Lead Like This: Insights from Sbraga’s Director of Operations Ben Fileccia

When “Top Chef: Season 7 winner Kevin Sbraga launched his eponymous restaurant in October 2011, there was a lot of buzz and publicity that attracted Philadelphia’s best restaurant talent. This lead to a busy opening with a glowing review of the food, but a lackluster review on service. When Sbraga only achieved a two-bell rating from The Philadelphia Enquirer, it was an eye opener for the chef and changed the course of leadership at the restaurant.

Ben Fileccia and Sbraga had known each other casually for quite some time and the two were close enough for Fileccia to be invited the friends and family dinner prior to opening. Having just finished up a stint with Marc Vetri, he was looking for a new opportunity and didn’t know the dinner would lead to something more.

Ben FilecciaSbraga asked Fileccia to step in and evaluate the situation. When he arrived on the scene he was surprised to find that the “rock star” team Sbraga had opened with was gone. All the front of house…