Richard Melman | Talking Management

Richard Melman went into the restaurant business because he didnt know what else to do. During a brief stint as a salesman for Fuller Brush Co., Mr. Melman learned that he didnt like having doors slammed in his face. Instead of asking people for something, he thought hed try doing something for them. That led him to open a restaurant—R. J. Grunts in Lincoln Park—in 1971. Today he presides over Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc., a dining empire of 75 restaurants in six states.

In an interview with Crains, Mr. Melman dishes on his decision to try the restaurant business and how he came to open themed eateries (its not as strategic as you might think). He also discusses the difficulties of the dining trade—where a 70% success rate is considered fantastic—and declares that he has made more mistakes than any restaurateur in Chicago. As for the keys to his success, Mr. Melman chalks it up to a certain healthy paranoia: his anxiety keeps him motivated.

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People & Blogs

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• Talking Management
• Richard Melman
• Fuller Brush Co
• R. J. Grunts

[themike1981234]

Worked with melmans son RJ.........

He was a turd only worth the value of temperature soup served by Dori on the coldest day.

Screw you RJ for calling me out in front of the entire wait staff for you're stupid mistake!