On this episode of Hospitality On The Rise, host Alice Cheng chat with Michael Shemtov, a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur and founder of Honest to Goodness Hospitality, which has made its mark across Charleston, Atlanta, and Nashville. Michael takes us through his inspiring journey from a teenager working his first restaurant job at 13 to founding his own restaurants by 22 — despite the hardships and sacrifices along the way. Michael shares the raw realities of restaurant ownership, from long hours and minimal pay to his unyielding dedication to providing benefits like health insurance for his employees — well before it became more of an industry standard. He also offers advice on the importance of aligning with the right partners and staying true to your passion, while shedding light on the challenges of keeping morale high and expectations grounded in this unpredictable business. Tune in for a candid conversation on the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes decisions that shape the future of hospitality.

Links

• Instagram - Michael Shemtov: https://www.instagram.com/abumosley
• Instagram - Culinary Agents⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryagents/

• Full Transcript⁠: https://hospitalitycareerpaths.com/resources/ep-11-michael-shemtov

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