How we behave in the Underground.

The Indie Operator

1. 01We are Indie Operators.
2. 02We build restaurants that work for us, not the other way around.
3. 03We question the way things have always been done.
4. 04We make things better, one fix at a time.
5. 05We take action and track results.
6. 06We share what works, what doesn't, and what we learn.
7. 07We help each other get to MORE.

The rules

• 1

  Be Respectful and Supportive

  Treat every operator the way you’d want to be treated, and tell them the truth. Disagree with an idea as much as you'd like, including the way things have always been done, but NEVER go after the person. Personal attacks, name calling and condescension have no place here.

  Do

  • Give constructive feedback with kindness
  • Acknowledge different perspectives and experiences
  • Celebrate the wins of other members

  Don't

  • Insult, bully, or demean other members
  • Dismiss someone because of their experience level
  • Engage in personal arguments publicly
• 2

  The Grind Is Never the Answer

  Sure, covering a shift because someone had an emergency or having to go in when you're supposed to be off because the refrigerator died is part of the job sometimes. But doing it every week is The Grind. When an operator brings a problem, help them fix the business, not endure it.

  Do

  • Use the correct community board for your topic
  • Search before posting to avoid duplicate threads
  • Write clear, descriptive titles for your posts

  Don't

  • Cross-post the same content across multiple boards
  • Hijack threads with unrelated topics
  • Post vague titles that do not describe your question
• 3

  Share What Works, and What Doesn’t

  The Underground runs on real results. If you solved a problem, share how. If you tried something and it flopped, share that too! It saves the next operator the same mistake, or allows someone who it did work for to help you get it working.

  Do

  • Share lessons learned from your operations
  • Provide specific, actionable advice when possible
  • Credit sources when sharing data or research

  Don't

  • Gate-keep information or give intentionally vague answers
  • Share proprietary data from employers without permission
  • Present opinions as established facts
• 4

  Keep Discussions On Topic

  Put your post where it belongs and keep each conversation about one thing, so the next operator with the same problem can find the answer.

  Do

  Don't
• 5

  Protect Privacy

  Operators share what didn’t work because they trust it stays here. What’s shared in the Underground stays in the Underground unless someone gives explicit permission.

  Do

  • Ask before sharing someone else's story or advice externally
  • Use general terms when discussing sensitive situations
  • Report any privacy concerns to the moderation team

  Don't

  • Share screenshots of private messages or conversations
  • Reveal personal details about other members
• 6

  No Spam or Self-Promotion

  This is where operators fix their businesses, not a marketing channel. Recommending a tool that solved your problem is welcome, pitching isn’t.

  Do

  • Share a tool or service if it genuinely answers someone's question
  • Disclose any affiliation when recommending products
  • Use the designated channels for vendor introductions

  Don't

  • Post unsolicited advertisements or promotions
  • Send bulk direct messages to promote products
  • Create threads solely to drive traffic to external sites
• 7

  Keep it Worthwhile

  Moderation keeps the Underground worth coming back to. Help it work, and don’t work around it.

  Do

  • Read and understand these guidelines before participating
  • Report violations using the report feature
  • Reach out to moderators if you are unsure about something

  Don't

  • Attempt to circumvent moderation actions
  • Create alternate accounts to evade suspensions
  • Retaliate against members who report violations