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in Tampa but couldn't find the right location. I ultimately decided theAVENUE should be in St. Pete because of the location. I had family in St. Pete, and honestly it was all about opportunity. I scouted St. Pete and I felt like it had the energy I was looking for—very welcoming and chill with a lot of good culture and a young hospitality scene that likes to help each other. I really felt like we were the right fit for downtown St. Pete. What is your favorite thing about your job? I love that we are a family. We've created a family in a place that people consider home. That's really what I've always wanted it to be. We have a really cool staff that care about each other. We have that at all of our establishments. It's exciting to see. What do you love about St. Pete? I really love that it has a local vibe and is very foodie driven. I don't plan on leaving St. Pete. That's why I have done more than one place here. I decided after a year at theAVENUE. I was so excited that it made it a year. I didn't even think about more concepts, I just thought, "this is home; I'm staying and am going to continue to grow my business.” We've really built a family here. What inspires you as a restaurant owner? I love creating. I can leave the restaurant after 14-15 hours and go home and be up for another 4 working on stuff that's going to improve each place. Whether it's looking at certain things by giving them another workstation or putting in a new special or an event. There are so many things that go into making the culture exciting for staff and guests. I just love it! Has a specific person influenced you? My dad is definitely a huge influence. I value our everyday conversations about business and how to work well with people. I'm constantly bouncing ideas off of him and asking for his advice. He's in broadcasting, advertising and television—a different business, but I learned a lot from him about managing KINGS people and business in general. He's very successful in business and someone I'm very thankful to have. How would you describe your concepts? We want to be original and give the market diversity not only from our four concepts but also from the other businesses in the area. Our concepts provide a unique atmosphere, great service and a place you can call home. What is the most difficult part of being a restaurant owner and what is the most rewarding? The most difficult for me now with four different places is being pulled in four different directions and each place needing me. Although it’s difficult, it's also very exciting. So essentially what is the most difficult is also the most rewarding. Of your 4 concepts, do you have a favorite? It's probably like having children—you can't really say you have a favorite. But theAVENUE will always have a special place in my heart because it's created everything else. When considering everything that goes into developing each place, it's hard to choose. They all mean so much to me. Do you have a favorite menu item at each restaurant? Oh yeah! I have a few things at each place. theAVENUE: Rasta Masta, close second is the Huckleberry. I also love our wings; my dad taught me right on how to do wings. My mom would probably want me to say the Diane salad at theAVENUE. Kings: Our grilled cheeses are awesome. I love our peanut butter crunch shake. Give me a grilled cheese and a shake and I'm happy. KINGS 20 localsDISH MAY/JUNE 2017


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