Why do some restaurants become local institutions while others disappear within a few years?
For Michael King, founder of Monell’s in Nashville, the answer isn’t found in a business textbook. It’s built through resilience, tough decisions, and an unwavering commitment to people. In this conversation with host Ashley McNamara, Michael reflects on the journey of opening his restaurant in 1995 with no savings, five credit cards, and a determination to work for himself, then growing it into a beloved institution that has stood the test of time.
Drawing from three decades of experience, Michael shares the challenges that shaped both his business and his leadership philosophy. From navigating bankruptcy and making the difficult decision not to reopen during COVID to exhausting his retirement savings to keep employees paid, he offers an honest look at what persistence and long-term thinking truly require. Along the way, he reveals the pivotal moments that helped him understand the deeper purpose behind his restaurant and the community it serves.
The conversation goes beyond restaurant operations and explores what it means to build something that lasts. Michael discusses the lessons he’s learned from watching neighboring businesses come and go, the mindset that continues to guide his decisions, and why he’d rather be overprepared than caught off guard. His practical wisdom and candid storytelling make this episode especially valuable for restaurant operators, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in sustainable business growth.
Whether you’re leading a restaurant, building a business, or simply looking for inspiration from someone who’s weathered decades of change, this discussion offers a powerful reminder that success is often built one difficult decision at a time.
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