Unreasonable Hospitality; The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

Redefining Hospitality – The Transformational Story of Eleven Madison Park

A New York Times bestseller that’s changing the way we think about hospitality—featured in FX’s The Bear and Showtime’s Billions.

At just 26, Will Guidara took over Eleven Madison Park, a struggling two-star brasserie that had yet to live up to its grand setting. Eleven years later, it was crowned the best restaurant in the world.

How did he achieve this remarkable turnaround? Through radical reinvention, deep collaboration between the kitchen and dining room, and an unwavering commitment to over-the-top hospitality. From orchestrating a surprise sledding trip for a family who had never seen snow to transforming a private dining room into a tropical beach for a couple with a canceled vacation, Guidara and his team made every experience unforgettable.

But his approach went beyond guests—it extended to his team, fostering a culture of thoughtful praise, intentional leadership, and generosity as a business strategy. Guidara’s story reveals that every business can be a hospitality business, and that the key to creating extraordinary moments lies in going above and beyond.

Filled with behind-the-scenes stories from the restaurant world—featuring icons like Daniel Boulud and Danny Meyer—this book is an inspiring call to find magic in the everyday, both in work and in life.