WHAT CHEFS CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT STARTING YOUR DAY RIGHT

October 7, 2014

BORROW THIS MORNING RITUAL FROM SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST CHEFS TO PREVENT YOUR DAYS FROM DEVOLVING INTO REACTIVE CHAOS.

Anthony Bourdain sitting at a table, wearing a black t-shirt, with a beer bottle on the left and a white curtain backdrop.

Any home cook can tell you that cooking well boils down to planning and prep, but world class chefs take this obsession with thinking ahead to a whole new level.

“Mise en place is the religion of all good line cooks,” Anthony Bourdain writes in his book Kitchen Confidential. “As a cook, your station, and its condition, its state of readiness, is an extension of your nervous system. The universe is in order when your station is set up the way you like it: you know where to find everything with your eyes closed, everything you need during the course of the shift is at the ready at arm’s reach, your defenses are deployed.”

That’s helpful advice if you want to wow your dinner guests with a great meal, but it’s also useful for non-culinary entrepreneurs. “Most of us do not work in kitchens. We do not interact with ingredients that need to be collected, prepped, or measured. And yet the value of applying a similar approach and deliberately taking time out to plan before we begin is arguably greater,” consultant and author Ron Friedman recently argued on the HBR blogs.

What does employing the “meez” as it’s known among chefs look like in practice for business people, and what benefits can you expect from following Bourdain’s lead? I reached out to a few entrepreneur devotees of the practice to learn about what mise en place does for them.

REACTIVE NO LONGER

The heart of the mise en place idea is preparedness. “Planning is universal. Show me a successful CEO and I’ll show you someone who has a plan. For chefs, it comes down to each component of prep and service. For a business professional, it’s looking critically at your day and understanding where your priorities lie,” explained Anthony Russo, chef and CEO of Russo’s Restaurants, who uses mise en place both in and out of the kitchen.

Among the bigger benefits of this sort of planning cited is the way readying your work thoughtfully at the start of each day keeps you from becoming reactive. With inbox notifications pinging, calls coming in, and the usual flurry of unexpected emergencies raining down, often times we end up feeling our days get swallowed up by events outside our control.

Not with mise en place. “In today’s business world, it is easy to become reactive,” says Jeff Connally, CEO of CMIT Solutions.”The more we pause, the slower we move in the direction of meeting our strategic goals. My ‘meez’ helps me schedule time to respond to email, phone calls and texts. It allows my to take control of my day and play an active role in achieving my goals.”

“As a business owner, I am constantly being pulled in a hundred different directions, but careful planning makes it doable for me to keep my eye on my stores as well as at the home office and in corporate affairs,” concurs Russo.

THE POWER OF BEING PRESENT

Scrambling to deal with unplanned eventualities doesn’t just sap your sense of control, it also divides your attention (and, if it’s really out of hand, can even bring on panic). Having everything you need within reach helps keep you calm and focused, according to Bill Redfern, CEO and founder of A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections.

“I’m much more present with my team. If you look at your day as one big project, it can get overwhelming. But once you break up each component into smaller items, it’s easier to prioritize,” he explained to Inc.com. That clear-headedness is good for Redfern and his work, but he insists it also helps him be a better leader and bring out the best in his people. “The role of the CEO is to utilize the talent around you–that’s a critical part of mise en place,” he says.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

If you’re convinced the idea might help you have less frantic workdays, these mise en place enthusiasts have plenty of advice for newbies. “Start by making a list of everything you have to accomplish. Break down projects into individual tasks, and highlight the items that need to be completed first. Once you get a sense of what you have to do, you’re able to spend your time smarter,” offers Russo as an overview.

A comprehensive and carefully thought-out list at the start of the day is essential for Redfern as well: “Just as a chef has a list of ingredients for a dish, a business professional has a list of ‘ingredients’ that drive him or her as well. Whether I’m strategizing a new product launch, opening a new territory or meeting with members of my team, I’ve found that it’s essential to make sure all the parts (ingredients) are in motion before we hit the trigger.”

Connally makes it three by also endorsing lists. “I conduct a brief planning session before I begin my day. The session begins with developing a to-do list,” he says, explaining that he breaks this down into high priority tasks and long-term goals so that he can check that the activities he’s spending his time on really move him towards his top priorities. He recommends the books of Gino Wickman to those looking to emulate his system.

A COUPLE OF CAUTIONS

While this process of prep work sounds straightforward, the entrepreneurs I spoke to offered a couple of cautions. First, planning is great, but no amount of list making can entirely eliminate the unexpected. “It’s also important to leave yourself some time for flexibility. Things always come up that demand your attention, so save room for them and it won’t throw off your whole plan,” insists Refern.

