Episode 70: Ben Siegel

Ben Siegel, owner of Austin, TX Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden, describes his concept as the most unique restaurant-event-entertainment center in the Lone Star state. “Our business model is different than most independently owned restaurant concepts,” says Ben. "We must be able to serve our regular guests and multiple social and business events at the same time."

 

In this episode, Ben shares the story of an 11-year development plan that turned a small house in the Rainey Street district of Austin into a 500-seat dining destination. "We still engage in a very old-world approach to our product using a curing room, pickling room, and a smoking room to produce our special recipes of wood-smoked sausages, and made from scratch sides, sauces and condiments," says Ben. In fact, Banger's is known for offering the widest variety of smoked sausage and the largest selection of draft craft beer in Texas.

 

Although his menu might be old-world, Ben’s management style is modern staff-first positivity. "I am a recovering people pleaser,” says Ben. "A few years ago, I felt I had a toxic workplace and went to work to set an entirely new direction". He explains how embracing staff expectations and engaging them more deeply in daily operations led to shared values across the team. 

 

Ben explains his "No Rules" Rulebook and practice of self-evaluation to keep staff and management focused and moving in the same direction. "Looking at the larger picture and planning quarter-by-quarter helped me to see the value in new hourly wage and tip share program," says Ben, who is planning a food hall on the property that will include a new sandwich concept, a sausage house, and several beer bars.