Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Glover.
Hi Brad, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in the restaurant industry since I was 15, and for as long as I can remember I’ve dreamed of owning a place of my own. Over the years I worked in bars and restaurants all across the greater Memphis area, learning the ins and outs of the business and building a real passion for hospitality.
In January 2022 some friends reached out to let me know that the old Vinegar Jim’s in Arlington, Tennessee, was looking for a buyer. Without overthinking it I brought the idea home to my wife and suggested we take the leap. It turned out to be a long road to the closing table, but in December 2022 we officially purchased the building and land. After months of renovations we reopened the doors in March 2023.
Owning a restaurant is not for the weary. It takes grit, long hours, and a lot of faith. For me it is a dream realized, and I’m grateful every day that I get to live it out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business is never easy, and the restaurant industry can feel like feast or famine at times. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a strong team and the support of family and friends. There are some things you can control, but a lot of factors like food costs and utility expenses are completely outside of your hands. When those challenges hit, you just have to take them on the chin, stay focused, and keep pushing forward.
Perseverance is everything in this business. There are long days, tough moments, and unexpected setbacks, but giving up has never been an option. You have to wake up each day ready to fight for your dream and for the people who count on you.
What makes it all possible is the incredible support we receive from our community. We have been fortunate to find opportunities across the city that help us keep our doors open and, most importantly, ensure that our staff is taken care of. That support means everything.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The most important thing in my life is my family and friends, and the time I get to spend with them. The idea for The Kitchen Table came from my love of gathering people around my own table at home and feeding them. Food has always been my love language. Cooking makes me happy, and being able to share that joy with others is what truly drives me.
I am fortunate to be well-versed in several different styles of food. While we have a set menu at the restaurant, I also offer custom catering for the Arlington and greater Memphis area. One of my favorite parts of what I do is working closely with a host to design something unique and personal for their event. There is something really special about watching people light up when a menu reflects their vision and brings their celebration to life.
What sets me apart is that I never want to stay in just one lane when it comes to food. I love expanding my horizons, trying new flavors, and collaborating with people to create experiences that feel meaningful. At the end of the day, it is about more than just food. It is about connection, creating memories, and making people feel cared for.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
In the world we live in today, social media plays such an important role. One of the biggest ways people can support us is by following along, engaging with our posts, and sharing our name with others. Word of mouth has always been powerful in the restaurant industry, and now it spreads even further through social platforms. Every time someone shares a post or tells a friend about us, it helps more than they probably realize.
Support also comes in the form of thinking of us for catering needs. Whether it is hosting a gathering at our restaurant, working in an event space, or creating something special in someone’s home, we love being part of people’s celebrations. Those opportunities not only help us grow, but also give us a chance to do what we love most: bringing people together over great food.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong network of family, friends, and community who believe in us and cheer us on. At the end of the day, just sharing our story and keeping our name in mind when someone needs a place to dine or a caterer to make their vision come to life is the greatest support we could ask for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.thekitchentablearlington.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekitchentable_arlington_tn?igsh=MWd3d21uNXZ6N2wyNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CP6okogfR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/x7UsXFgDyR
- Other: https://share.google/6N358f0jrz5Lser1W
