I wanted to have Justin Anthony on the show today not just because he’s a hugely successful restaurateur and entertainer – he is Founder of the South African hospitality group True Story Brands and the owner of some of the top restaurants in Atlanta – but because he has been able to stay at the top of his game in an industry that isn’t very forgiving.

 

In This Conversation We Cover:

• [3:00] Growing up in South African apartheid
• [6:00] Going pro in soccer at 17
• [9:30] Pivoting from professional soccer player to restaurateur
• [11:10] Opening the first South African restaurant in the U.S.
• [16:00] Why Justin decided to wait tables before opening his first restaurant
• [22:00] The teachers that impacted Justin’s growth
• [26:00] When David met his wife &
• [28:10] Opening 3 restaurants in 6 months (and why Justin does NOT recommend it!)
• [30:45] Learning how to hire good people
• [34:35] Consistency, Standards, & Top Chef
• [36:40] Why Justin considers himself a player in the entertainment industry & not so much a restaurateur
• [44:50] Why Justin changes his restaurant’s vibe every year (and the fun of shot skis!)
• [45:45] Strategies for working with your spouse without killing each other
• [47:50] The most challenging period of Justin’s career & what he did to get back on his feet
• [50:40] Playing hard & winding down

 

Resources:

• Check out truestorybrands.com
• Connect with Justin on IG: @justinanthony10