There is an old adage that says nobody likes to be told their kid has big ears, and for many owners, opening a restaurant is like giving birth to a child. They feel a passion and love for everything from the name to the concept to the recipes and the decor. Hearing any criticism can sting.
But, unless you land on a concept and menu that hits home with customers right away, adapting, changing and listening to those criticisms can be the difference between success and failure.
Mike and Taylor Monen have learned that from all sides during their almost 13 years of operating multiple eateries together in Chattanooga and Nashville. They actually worked together at Sticky Fingers, which he co-owned, before getting married, so their restaurant experience goes back even further.
They currently own and operate Community Pie, Urban Stack, Taco Mamacita and Hi-Fi Clyde’s in Chattanooga, and they just opened a Milk & Honey in the Market South space, which they also opened in 2019. They are also completely remodeling and enlarging a second Milk & Honey in the Town & Country property on the North Shore.
The Monen Family Restaurant Group also owns Taco Mamacita, Hi-Fi Clyde’s and Milk & Honey locations in Nashville.