Gusto 54 Restaurant Group is characterized by a clear vision, mission, and strong family values that highlight and appreciate its employees as the primary asset. As a result, Gusto 54’s organizational culture and proactive approach to service have facilitated the company’s success throughout its history. As of January 2020, the Restaurant Group’s competitive advantage was its use of technology, innovative growth, and the empowerment of employees that encouraged them to perform their roles effectively and apply leadership skills.
Zuccarini, the company’s owner and CEO, managed to develop the restaurant group and outperform the competitors in the low-margin industry. In this regard, her expertise and vision are at the core of the company’s competitive advantage. According to Birbrager and Konrad, “Gusto 54 was anchored in Zuccarini’s three passions: business, food, and travel.” The CEO made strategic decisions accordingly to the idea that hiring the right individuals was a priority for succeeding in the restaurant industry. Candidates who were a cultural fit for the company were prioritized over experts with developed skills but lacked the needed attitude.
A unique online training system is another competitive advantage of Gusto 54. It was embedded in employees’ daily work and aimed at ensuring their alignment with the brand strategy and objectives. If COVID-19 had never happened, Gusto 54 could have been able to maintain its competitive advantage as it achieved the desirable profit margins ina tough, low-margin market and consistently outperformed the competitors. The CEO’s excellent leadership skills and an effective management approach would allow the company to thrive and meet its strategic growth goals.