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 (http://truestorybrands.com/)

Connect with Justin on IG: @justinanthony10