Meet Howard Hsu: Restauranteur / Entreprenuer

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

Hi Howard, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The restaurant industry really changes your people skills. I can’t think of another business/industry that relies so heavily on people. You better be ready to lead, motivate, be stern, have the tough talks, set expectations, be organized, promote culture and positivity. You need to be willing to adjust your approach above all else.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our restaurants are an extension of our personalities, culture and values. This makes us unique. My sister and brother are my partners. In a restaurant business you are creating an experience, that experience takes a vision and that vision should be built upon authenticity and passion or else it’s not going to work. In our company we like to use the term “visionary” at times the visionary is me, at times it’s my brother or sister. It’s important to have a vision and for the “visionary” to paint that image so the entire organization and understand the roadmap to get there.

I like to take pride that our company thrives on passion and vision. Getting here was not easy, it took lots of self deep diving, business mentorship and learning about yourself so in turn you can related to others.

I want the world to know that our brand reflects our family personalities and/or authentic jouney as children of immigrants and the exposure we had growing up.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Lazy Betty – I’m a partner and my brother is the Chef-Owner. It’s arguably the best dining experience in the city. I might be biased… 😉

Sweet Auburn BBQ – When in the South, you got to have some BBQ!

Kimball House – Cocktails, hands down best in the city
Northside Tavern – An Atlanta tradition for a divey blues joint
Clermont Lounge – Late night “how did this happen” vibe. A must!
EAV- for late night bar scene, cool music, cool bars, fun bohemian vibe
Beltline – great for a sunny day walk to see piedmont park, cool bars, restaurants, ponce city market and krog market, people watching and a fun free tour of come of ATL’s coolest hoods. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my family and most importantly my mother! She was a leader and pioneer! As the first of 9 siblings she left her small village in Malaysia to pave a new life for herself and her family. With the same spirit she was an entrepreneur of several restaurants. She took care of people and connected with everyone. My entire family, brothers and sisters were influenced by her and we continue to feed off one another through the values she instilled in us. My family is my foundation. We try to incorporate this family mindset into our company culture.

Website: www.sweetauburnbbq.com

Instagram: sweetauburnbbq

Twitter: sweetauburnbbq

Facebook: sweetauburnbbq

Image Credits
Kate Blohm Heather Santiago Unknown