Episode 61: Alex Smith

Alex Smith is CEO of Maryland-based Atlas Restaurant Group, with 30 restaurant properties located in Maryland, Florida and Texas. His restaurant career began in 2007, as a Häagen-Dazs franchisee, when he noticed the need for a lunch concept in the neighborhood. This inspired him to create his first concept, Harbor East Deli in 2009. 

 

After 16 years of concept development and expansion, and armed with a team of 1,800 staff members, Alex feels the brightest days for Atlas Restaurant Group lie ahead. "Being big still means thinking small to me," he says, going on to say, "The closer I stay to the market and the more engaged I remain with the staff, the better I become."

 

In this episode, Alex explains the three pillars of his operating principle for success: product integrity, entertainment, and hospitality. "Balancing these three key items maintains the unique identity of each restaurant concept," he explains.

 

"We remain a people-first company," he adds. "My success depends on my team." 

 

Alex takes pride that his first manager is now the COO and a business partner. “I am very proud that so many staff members have found a home with the Atlas Restaurant Group.”