Dec 29, 2022
Travis Grappo is a veteran in the restaurant industry, working for some of the most recognizable brands in the country, most notably Fleming's Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, and Metro Diner. But his newest venture is the definition of going ALL IN to achieve success.
Travis opened Oak House in late 2021 in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. A Tampa, Florida, native, Travis has been all over the country and acquired tremendous experience working with a "who's who" of individuals. The conglomeration of tastes and flavors can be found on the menu at Oak House.
A former track & field athlete, Travis qualified for the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials competing in the marathon. He uses his success in athletics to continue to compete at the highest levels in the restaurant industry.
In this episode, Travis and I dive into the courage it took to go out on his own to open a restaurant, his background in the restaurant industry and the famous brands he was worked for, the toll the pandemic took - and is still taking - on the restaurant industry, and taking the competitive excellence instilled in him as an athlete to succeed in this endeavor.