In Charleston, Tommy Hall, a key figure in the Halls Management Group, reminisced about the early days of the family-founded restaurant empire. The group, which currently owns 10 restaurants across the South, including locations in Columbia, Greenville, and Nashville, has deep roots in the Palmetto State. When Bill Hall, Tommy’s late father, established the first restaurant in 2009, it was truly a family affair. Tommy, along with his brother, sister, and grandmother, all pitched in to make the restaurant a success.
However, as the Halls Management Group began to expand beyond South Carolina, Tommy Hall faced the challenge of maintaining the family values that were at the core of their brand. Despite the difficulties of franchising and growing their restaurants, Hall saw the opportunity to share their personal and culinary missions with a wider audience. He described the process as „lighting a candle“ and passing it on to others, who then carry on the tradition in their own communities.
For Hall, successful expansion required starting small and scaling out. He acknowledged that maintaining the same level of quality, flavor, and consistency across multiple locations was a significant challenge. The key to preserving the original image of their restaurants, according to Hall, was effective communication. Setting clear expectations and goals for employees, along with providing constant praise and recognition, helped ensure that the family values were upheld in each location.
Despite the demands of overseeing multiple restaurants, Hall remained actively involved in the early days of Halls Chophouse’s growth. He expressed a sense of regret that he couldn’t be present at all locations simultaneously, as he had a deep love for the business. However, he recognized that in order to grow the business successfully, the family had to remain engaged and committed to the brand’s values.
As the Halls Management Group continues to expand and evolve, Tommy Hall’s dedication to preserving the family-founded beginnings of the restaurant empire remains unwavering. Through effective communication, a commitment to quality, and a passion for sharing their culinary vision with new audiences, the Halls Management Group has successfully grown while staying true to their roots.
