"Mr. Russo, we would be honored to invite you to our showcase and annual restaurateur union meeting. We'd be very pleased to help you start making some connections in our world," the man on the other end of the line reported.

Back in the office that Monday after my birthday party, I had already talked to three different restaurants across the country. I was excited about the change of pace and the challenge of a completely different area of business.

I looked at my ...