Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Cournane.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Ireland. Having had a love and passion for food and cooking from a very young age and never being very academically inclined, I dropped out of high school to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. I started my first job as a dishwasher, did some training as a chef, eventually moving to the front of the house. I moved to Chicago when I was 21 and worked at some of the big hotels downtown. I was a server at Kitty O’Sheas in the Hilton Chicago and the Cape Cod Room at the Drake Hotel, before I was a server and then promoted to Assistant Beverage Manager at the Palmer house Hilton.
In the mid 90’s I was hired as a manager at a new Irish pub on Southport Ave called Cullen’s Bar and Grill. It was there that I learned a recipe for success in a Chicago neighborhood – a beautiful space with attention to detail, quality food and drink that’s moderately priced and attentive Irish hospitality. In 2003 I was hired as GM for a new Irish pub that was opening in River North called The Kerryman. I was hired early in the project so I had the opportunity to experience all aspects of opening a new restaurant. It was the perfect stepping stone to realizing my dream of opening my own place.
Throughout the years, a good friend of mine, Paul Sheahan, and I had often talked about going into business together. In 2006 we started Munster Restaurant Group, found a space in East Lakeview and opened our first location, Wilde Bar & Restaurant. We have just opened our fourth location, Octavio Cantina & Kitchen, which is our first venture outside of the Irish theme. It’s been a very exciting experience for us.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
On a personal level, I struggled with addiction for many years and got into recovery in 2003. That was a turning point in my life and I know I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t got honest with myself and made that decision.
There are always ups and downs in business and you don’t always make good decisions. We had to close the second location we opened, Beckett’s Irish Pub after a couple of years. It was a bad location and we couldn’t get past that. I learned a lot from that experience.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Munster Restaurant Group story. Tell us more about the business.
We are absolutely most proud of our employees. We have amazing people working for us.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
No matter what luck comes our way, I try to live an examined life. I’m always looking at how I can grow on a personal level. In business, my management team and I are always looking at where we are falling short and how we can get better at what we do. If we’re not moving forward we’re moving backwards.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://mrgchicago.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
