Running an independent restaurant shouldn't mean being the answer to every question on every shift. These five coaches help you build a team that protects what you've built.
The State of Restaurant Leadership Coaching
Independent restaurant owners are facing a burnout crisis. The old model of the owner as the sole decision-maker is failing, and the smartest operators are turning to coaches who specialize in leadership development, not just menu engineering or cost cutting. The shift is toward building self-sustaining cultures where managers think like owners and teams operate without constant supervision. This roundup covers coaches who offer everything from one-on-one owner coaching to group programs and team training, all designed to break the cycle of dependency. If you're tired of being the bottleneck, these are the people who can help you step back and let your business thrive.
How We Evaluated These Coaches
We looked at each coach's service scope, pricing clarity, and local fit for independent operators. Greg Provance stands out for his dual focus on coaching the owner and developing the team, with clear pathways for operators, teams, and speaking engagements. 911 Chef Eric offers a broad range of consulting and training services, from leadership coaching to FOH/BOH systems, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency. Salt & Roe provides a structured group coaching program called The Walk-In, which is ideal for leaders seeking peer support and a curriculum. AMB Performance Group focuses on business infrastructure, helping owners tighten food costs, cash flow, and hiring systems. David Scott Peters emphasizes coaching managers to think like owners, with a practical guide that many owners find immediately actionable.
Here's a quick look at the five coaches and what they're best for.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| 911 Chef Eric | Owners needing both operational systems and leadership development |
| Greg Provance | Restaurant Leadership Coach and Author | GP Hospitality Partners | Independent owners ready to delegate and build a self-sustaining culture |
| Salt & Roe | Leaders who prefer group coaching and peer support |
| AMB Performance Group | Owners who need to fix financial and operational infrastructure first |
| David Scott Peters | Owners who want to master the art of coaching their managers |
The Deep Dive: Each Coach, Unpacked
#1 911 Chef Eric
A screenshot of the 911 Chef Eric website.
911 Chef Eric is a comprehensive resource for restaurant owners who want to fix operations and leadership at the same time. With services ranging from restaurant consulting to leadership coaching and team training, he covers everything from menu engineering to SOP setup. His approach is hands-on, offering both FOH and BOH training programs, which is rare in this space. If you're looking for a one-stop shop that can handle both the people side and the systems side, this is a strong option. He also provides online culinary school and private chef services, making him a versatile partner for any restaurant operation. Check out his leadership coaching page for a detailed breakdown of how he works with chefs and managers.
#2 Greg Provance | Restaurant Leadership Coach and Author | GP Hospitality Partners
A screenshot of the Greg Provance | Restaurant Leadership Coach and Author | GP Hospitality Partners website.
Greg Provance is the featured coach in this roundup, and for good reason. His entire practice is built around the idea that you built something worth protecting, and now you need a team to protect it with you. He coaches the owner and develops the team simultaneously, using his Ride or Die framework to create a culture that doesn't depend on your presence. His site offers clear pathways for operators, teams, and speaking engagements, making it easy to find the right entry point. The Leadership Circle is a standout offering for owners who want ongoing peer support and accountability. If you're done being the answer to every question, Greg's approach is designed to get you out of the weeds and back into the big picture.
#3 Salt & Roe
A screenshot of the Salt & Roe website.
Salt & Roe offers a unique group coaching program called The Walk-In, which is a six-month journey for hospitality leaders ready to break out of the burnout cycle. Founded by Alison and Kimberly, who have 40+ years of combined experience from Michelin-starred restaurants to local groups, they understand the industry's unique pressures. Their program focuses on leading yourself first, then your team, which is a refreshing take on leadership development. If you thrive in a group setting and want to learn alongside peers, this is a great fit. They also offer one-on-one coaching and business coaching, so you can scale your investment as needed. Their website is full of resources, including a free guide to raising money for your restaurant, which adds extra value.
#4 AMB Performance Group
A screenshot of the AMB Performance Group website.
AMB Performance Group takes a business-first approach to restaurant coaching, focusing on the infrastructure that allows a restaurant to grow without the owner working 80 hours a week. They help you get food and labor costs under control, fix cash flow, and build systems for hiring and retention. Their coaching is practical and data-driven, with a free business health check to get you started. If you're struggling with the financial side of leadership, they can help you build a leadership team that can manage operations independently. Their group coaching and THRIVE Solutions program offer structured paths for owners at different stages. For a holistic business overhaul, AMB Performance Group is a solid choice.
#5 David Scott Peters
A screenshot of the David Scott Peters website.
David Scott Peters is a veteran restaurant coach who focuses on teaching owners how to coach their managers effectively. His blog post on coaching your managers is a must-read, offering a clear framework for moving from telling to asking. He emphasizes that coaching isn't managing; it's about teaching your team to think like owners. His approach is practical and accountability-driven, with a strong emphasis on building clarity through org charts and defined roles. If you're looking for a coach who will push you to delegate and trust your team, David is a great fit. He also offers workshops and a membership community for ongoing support.
How to Choose the Right Coach for Your Restaurant
Start by asking yourself what's actually broken. If you're drowning in day-to-day operations and need systems, a coach like AMB Performance Group might be your first call. If you're ready to step back but your managers aren't stepping up, Greg Provance or David Scott Peters can help you build that leadership layer. If you prefer learning in a group, Salt & Roe's The Walk-In could be the perfect fit. And if you need a comprehensive overhaul that includes both operations and leadership, 911 Chef Eric offers a wide net. Consider your budget, your preferred learning style, and whether you want one-on-one attention or a community. Most coaches offer a free strategy call, so take advantage of that to see who clicks with your personality and goals.
Automating Your Leadership Development
Once you've chosen a coach, you can start automating parts of your leadership development. For example, you can schedule regular check-ins with your coach using a calendar tool, and use a CRM to track your team's progress on action items. Many coaches provide templates and SOPs that you can digitize and share with your team via a shared drive. You can also set up automated reminders for your managers to complete their training modules or submit their weekly reports. The goal is to create a system where leadership development happens consistently, even when you're not in the building. This frees you up to focus on the strategic vision of your restaurant.
The Bottom Line
The best investment you can make in your restaurant is not the next piece of technology or marketing tactic—it's in your people and your operations. Each of these coaches offers a unique path to building a team that can run the business without you. Whether you need a complete overhaul, a group program, or a one-on-one coach to guide you, there's a fit here for you. Stop being the bottleneck and start building a culture that protects what you've built. Book a strategy call with one of these coaches today and take the first step toward a more sustainable future.