We had the good fortune of connecting with John Gregory and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When my wife and I opened the bagel shop we did not have children. Seven years later we have three little girls. I have had to learn how to balance my work and home life. With restaurants the balance is so sensitive. If you are always at the restaurant you can become manic and not be there for your family. If you aren’t there enough the quality and consistency goes down. You create something that you feel in your heart is a great product but have to let other people serve and cook your food. Many times they wont have the passion you have. My wife and I have times of the day when we don’t talk about the shop or business and get to enjoy our girls.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My wife and I own and operate a bagel shop in a small southern town. Our goal is to bring the taste of NYC to south Georgia. We opened at the end of 2017 and were busy from the day we opened. When the pandemic hit we thought we wouldn’t make it. Having not grown up in a small town I wasn’t expecting the support we got from everyone who lived in this community. We adapted and made changes based on how the restaurant business was changing. We have been busier every year since then. The biggest challenge is balancing work and home life. We value family time and being there for our girls. At times you are short staffed and have to find ways to keep going. The restaurant business is not an easy one and you have to be there and put the work in. Our brand is food forward with a focus on customer service.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop would be our shop, Empire bagel!
Walking downtown there are so many things to do and see. We have the big oak tree, the history museum, plantation tours, food tours, quail hunting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have failed a long time ago if I didn’t have the support of my wife, extended family and friends. You need people to be honest with you about the perception of your business. I tend to have crazy food ideas and changes and my wife is very grounded and can get us to a place that makes sense!

Website: https://www.empirebageldeli.com

Instagram: empirebagel

Facebook: Empire Bagel & Delicatessen

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