890: Michael McHenry Founder of McHenry Group

890: Michael McHenry Founder of McHenry Group

Author: Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee May 16, 2022 Duration: 1:43:20

With excitement allow me to introduce to you today's guest, the Founder of the McHenry Group, Michael McHenry. From selling his first self-built business at the age of 19, Michael has made one thing clear – "a good business only scales or sells." Over the past decade, this 39-year-old industry disruptor has built a world-class team and honed skills in all aspects of experiential brand and concept creation, culture building and high-performance operations from start-up to multi-million-dollar enterprises. Michael's dedication to "Championing others to their Fullest Potential" is evident having created more than 2500 jobs, 7 viable brands and opening more than 65 restaurants, Michael has a gift for influencing others and creating one of a kind brands. National award-winning concepts under TMG'S crest have changed the course of the restaurant industry.

Today's feature affiliate: Bentobox. In need of a restaurant website? Click this link to find out why so many of my guests use Bentobox!

Show notes…

Calls to ACTION!!!

Favorite success quote or mantra:

  • "Championing others to their fullest potential."
  • "I understand what it takes to win, and it's hard."
  • "70% right, 110% sure."

In this episode with Michael McHenry we will discuss:

  • Starting as an entrepreneur at 10 years old
  • Branding
  • Metrics
  • Anthropology
  • Being a leader

Today's sponsor:

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Knowledge bombs

  1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
    • Never give up
  2. What is your biggest weakness?
    • I care too much
  3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
    • Can you go all in?
  4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
    • Removing the romantics of the business
  5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
    • Never lie, never steal
  6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
    • Be the best part of someone else's day
  7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
  8. What is something restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
    • Take care of their people
  9. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
  10. Name one service you've hired.
    • Brand builder
  11. If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
    • The greatest investment is one you make in others
    • Make sure your heart is bigger than your balls
    • Leave the world better than you found it

Contact info:

Instagram: @michaelmchenry

McHenry Group website: themchenrygroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

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Huge thanks to Michael McHenry for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!


Eric Cacciatore sits down with the people who actually run the show in the world of food service. Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore is built on conversations with established restaurateurs and seasoned professionals who have navigated the intense realities of the industry. Twice a week, these interviews dig past the surface, focusing on the tangible details of leadership, team management, and effective marketing that separate a thriving venue from a struggling one. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of what worked, what didn’t, and the often-overlooked decisions that shape a restaurant's path. This podcast serves as a direct line to collective experience, whether you're dreaming of your first opening or steering a multi-location group. The dialogue is practical, centered on the daily grind and long-term strategy needed to build something lasting. For anyone invested in the business of hospitality, these regular episodes compile a vital resource, turning shared insights into actionable knowledge for your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 1000

Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore
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