Summer has ended but the days are still long. We’ve been inspired by all of the new and existing restaurants in the Chelan Valley during Covid. All industries took a big hit but the service industry might be the leading example on how to pivot and thrive during these unprecedented times. In honor of independently owned restaurants around the world and in our small town, we’ve found a list of film’s that remind us how much work it is to own, operate and thrive in the service industry.  Bon Appétit!

1. Big Night (1996)

Big Night is set in 1950s New Jersey, starring Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub as two brothers running an Italian restaurant. Despite their efforts and magnificent food, their business is failing, with a rival Italian restaurant out-competing them. In a last-ditch effort to save the restaurant, the brothers plan to put on one big night, spending their entire savings on food and inviting people to join them for a magnificent feast.

 2. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

Helen Mirren scored a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Madame Mallory in The Hundred-Foot Journey, playing a restaurant owner in France challenged by the threat of a new business in the neighborhood.

When an Indian family opens up a new restaurant, Maison Mumbai, across the street from Mallory’s establishment, a feud between the two restaurants begins. The movie tackles the stress felt by both new and seasoned owners, underscoring that healthy competition isn’t always healthy.

3. Chef (2014)

Written and directed by and starring Jon Favreau, Chef is a perfect little film in its own right, but it’s become a special gem to restaurateurs. Chef and food truck entrepreneur, Carl Casper, is a character who starts his own business, stands up for himself, surprises and satisfies customers with his cooking, does what he’s good at, and ignores the words of spiteful critics.

He embodies many of the qualities of a great restaurateur, mainly because he’s in this business for all the right reasons.

4. Ratatouille (2007)

Yes, the plot of Ratatouille follows a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef. And yes, it’s an animated film. But it’s still, without a doubt, one of the best movies ever made about the authenticity and passion of working in a restaurant. It also perfectly captures the stress of making your work in the kitchen stand out.

5. Dinner Rush (2000)

Anyone who’s worked in a restaurant knows that anything that can go wrong will go wrong at one point or another – especially during the dinner shift of a popular New York City restaurant. And that’s exactly what Dinner Rush tackles.

The film spends one night at a NYC restaurant, with its owner dealing with converging pressures from his son and his gambling sous-chef, on top of run ins with organized crime.

For the entire list of these mouthwatering films, visit: The Joys and Realities of Restaurant life 

Big thank you to all of the hardworking restaurant owners and staff – without you, life would not be so tasty!

See you at the Ruby! (Soon)