I spent 28 years climbing the ranks at The Cheesecake Factory, from line cook to senior VP, by asking my bosses these 3 questions

• Curiosity and adaptability were key to Jay Hinson’s rise in restaurant kitchen operations.
• Jay Hinson emphasizes the impact of asking questions and seeking feedback for career advancement.

Today, one of my favorite parts of the job is developing younger employees. I love hearing a line cook say they want to become a manager and then seeing them accomplish it a few years later.

I’ve said this about every role I’ve had at The Cheesecake Factory: it was my favorite job at the time. I think that happened because I was promoted at the right pace and developed by the right people.

For anyone starting in restaurants today, my advice is to ask questions early, understand the expectations of the role, and look for a company that promotes from within.

Then pay attention to the people doing the job you want next.