – a finalist of MasterChef season 5, creator, cookbook author, and co‑builder of a street‑food concept that shows real operations: Polska Kiełbasa in Sopot.
This episode is for anyone who thinks gastro is “a fun adventure”. Szymon talks without polish about what happens after leaving a stable job: stress, money, the fact you can’t really get sick, and what the “American Dream” looks like in Poland.
It’s also about two tools that decide survival: Excel (costs, food cost, schedules) and video in social media (reels/TikTok), which often replace the classic Google “where to eat?” search.
“Will I have something to put in the pot?” – mindset after leaving a salary
When steady pay disappears, you start thinking in cash‑flow terms: invoices that don’t get paid, ZUS, taxes, a mortgage.
Grill for PLN 500: product beats “marble”
Szymon started with a PLN 500 grill. People will eat on beer crates if the product is great.
Gastronomy is (legal) “washing money”: cash flow and 5–10% margin
Money goes in and out; what remains is often 5–10%. You win by controlling costs and leaks.
Excel and food cost: today, a good owner “sits in documents”
Food cost is not just ingredient percentage. It includes labor and operating costs.
Google reviews: the cheapest ad, but also a stress source
Encourage guests to speak up on site; reviews are digital word of mouth.
Basics:
Social media: “shoot, shoot, shoot”
It can’t be one reel a month. Platforms push video; you must follow trends and stay consistent.
Tool:
Marketing is a promise
If what you show differs from what guests get, they feel cheated.
See also Krzysztof Konieczny.
Influencers vs your own channel (and the “Książulo effect”)
A viral spike creates operational pressure: KDS screens, menu simplification, team bonuses.
AI as an owner’s helper
AI can help with invoices and menu analysis. For consistent communication and planning, check mysite.ai.
What to watch next
- KPIs and numbers: Jacek Czauderna
- Marketing that delivers: Michał Kowalski
- Data & food cost: Jakub Madej
More talks: mysite talks.