Secondly, “though the methodology is simple, disciplining oneself requires patience, practice and dedication. It requires thinking about the end result at the very beginning,” warns Connally.

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Pizza on a wooden table in a brick-walled restaurant, with a large pepperoni pizza in the foreground and pizzas behind.

Why Russo’s Is a Healthier Pizza Chain and Italian Restaurant Choice

May 28, 2026
Today’s guests are paying closer attention to what they eat. They still want pizza, pasta, and classic Italian food, but they also want better ingredients, fresh preparation, lighter choices, and meals that do not feel overly processed. That is why Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is becoming a stronger choice for guests searching for a healthier pizza chain, healthy pizza options, and fresh Italian food made with real ingredients. We operate in the United States and internationally, but the kitchen philosophy has stayed simple. Fresh dough, scratch made sauces, premium ingredients, family recipes, and made to order Italian food come first. Founded by Chef Anthony Russo, the brand was built on authentic New York style pizza and Italian cooking inspired by recipes passed through generations. Instead of relying on frozen shortcuts, Russo’s focuses on fresh daily prep, clean ingredient choices, and real flavor. A Healthier Pizza Chain Starts With Better Ingredients A healthier pizza does not mean removing everything people love about pizza. It starts with how the food is made. At Russo’s, the pizza starts with house made dough prepared fresh daily using premium all natural flour. The sauce is made in house. Fresh mozzarella, fresh garlic, herbs, vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil are used throughout the kitchen. That matters because many guests today are reading labels and asking better questions. They want to know what is in their food, how it is prepared, and whether the restaurant uses fresh ingredients or heavily processed shortcuts. Russo’s gives guests a better way to enjoy New York style pizza without losing the taste, comfort, or quality they expect. Fresh Pizza, Pasta, and Italian Food Made Daily Russo’s menu is built around fresh preparation. The kitchen uses scratch made marinara sauce, slow simmered meat sauce, house made dressings, fresh salads, premium beef, all natural chicken, seafood, and brick oven pizza made fresh to order. The menu also includes pasta dishes, chicken entrées, seafood pasta, salads, calzones, and Italian classics prepared with traditional cooking methods. This gives guests more than one way to enjoy a meal. They can choose a fresh pizza, a salad with protein, grilled salmon, chicken, seafood, pasta, or a lighter Italian entrée based on what fits their appetite. Healthier Pizza Options Without Losing Flavor For guests looking for healthy pizza options, Russo’s focuses on freshness, quality, and customization. Guests can enjoy hand stretched New York style pizza with fresh toppings, premium mozzarella, scratch made sauce, and brick oven baking. They can also choose gluten free options, lighter toppings, fresh vegetables, salads, or protein focused menu items when available by location. The goal is not to turn pizza into diet food. The goal is to serve pizza made with better ingredients and fewer shortcuts. That is what makes Russo’s different from many large chain pizza restaurants. Better Choices for GLP 1 and Wellness Focused Guests More guests are now thinking about portion control, protein intake, fresh vegetables, and balanced meals. This has become even more common as GLP 1 lifestyle habits and wellness focused dining continue to grow. Russo’s menu naturally gives guests more flexibility. A guest may want a smaller portion, a salad, grilled chicken, seafood, fresh vegetables, or a protein balanced Italian meal. Another guest may want authentic brick oven pizza made with fresh dough and real ingredients. Both guests can find something that works for them. That is why Russo’s can be positioned as a healthier pizza and Italian restaurant choice for modern diners who still want comfort food made better. Authentic Italian Food With Family Recipes Russo’s is not only a pizza restaurant. It is an Italian restaurant built around Chef Anthony Russo’s family recipes, fresh ingredients, and scratch cooking. The menu includes New York style pizza, fresh pasta, seafood dishes, chicken entrées, salads, calzones, and Italian comfort food made with care. Many of these recipes come from Italian family traditions. That gives the food a more personal story and helps guests understand why Russo’s focuses on fresh preparation instead of mass produced shortcuts. A Healthier Pizza and Italian Restaurant Choice Across the USA and Beyond Russo’s serves guests across the United States and internationally. Even with national and global operations, the brand continues to focus on fresh dough, made to order pizza, scratch made sauces, and authentic Italian recipes. For guests searching for the healthiest pizza choice, a healthy pizza chain, fresh Italian food, or a family friendly Italian restaurant, Russo’s offers a menu built around better ingredients and more flexible choices. Guests can dine in, order takeout, schedule pizza delivery, plan catering, enjoy lunch specials, or visit their nearest Russo’s location for fresh New York style pizza and Italian food. Fresh Choices Guests Can Order at Russo’s Russo’s menu gives guests several fresh and balanced options, including brick oven New York style pizza, fresh salads, grilled chicken dishes, seafood entrées, salmon, chicken Saltimbocca, burrata salads, pasta dishes, calzones, and classic Italian entrées. Guests can also customize many menu items based on appetite, preference, and lifestyle. This helps make Russo’s a strong choice for families, office lunches, group meals, takeout nights, and guests who want Italian food made with fresh ingredients. Find your nearest Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen location and enjoy fresh New York style pizza, scratch made pasta, salads, seafood, and authentic Italian entrées made with better ingredients. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Russo’s considered a healthier pizza chain? Russo’s focuses on fresh ingredients, house made pizza dough, scratch made sauces, premium olive oil, fresh vegetables, and made to order Italian food instead of relying heavily on frozen or overly processed ingredients. Does Russo’s serve healthy pizza options? Yes. Guests can choose fresh vegetable toppings, lighter pizza options, salads, grilled chicken dishes, seafood entrées, gluten free options at select locations, and customizable menu items based on their preferences. What type of pizza does Russo’s serve? Russo’s is known for authentic New York style pizza baked in a brick oven using hand stretched dough, premium mozzarella, scratch made sauce, and fresh toppings. Is Russo’s only a pizza restaurant? No. Russo’s is also an Italian restaurant serving fresh pasta, seafood dishes, salads, calzones, chicken entrées, catering options, lunch specials, and family style Italian meals. Does Russo’s operate outside the United States? Yes. Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen operates across the United States and internationally while continuing to focus on fresh ingredients, scratch cooking, and authentic Italian family recipes.

