From the dish pit to the boardroom — a proven leader helping independent restaurant owners build thriving, scalable businesses.
From Dishwasher to Industry Veteran
Monte Silva's story is one of relentless ambition and earned expertise. Starting at age 15, he worked every front and back of house role — building an unmatched foundation in hospitality from the ground up.
Started at 15
Learned every role — from dishwasher to floor manager — giving him a complete operational perspective.
25 Years of Leadership
Two and a half decades of executive experience shaping high-performing hospitality teams.
Wolfgang Puck GM
Rapid rise to General Manager within just four years of stepping into management — a testament to his drive.
The Nashville Era: Scaling High-Revenue Concepts
Director of Operations
Monte served as Director of Operations for Tomkats Hospitality, one of Nashville's most respected multi-venue groups — overseeing daily operations, culture, and financial performance across flagship properties.
Iconic Venues
He managed celebrated destinations including Acme Feed and Seed and The Southern Steak and Oyster — restaurants consistently ranked among the top 100 grossing venues in the United States. These high-volume, high-stakes environments sharpened his expertise in scalable systems and team leadership.
The Catalyst: Navigating the Pandemic Shift
When 2020 brought the hospitality industry to its knees, Monte turned disruption into purpose.
2020: Industry Shutdown
Faced unprecedented closures and a forced career inflection point alongside thousands of operators.
Monte Silva Coaching Founded
Launched a coaching practice specifically designed to help independent owners survive — and thrive — in the new economy.
A New Mission
Pivoted from corporate operations to empowering independent restaurant owners with the tools, systems, and mindset for lasting success.
Shift Happens: 7 Proven Strategies
Monte's industry-defining book Shift Happens cuts through the noise to address the false beliefs that silently sabotage restaurant growth. Drawing from decades of real-world operations, it delivers seven actionable frameworks designed to drive profitability and build businesses that scale sustainably — without burning out the people who run them.
Ten Tables Hospitality: The Management Evolution
Monte's vision expanded beyond coaching into hands-on ownership. Alongside partner Mark Bodenstein, he co-founded Ten Tables Hospitality — a full-service management and consulting firm built on the same principles he teaches.
CEO & Co-Founder
Monte leads Ten Tables Hospitality as CEO, overseeing strategy, operations, and culture across the firm's portfolio.
Comida, Sarasota FL
The firm's flagship concept, Comida, operates in Sarasota, Florida — a living proof of the systems Monte coaches every day.
Consulting & Management
Ten Tables offers independent operators access to enterprise-level management expertise, without the corporate overhead.
High-Performance Coaching Philosophy
Monte's coaching isn't about quick fixes — it's about building the infrastructure for lasting success. His approach transforms how owners think, lead, and grow.
Systems That Scale
Monte installs operational systems that allow restaurants to run efficiently — with or without the owner in the room.
Culture as a Competitive Advantage
He helps owners build teams defined by ownership mindset, accountability, and genuine pride in their work.
Work On the Business, Not In It
The ultimate goal: helping owners step out of daily operations and into strategic leadership — while protecting their personal life.
Industry Thought Leadership
Monte doesn't just coach behind the scenes — he shapes the conversation across the entire hospitality industry.
🎙️ Restaurant Success Club Podcast
Monte hosts a podcast dedicated to giving independent restaurant owners real, actionable insight from the front lines of the industry.
🎤 Bar & Restaurant Expo Speaker
A sought-after voice at major industry events, Monte brings his no-nonsense, experience-driven perspective to rooms full of operators hungry for change.
✍️ FSR Magazine Columnist
As a regular contributor to FSR Magazine, Monte shares insights on modern operations, leadership, and the evolving restaurant landscape.
Proven Results for Restaurant Owners
Monte's clients don't just feel better about their business — they see measurable, transformational results.
Locations Scaled
Guided clients to grow from 3 to 10 locations through leadership training and operational systems.
Manager Buy-In
Implemented bonus structures that cultivate an ownership mindset in managers — driving accountability and retention.
Culture First
Every engagement delivers measurable improvements in team morale, cooperation, and operational efficiency.
"Monte helped us stop surviving and start scaling. Our team is stronger, our systems are tighter, and our revenue reflects it."
— Restaurant Owner, Monte Silva Coaching Client
Partner With Monte Silva
Whether you're stuck at one location or ready to build a multi-unit empire, Monte has the roadmap, the systems, and the experience to get you there. Your transformation starts with a single conversation.
📞 Free Consultation
Book a complimentary 15-minute call to discuss your goals, challenges, and what's possible for your restaurant.
📖 Read Shift Happens
Start with the book that's already changing how operators think about growth, profit, and leadership.
🎧 Join the Podcast
Tune into the Restaurant Success Club Podcast for weekly insights you can apply immediately.
Monte Silva: Elevating Restaurant Performance and Culture