Restaurant Owners Uncorked - By Schedulefly

Wil talks with Anthony Hamilton of Icon Group Hospitality about building people-first restaurant businesses that last. They riff on digital minimalism (Wil’s flip phone!), presence with family, and the hard edges of hospitality—burnout, 24/7 crises, substance abuse—then pivot to how thoughtful leadership, balance, and systems can make the work sustainable. Anthony traces his path from CIA-trained chef to operator/educator to acquiring legacy independent brands and venues, explaining creative deal structures, venue-first catering strategy, and a culture that prizes productivity over performative “grind.” The throughline: lead with hospitality, invest in people, use simple tech well, and protect the soul of beloved neighborhood institutions.Key takeaways Presence beats obsession: Ditching always-on smartphones can reduce noise and make you a better leader, parent, and human. Hospitality is holistic: Mental health, family time, and modeling balance are part of the job, not perks. People > spreadsheets: “