Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Kronfli.
Hi Robert, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
There are three partners. Daniel Kronfli, Robert Kronfli, and Lior Hillel. The first Bacari location, Bacari W. Adams, opened in 2008, down the street from USC. Both Daniel and Robert are USC grads and LA natives. Daniel opened up the first location after a trip to Italy, inspired by the Bacari in Venice, Italy. Robert started his own underground supper club at USC in his apartment called Paladar Underground. Lior started his career at Jean Georges in NYC and joined Bacari in 2008.
All three operate the business together until today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Lots of challenges throughout the years. I explain more over the phone. Biggest challenge was Covid obviously. We were the first restaurant to convert/pivot into a neighborhood grocery store and provide much-needed supplies and essentials to the neighborhoods we served. One of our biggest continuing challenges is ensuring we are delivering the optimal experience day in and day out for our guests at every location. Keeping the essence of what makes us who we are, the Bacari culture, and how the guest experiences our brand gets more and more difficult as we open up more locations. A keen attention to detail is of paramount importance; motivating and training our team of over 600 members to possess the same passion and attention to detail that we, as partners, have had for all these years is a significant undertaking. Lookin back on our road thus far, I can’t say it’s ever been smooth, nor do I expect it to be. If it becomes too smooth, I feel like we have taken our eye off the ball; we’ve lost a passion for continuing to strive for excellence because the road to excellence is always difficult. The biggest lesson I have learned over the years? Be prepared for the plan to never go to plan. Be flexible, don’t be rigid, and make the best decisions you can in the moment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Bacari is a place to gather, a place to celebrate with your friends and family. It is a place to let loose, be yourself, and be comfortable in a warm, approachable, and inviting atmosphere. At Bacari, we always treat our guests as if they are a guest in our home. In terms of our offerings, Bacari specializes in chef-driven Mediterranean-inspired small plates paired with craft cocktails and an eclectic international wine list. We are also famous for our “open bar” deal, which offer all you can drink for 90 minutes!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Staying true to what Bacari is all about, staying true to the guest experience. Upholding our values as we continue to grow. At the end of the day, a delighted customer full of smiles paired with a delighted team member who takes pride in their position is how I define our day-to-day success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eatwithbacari.com
- Instagram: @eatwithbacari
