How to Choose Your Business Partner (Like Your Life Partner)
Lessons from Chef Hans Christian & Budi Cahyadi on building a dream team at their restaurant, August, in Jakarta.
When I was in my twenties, sitting in the courtyard of my first restaurant venture, my business partner asked me a question that would haunt me for years: "What's your exit plan?"
I remember staring blankly, thinking, "Exit plan? This is the only plan." The tequila bar we ran was bustling – 200 people during peak times in Melbourne. From the outside, it looked like we were living the dream. But a few years in, the cracks were starting to show.
Young and naive, I had jumped into the business thinking my background – growing up around food entrepreneurs and chefs – was enough preparation. I never stopped to ask the crucial questions: Were we truly aligned in our values? Did we complement each other's strengths? Did we even want the same things?
This week's episode features Chef Hans Christian and Budi Cahyadi of August restaurant in Jakarta. The restaurant is ranked #46 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Their partnership story made me reflect on my journey.
Their approach couldn't have differed more from my rushed dive into entrepreneurship. They spent an entire year getting to know each other over coffee before considering a partnership.
While I had rushed into business with someone because it seemed convenient, they methodically evaluated their compatibility, values, and vision.
"There's no u-turn," Budi told me during our conversation. He and Chef Hans had invested their savings into August, but more importantly, they had invested time in understanding each other. They knew exactly what they were getting into – and with whom.
Today's newsletter explores what it means to choose a business partner wisely. Because let's face it – a business partnership is like a marriage. You will spend countless hours together, make critical decisions, and, hopefully, grow together.
And just like marriage, it's better to ask hard questions before saying, "I do.”
Podcast (Audio & Video)
🎙️What I learned from our conversation
Attitude Over Skills
"Skills can be taught," Budi emphasized, while Hans added, "When we talk about character, I think it's how respectful a person is, not only to us but also to themselves." In my years in F&B, I've seen this play out - you can teach someone to make the perfect omelet, but you can't teach them to care. Whether hiring or looking to get hired, remember: technical skills matter, but character sets you apart.
People Never Forget How You Make Them Feel
Budi shared Maya Angelou's wisdom as he said, "People will forget what you say and what you do and what you serve, but they will always remember how you make them feel." At August, they live this philosophy. They don't just serve food - they create memories. I was struck by their attention to detail, from knowing every guest's name to reading the room's energy.
After posting about their collaboration with Hapag in Manila, a stranger messaged me about their exceptional service at August. You know you're on the right track when strangers rave about you to others without being asked. That's the power of making people feel special.
Be Real in Your Professional Connections
Here's what caught my attention: Hans respected that Budi dined at his restaurant before reaching out. "I appreciate that Budi came to my restaurant first to eat and experience instead of just trying to offer something or collaborate," Hans noted. If you want to connect with someone in the industry, show genuine interest in their work first.
Make Time for Life Outside the Kitchen
Both partners are honest about work-life balance. Hans admitted to warning his then-girlfriend (now wife) about his career ambitions during dates. Budi wakes up early to have breakfast with his kids. Their decision to close on Sundays wasn't just about rest - it was about preserving their humanity in an industry that can sometimes take it all.
Partnership Is About Trust and Boundaries
"It's better to argue because you know what you want rather than arguing about lack of work ethics," Hans pointed out. This struck me - they disagree because they care deeply about their craft, not because they're trying to one-up each other. When looking for a business partner, find someone who complements your strengths and shares your dedication.
Let me know if any of these resonate with you. Are you thinking about starting your restaurant or food business someday? How do you plan to balance your passion with your personal life? Send me a message or post a comment—I'd love to hear your thoughts.
🎧What else did we talk about:
First jobs: Mastering the breakfast rush and learning spirits from scratch
Why attitude and character trump technical skills in hiring
The power of a genuine DM and showing up in person
Managing disagreements through mutual respect
Finding restaurant funding and choosing aligned investors
Balancing family life with restaurant demands
Creating personal dishes like the Foie Gras PB&J
Building service excellence through genuine connection
All photos are from their @august_jkt.
✅Two Actions You Can Take
Write Your Dream Partner Profile (Be Honest!)
Before diving into any partnership, write down what you truly value in a business relationship. As Hans and Budi showed us, it's not just about finding someone talented - it's about finding someone who shares your vision. Do you want someone who will be there every day? Someone who values quality over revenue? Write it down. Then, like Budi, experience their work firsthand before making any moves.
Tip: Think about what Hans said about arguing - you want a partner who will fight for excellence, not fight over ego.
Create One Memorable Service Moment
Start small but significant. At August, they ensure every staff member knows the host's name and everyone at the table. What's your equivalent? Maybe it's remembering a regular's coffee order, writing personal thank-you notes, or creating a special welcome ritual. Pick just one touchpoint and make it extraordinary.
Tip: Budi shared that even something as simple as handing a business card with two hands (an Asian courtesy) can leave a lasting impression. What small gesture could become your signature?
🚨 Something New
MasterClass Goes AI
The education platform just launched "On Call," which offers instant mentorship from Gordon Ramsay through AI. While nothing beats real kitchen experience, it's interesting to see how they're trying to make expert knowledge more accessible.
Gourmey's Power Move
The cultivated meat company just got Claude Le Tohic (Robuchon's right hand), Daniel Calvert (Sézanne, Tokyo), and Rasmus Munk (Alchemist) on their culinary board—a brilliant way to build credibility in a sceptical industry. Let's see if it helps cultivate foie gras at more tables. (Read more here.)
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