Episode Details

In this episode with Michael Lennox, we discuss:

• How Lennox became a successful restaurant owner with ZERO restaurant experience.
• How the opening of the Atlanta Belt Line has been creating new opportunity for local restauranteurs.
• How Lennox is using skills he picked up from his law and real estate experience as a restaurateur.
• Key things to consider when negotiating a lease.
• How to get an SBA loan with no prior industry experience.
• Surrounding yourself with a team of people who are strong where you're weak.
• Centralizing the communication between the FOH and BOH through the GM.
• Keeping your cool under pressure so your negative energy doesn't affect your team.
• Surrounding yourself with managers who have strong networks.
• Giving your managers opportunity to grow.
• Freeing yourself from the day to day with delegation so you can redirect your focus to working on the business.
• "Shaking the ghost" out of pre-existing restaurant spaces before moving a new restaurant in.

Michael Lennox is a 33 year old Atlanta native. Upon returning to his hometown and prior to his career as a restaurateur, Lennox practiced law. Lennox took his first swing at the restaurant industry in 2014 with Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall. Following Ladybird's success, Lennox opened sister restaurants Muchacho and Golden Eagle in the fall of 2017 to much acclaim.

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1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Trusting your team. Early and often. Ask questions later.
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Being his own biggest critic.
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • Ask, "What do you like to cook during your free time?"
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Building up the management company.
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Even if you Don't know that right solution or answer, just try as hard as you can.
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Put yourself in the guest shoes.
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
   • A Lapsed Anarchist's Approach to:
     • Being a Better Leader.
     • Building a Great Business.
     • Managing Ourselves.
     • to the Power of Beliefs in Business.
8. Share an online resource or tool.
   • Taskworld