Best Service Industry Books of 2026

Setting the Table is a bestselling book by Danny Meyer, an award-winning restauranteur, that explores the philosophy of Enlightened Hospitality. Meyer shares the lessons he learned while developing his dynamic philosophy and how it emphasizes strong in-house relationships as well as customer satisfaction, which are applicable to anyone who works in any business. The book is a treasure trove of valuable, innovative insights that are applicable to any business or organization. Overall, Setting the Table is a motivational work from one of our era's most gifted and insightful business leaders.

The Exam Review for Milady Standard Cosmetology is an essential resource for students preparing for their state board exams. The book features multiple-choice questions organized by chapter, with an answer key at the end to help students identify areas for improvement. As part of the Learning brand, this book is a reliable and trusted source for education resources in the service industry. Overall, this book is a must-have for students of cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, nail technology, makeup, massage therapy, salon and spa management, and business training.

The Exam Review for Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals is an excellent resource for students who are preparing for their state board exams. This supplement contains chapter-by-chapter questions in multiple-choice format, which are unique to this book. The answer key at the back of the book allows students to check their accuracy and identify weak areas. Updated to match the contents of Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals, 11e, the Exam Review is a valuable tool for students seeking to excel in their exams and careers.

How to Start a Successful Airbnb Business is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to earn a full-time income from the hospitality industry. The book provides a step-by-step approach to becoming a successful Airbnb host, covering everything from market research to creating successful listings. The author shares insider knowledge gained from years of experience as a successful Airbnb host, making it easy for beginners to skip the trial and error phase. Readers will also learn about legal requirements, business structures, and how to automate their business for passive income. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to start a profitable Airbnb business.

Milady Standard Nail Technology, 7th Edition, is an essential tool for anyone looking to enter the nail technology industry. The book covers a range of important topics, including infection control, chemistry and the salon business, with clear step-by-step instructions and new procedural photography. The inclusion of a "Why Study?" section at the beginning of each chapter makes the information presented even more relevant and the revised chapter objectives help students assess their progress. The emphasis on Communications, Life Skills and Nail Art makes this book stand out from other industry textbooks. Overall, Milady Standard Nail Technology is an excellent resource for aspiring nail technicians.

The Exam Review for Milady Standard Barbering is an essential tool for students preparing for their state board exams. With multiple-choice questions organized by chapter, students can easily identify their weak areas and check their accuracy with the answer key provided. What makes this book stand out is its comprehensive coverage of the beauty and wellness industry, serving as a premier source for education resources since 1927. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone pursuing a career in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, nail technology, makeup, massage therapy, salon & spa management, and business training.

The Art of Natural Cheesemaking by David Asher is a refreshing take on cheesemaking that emphasizes natural and intuitive techniques, ecological principles, and biological science. The book covers everything from sourcing good milk and making bacterial starter cultures to avoiding plastic equipment and chemical additives. It also provides specific recipes and handling advice for various types of cheese, fully illustrated with hand-drawn diagrams and triptych photos. What makes this book unique is its political stance against Big Dairy, promoting the use of ethical animal rennet and criticizing both standard industrial and artisanal cheesemaking practices. Overall, this is an informative and thought-provoking read for home and small-scale commercial cheesemakers alike.

Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins by Tommy Mello, the Home Service Millionaire, is a book that teaches readers how to succeed in business by learning from his experiences and those of successful business gurus. Mello provides insights on how to train and inspire employees, teach accountability, and improve performance for any size business. This book is a lively discussion of what it takes to succeed in business leadership and is a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their business skills.

If you're an expert looking to sell smarter in today's market, "Do It! Selling" is the book for you. With 77 instant-action ideas, this book teaches you how to create a sales system that matches your personality and values, resulting in more natural and effective conversations with potential clients. The author's approach prioritizes empathy, relevance, and intimacy over traditional sales tactics like cold calling and spamming. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs who want to sell more, more easily, and more often while also improving their overall sales process.

Milady Standard Esthetics Fundamentals, 11th edition, is a must-have for anyone looking to start a career in esthetics. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the history and opportunities in skin care to the practical skills of a skin care professional. The book provides a strong foundation for students to build their knowledge and skills, making it an essential resource for instructors as well. The Premier Source for Education Resources in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Makeup, Massage Therapy, Salon & Spa Management and Business Training has once again delivered a top-notch educational tool.