Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradley Parker.
Brad, the founder, owner and designer of Parker Hospitality Group, has been an entrepreneur most of his career. After his career in real estate, Brad turned his focus to the hospitality business with the opening of American Junkie, a large scale bar/restaurant that was located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. The 17,500 sq. ft. venue was one of the first of its kind in the city and opened to much acclaim. In early 2015, Parker sold American Junkie and decided to begin the Parker Restaurant Group.
The Hampton Social was followed quickly with the Basement, which focuses on live music combined with a comfortable, sexy, old-school feel. Then, just recently, the group opened Mahalo, a Hawaiian Fusion concept in Wicker Park.
Parker’s will be opening The Hampton Social Nationwide starting with locations in Naples, FL and Nashville, Tennessee. Local locations will be opening around Chicago in Skokie, South Barrington, and downtown in the Streeterville neighborhood.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not. All entrepreneurs struggle at one point or another. I have had my fair share of ups and downs, including failures in business. But most of the hardships stem from my young age. It’s challenging getting people in the business to respect you when you’re half their age. I’ve had to work harder in some instances to prove myself and to be treated with respect. I’ve had to be ahead of the eight ball when it comes to combatting rumors that I inherited all my money or was gifted my position, when in reality I started with nothing and busted my butt to get where I am, nothing was handed to me. Another struggle I’ve faced is learning to communicate effectively with my staff. I’m always pulled in a million directions and have a constant stream of ideas going through my head, so communicating those things in a way that’s easily understood is challenging. But it’s important to make sure everyone’s on the same train heading to the right station.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Parker Restaurant Group – what should we know?
Parker Restaurant Group is a privately held company based in Chicago that conceptualizes, develops, manages and operates a portfolio of restaurants and lounges with the vision of developing discerning services and experiences that merge the key elements of dining, entertainment and music into one.
In 2015, Parker Restaurant Group opened two venues in River North: The Hampton Social, an East Coast-themed seafood lifestyle restaurant and The Bassment, a live music lounge. In summer 2016, the restaurant group will opened Mahalo, a casual modern Hawaiian eatery located in Wicker Park. Parker Restaurant Group is now expanding its Brand The Hampton Social across Chicago land and the USA.
What i am most proud of is the amount of hard work my team has put in. In under 3 years, we have successfully opened 4 restaurants and before our 4th anniversary, we will have 8 restaurants opened in 3 different states. What sets us apart is our ability to do all of our own design and development in-house. We don’t outsource any work when it comes to developing a restaurant.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hard work and no fear. I honestly think that most of my success comes from my wiliness to try to do things that most other people will not try out of fear of failure. When I first told my staff that we would open three venues in our first year of operation they thought I was crazy, but we did it anyways and were successful. My whole life, I never thought of what would happen if I fail, I always focus on the success. I think most people fear keeps them from achieving their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1017 N. Hooker St.
Chicago, Il 60642 - Website: www.parkerrestaurantgroup.com
- Email: info@parkerrestaurantgroup.com
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