Donald Burns

Donald Burns is a hospitality professional, restaurateur, author, and business coach with more than four decades of experience in the restaurant industry. He began his career working in kitchens and eventually opened his own restaurant, where he gained firsthand experience managing operations, staff, and financial performance. Over time, his experiences as both a chef and restaurant owner shaped his understanding of the challenges independent operators face, including long hours, profitability pressures, and workplace burnout.

After navigating personal and professional setbacks early in his ownership career, Burns shifted his focus toward developing systems and leadership strategies that help restaurant businesses operate more efficiently. He is widely known as “The Restaurant Coach” and has created training programs and coaching frameworks designed to help restaurant owners improve team performance, streamline operations, and build scalable business models. His signature “3P Framework”—focused on people, product, and process—has been used to support thousands of restaurants in improving performance and sustainability.

In addition to his coaching and consulting work, Burns is a multi-time Amazon bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host who shares insights on restaurant leadership, operational excellence, and personal development. Drawing on decades of industry experience, he focuses on helping hospitality professionals build profitable businesses while improving work-life balance and long-term career success.