By the end of this article, you will know the top 10 inspirational movies for restaurateurs, servers or anyone who works in a restaurant.
Running a restaurant takes hard work and sacrifice. As a restaurateur, sometimes, you have to sacrifice time with your family or time spent on your hobbies to run a restaurant. Along the way, you may encounter numerous rough patches and you may think of quitting like an average person. However, being an entrepreneur, there are no options of giving up. You must persevere and take action as this eventually pays off in the long run.
At times, when you’re stuck, all you need is some motivation and inspiration. Movies for restaurant managers are an excellent way to learn from others in the form of stories. This could be non-fiction or fiction. Documentaries also show you stories of people who were there and accomplished their dreams even with the obstacles.
Nevertheless, movies for chefs seem to be few and far between. That is the reason why awesome restaurant movies are memorable for anyone with the title server, restaurant owner, restaurant manager, or chef.
The good news is that there are some movies that depict authenticity to the restaurant business and anyone working in this setup will appreciate them.
To help you get started, here are 10 motivational and inspirational movies for restaurateurs.
10 Restaurant Movies All Restaurant Managers and Owners Will Love
1. Chef (2014)
Chef is a perfect title and film in its own right. Nonetheless, for restaurateurs, it’s a must watch movie. A food truck entrepreneur, Chef Carl acted by John Favreau, is someone who starts his business, stands for what he believes in, and has a surprise up his sleeve with his cooking. Despite encountering multiple critics, Chef Carl stands up for himself and concentrates on what he is good at. Exuding every great quality of a restaurateur, the Chef will inspire you to push on and be the best at what you do.
2. Today’s Special (2009)
Did you land in this profession accidentally, only to discover that running a restaurant is your passion? If you’ve answered yes to this question, you’re guaranteed to relate to Today Special. The lead character Samir, who finds himself in a position in his family’s restaurant resents his job. Over time, he’s overcome with intrigue for what he is doing and ends up loving his job. This movie will resonate with you if you feel a true calling for what you do.
3. Spinning Plates (2012)
If you are not a fan of fiction, spinning plates is an excellent choice. The documentary follows restaurateurs and their various establishment. Spinning plates give you a real inspiration and insights that no other movie could give you. Moreover, you’ll be reminded that you’re never alone in your failures or successes.
4. Big Night (1996)
What happens when the future of your business depends on one night? This is what Big Night is all about. Two brothers operating an Italian restaurant are counting on the success of one night. If you have a memorable night where the customers were happy and you were satisfied with the work done, you will relate to this movie. The movie is not all business and no fun as it features comedic undertones that will make you laugh.
5. Ratatouille (2007)
When the animation creatives released the tale of a rat called Remy who overturns the Parisian culinary world on its head, the film was referred to as the best restaurant movie ever made. The movie incredibly captures the frenzy of working in a kitchen, the truth that anyone can cook, and overall, the joy of food. This movie will encourage all restaurateurs to venture into cooking and explore the culinary world.
6. No Reservations (2007)
Operating a restaurant makes it difficult to balance your personal and professional life. If you ever found yourself in such a fix, No reservations will be a great movie to watch. The central character, Kate goes through some changes which disrupt her confidence in the kitchen. Dealing with customers, family, and love at the same time can be tedious. However, this film will uplift your spirit if you are in the restaurant business.
7. Burnt (2015)
Burnt features Bradley Cooper as a try your luck chef looking for a comeback. Copper with Sienna Miller get into the kitchen, and with his passion of being a successful chef, Bradley provide inspiration to restaurateurs.
8. Dinner Rush
This movie follows the story of Louis, a part time bookmaker, who struggles to rescue his restaurant from being taken over by gangsters. Although the crime subplot may be beyond personal connection, the craziness will evoke different feelings in you. Being a thriller, you’re assured of a riveting storyline.
9. Haute Cuisine (2012)
Based on a true story, Haute Cuisine features Hortense, a celebrated chef in France who is hired by the president to be his personal cook. Unfortunately, she faces criticism from the male kitchen staff, but gets attention from the president. With time, she finds strength in her amazing cooking.
10. Le Chef (2010)
Le Chef is an insightful film that occurs when two chefs, one avant-garde and the other traditional one collide in a kitchen. This brings a conflict between the need for innovation and the value of tradition in the hospitality business. This funny film will have you glued to your screen the whole time.
These are the top ten movies that depict what it is really like to be a modern restaurant owner, chef, manager or even waitress.
These movies will inspire you to be great at your craft and you’ll also learn a thing or two of what it takes to be in the restaurant business.
