Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

I’ve read a lot of books on leadership and culture, but Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara stands out as a refreshing and inspiring take. This isn’t just a book about running a restaurant—it’s a blueprint for how to lead, serve, and create experiences that transform relationships.Guidara takes us behind the scenes of Eleven Madison Park and shares how his relentless pursuit of excellence redefined hospitality. What I loved most is how he frames the idea of going above and beyond—not as a cost, but as an investment in creating unforgettable moments. His stories are vivid, his insights are practical, and his passion is contagious.The core takeaway for me? Unreasonable hospitality is a mindset, not just a practice. It’s about seeing people—whether customers, colleagues, or friends—and meeting them where they are with creativity, care, and heart.This book isn’t just for restaurateurs or business leaders. It’s for anyone who wants to elevate their interactions and leave a lasting impact. I’ve highlighted page after page and already started applying some of these lessons to my own work and relationships.Will Guidara reminds us that greatness isn’t about doing the ordinary well; it’s about making the ordinary extraordinary. This book will make you rethink how you approach service, leadership, and even life.Highly recommend! This is one of those books I’ll come back to again and again.

Such an amazing and inspirational story of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. If you are in a career serving others - do yourself a favor and read this book in its entirety. This book has me thinking of ideas to better serve my clients. In a world where hospitality has seemed to diminish, let this book reinvigorate your need to be, unreasonably hospitable. The world needs more leaders and minds like, Will Guidara. Thank you for your words and my new found motivation for, “Unreasonable Hospitality.”

Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality is nothing short of extraordinary. Our internal company book club recently read it, and it has already sparked dozens of changes in how we approach our work. This book is a masterclass on hospitality, and its lessons go far beyond the restaurant industry. Whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or simply looking for ways to create more meaningful connections, Guidara’s insights are truly game-changing.Guidara’s storytelling is as captivating as it is inspiring, with unforgettable examples of what happens when you go above and beyond for others. From turning a canceled vacation into a beach-themed dining experience to making snowfall magical for a family, the stories in this book demonstrate how far a little creativity and intentionality can go in transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. What’s even more impactful is how these lessons apply internally—Guidara’s emphasis on recognizing and uplifting team members is a blueprint for building a positive, high-performing culture.This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, and its lessons have already elevated the way we think about customer service and leadership. Unreasonable Hospitality reminds us that every business can be a hospitality business and that the greatest magic happens when you prioritize people, both your customers and your team. I cannot recommend this book enough—it’s inspiring, practical, and will leave you eager to create extraordinary experiences in every aspect of your life and work.

It's a fun read. What I was most interested in was his thoughts on how to move from good to great. There was a fair amounts about that. I'm always interested in learning how to excel, and how to examine the status quo and find ways to improve it that are non obvious.The story of the restaurant, other than that, was only mildly interesting. Hence four stars.

Such a great book and speaks into so much more than just hospitality. It's a fun and easy read and motivates you to find little ways to connect with others. Highly recommend!

I love this book so much, you can read for hours and hours, never get bored. And you can apple hospitality in every business

"Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara is a compelling blend of memoir and stories inside the restaurant business. This book delves into the transformative power of exceptional service. As the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, Guidara shares his journey in to becoming the best restaurant in the world, emphasizing the significance of going above and beyond for both guests and staff.Guidara introduces the concept of "unreasonable hospitality," to create unforgettable experiences. He illustrates this with stories, such as purchasing a street hot dog for guests who hadn't tried one. The book shares the importance of attention to detail, being intentional, and being vulnerable in leadership. Will Guidara had a "95/5 mindset," where 95% of resources are meticulously managed, allowing the remaining 5% to be used creatively to surprise and delight guests.I found the story incredibly engaging, with excellent storytelling and practical insights.