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Viktor Luggerco-founder of a restaurant group Big Mom and technology platform Sundayis no stranger to creating unforgettable experiences that go beyond just eating. For Lugger, restaurants needs to be spaces filled with joy and emotion, encouraging guests to savor every moment.
During creation Big MomLugger’s goal was to evoke the vibrant energy of an Italian street, capturing the warmth, energy and spontaneity of Italy.
As he put it, Big Mamma was born as “an antidepressant for the Sunday blues.” The atmosphere, the staff and even the other customers mix to create an energetic place, paying homage to the joy yow will discover walking the streets of Venice or Rome.
This commitment to the joy of dining, nevertheless, goes beyond an atmosphere that embraces the culture and resilience of Lugger’s staff. At an early pop-up in the south of France, his team turned a potential disaster – a sudden, torrential downpour – into an unforgettable night, dancing through the chaos, entertaining guests, and turning a problem into a celebration.
Lugger says it was a profound lesson in leadership.
“I was very honored to see how much better my team was than me,” he recalls, emphasizing that as a leader, learning from the team’s energy and confidence became most significant.
A “joy in chaos” mentality has shaped his approach, prioritizing empowering his employees and fostering a culture that celebrates risk-taking and learning from failure.
In 2021, Lugger co-founded Sundaya technology company that goals to alter the way payments are made in restaurants. While Big Mamma focuses on slowing guests down so they will enjoy their meals, Sunday optimizes the payment process, ensuring that hospitality extends to the final interaction. Integrates with several popular restaurant technologies, including: Toast.
On Sunday, Lugger emphasizes that “there’s a lot more to do during payment” than simply collecting the bill.
By streamlining the checkout process, Sunday not only saves guests time, but also increases tip rates and collects essential feedback that helps restaurants improve and retain staff. By improving every little detail, restaurants can create a more hospitable experience.
Lugger’s unique approach to social media
Despite Big Mamma’s success on social media, Lugger focuses solely on guest experience relatively than digital marketing.
His “social media investment” is the details—from custom plates to marble tables—that awe diners as they sit right down to eat and encourage them to share their experiences with the world.
“I make great restaurants to make people completely happy. It so happens that in 2024, when people are completely happy, they talk about it on social media,” Lugger says Shawn Walchef With California BBQ Media.
Lugger continues to create environments that delight customers and set high standards of hospitality, a testament to his passion for creating memorable, meaningful dining experiences.
“The fact that Big Mamma is this kind of machine that we all feed into, and that machine grows and feeds us and grows our lives, that’s why we keep pushing it,” he says.
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