Page 90 - Cityview_Jan_Feb_2014

2014 ENTREPRENEURS

GO EAT

Knoxville is a hub for good food networks.

It’s where Randy Burleson of Aubrey’s Res-
taurant Group and Mike Connor of Connor

Concepts got their starts, and, many restaurants
later, they still call it home.

Randy Burleson

President, Aubrey’s

Restaurant Group

Community is at the heart of Randy Burleson’s
business. Since 1992, the Knoxville native has

fostered community ties through the growing,
eclectic mix of menus and venues that make up

Aubrey’s Restaurant Group: Aubrey’s, Sunspot,

Stefano’s Pizza, Barley’s Tap Room, and Bistro
by the Tracks and its sister wine dive, Drink. But

don’t call Aubrey’s a “chain.” “It is true that we
now have nine locations,” says Burleson. “But
“The majority of our

if we are doing our job right, it will not mat-
ter which Aubrey’s one walks into, because the business success is

quality of the food and the service are going to be
directly attributable
great. But since most of the people who work in
our restaurants live in the same neighborhood as to our loyal guests

their guests, the experience must feel comfortable
and more natural—like eating with your family or at home. Our

friends during the best of times. That to me is why
expansion, which
creating a neighborhood restaurant is important—
because who wants to eat with strangers?”
“When I think
concentrates

about our
Mike Connor mostly on markets

President, Connor Concepts
a drivable distance business, I

think about how
Connor Concepts doesn’t do shortcuts.
from home, has been

That’s how Mike Connor crafted the distinctive important our
warmth and fare of The Chop House and Con- achieved in part

nors Steak and Seafood, here in Tennessee and heritage is and
from our reputation
in five other states. “Consistency is the objec-
tive,” he says. “Fulfilling our objective depends touted by those where we come

on product and service quality in a clean and from in addition
comfortable environment achieved by our loyal guests.”

managers and team members every day.” Connor to the innovation

counts it his biggest success at Connor Concepts
to provide “jobs and career opportunities for that is the key

1,200 people now and thousands over the years.”
to success of any

restaurant.”

88 january february 2014