Mike Kelly is the proud owner of family-founded Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse in Nashville, TN, the oldest fine dining establishment in the city. In the hospitality industry, Mike has hosted guests from all corners of the world including a long list of local and global celebrities. But what is most important to him is preserving the legacy of his family. Mike’s great grandfather Jimmy, an irish immigrant seeking his own American Dream, transitioned from bootlegging into the restaurant business in the 1930’s during one of the most challenging economic decades in American history. Mike attributes the success of his family’s restaurant, now celebrating its 89th year, to hard work, perseverance, and building intentional relationships with employees and customers. He wrote his book A Generous Pour to chronicle the inspiring history of the restaurant and the family that overcame all obstacles to keep the doors of a cultural and historical institution open against all odds.
Main Topics
- Mike’s book and the history of his family (01:07)
- Jimmy Kelly immigrates to America (01:40)
- From bootlegging to fine dining (02:30)
- Success despite the Great Depression (04:05)
- Keeping employees happy (05:45)
- Personal relationships lead to sustainability (08:05)
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