Russo’s Quietly Opens Anthony’s New York Italian, an Elevated Houston Dining Experience

May 25, 2026
Russo’s NY Pizzeria has long been known in Houston for New York-style pizza, casual Italian favorites, and a welcoming dining experience. According to a CultureMap Houston article, the Russo name is now connected to a new restaurant concept called Anthony’s New York Italian, which quietly opened with a more refined approach to Italian dining. While Russo’s NY Pizzeria remains a go-to spot for pizza, pasta, calzones, and family meals, Anthony’s introduces a more elevated side of the brand. Anthony’s New York Italian appears to offer a more elegant and personal restaurant experience compared to the fast casual style Russo’s is best known for. Instead of focusing primarily on quick, casual New York-style pies, the new restaurant creates a setting better suited for date nights, special occasions, and guests looking for a more polished Italian dining atmosphere. The concept gives the Russo brand a chance to showcase a more upscale interpretation of New York Italian food while still staying connected to the recipes and hospitality that made Russo’s recognizable. For fans of Russo’s NY Pizzeria, the quiet opening of Anthony’s New York Italian is an exciting step forward. It shows how the brand continues to grow beyond its well-known pizzeria roots while still honoring classic Italian flavors. With a more elevated and elegant dining experience, Anthony’s New York Italian adds another layer to the Russo story and gives Houston diners a new way to enjoy the flavors of New York Italian cuisine.  Source: CultureMap Houston https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/popular-stories-betelgeuse-betelgeuse-arrest/

Russo’s NY Pizzeria Calzones Earn Attention for Big Flavor and Classic Italian Comfort

May 25, 2026
Russo’s NY Pizzeria is getting attention for one of its most satisfying Italian favorites: the calzone. A recent Chowhound article highlighting impressive chain restaurant calzones points to the continued popularity of this classic folded pizza-style dish, and Russo’s NY Pizzeria is a natural fit for the conversation. Known for New York-style pizza, fresh ingredients, and hearty Italian menu options, Russo’s offers calzones that deliver the kind of comfort food experience guests expect from an authentic neighborhood pizzeria. A great calzone starts with the right balance of dough, cheese, fillings, and flavor. At Russo’s NY Pizzeria, calzones are made with the same Italian-inspired approach that has helped the brand become recognized for its pizza and pasta. Each calzone gives guests a warm, baked, handheld meal filled with rich cheese and savory ingredients, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, takeout, or a casual family meal. For customers who love pizza but want something a little different, a calzone offers the perfect mix of crispy crust, melted cheese, and classic Italian flavor. As more diners search for flavorful alternatives to traditional pizza, Russo’s NY Pizzeria calzones continue to stand out as a filling and memorable menu option. Whether ordered on their own or paired with other Italian favorites, they reflect what Russo’s does best: serving approachable, satisfying New York-style Italian food with quality and consistency. For anyone craving a hearty calzone from a trusted pizzeria, Russo’s NY Pizzeria remains a delicious place to start. Source: Chowhound https://www.chowhound.com/2173521/impressive-chain-calzones/
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