In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Clay Walker, the president of Gott’s Roadside, a burger joint celebrating 25 years serving Northern California consumers and tourists alike with a “wine country picnic experience.” Now with eight locations, Gott’s specializes in high-quality burgers, sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs alongside an impressive lineup of wines and beers, all of it in a casual, counter service setting that’s as much outside as it is in. Clay joined the podcast to talk about Gott’s methodic approach to growth and its efforts to bottle a wine country aesthetic that can help it growth beyond its Northern California roots.    

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• You shouldn’t be afraid to fail, because your biggest success might still be ahead of you
• Counter service and picnic tables are perfectly acceptable for elevated food
• If you want to be all things to all people, open where they live, work, and play
• If you want to be the best at what you do, learn to be patient
• Timing is everything with succeeding as a brand
• Restaurants are as much about emotions and memories as they are food and drink

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at [email protected].