Fifth Group Restaurants have had a pot thrown at your head or a knife launched across the room in anger , but South City Kitchen , our first operation , had a different essence . I always recall how we had three holes mistakenly drilled into the backs of our chairs there , and once when a customer asked about them , my business partner said ‘ those three holes represent care for the community , the environment , and each other .’ We adopted that , what we referred to as the three-hole philosophy , and it became the driving force of our entire culture .
“ We were very fortunate , and experienced a strong period of growth , but we were inexperienced , and didn ’ t know how to make the transition from running a restaurant , to becoming a restaurant company . Fortunately , we were introduced to a consultant who helped us define our culture , as well as a roadmap to where and what we wanted to be . Here we are today with ten restaurants that we own and operate , another four through various partnerships , and a fullservice catering and design company that has been voted one of the best in the US .”
Stuart found his way into the industry when he was trying to save money to fund a trip to New Zealand . Little did he know that what had presented itself as a means to make a quick buck was actually going to turn into a
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