Chief Operating Officer, Grindhouse Killer Burgers in Atlanta
What do you do if you’re a 14-year-old who wants to buy a car when he turns 16? If you’re Johnny Farrow, you get a job after school doing prep work at a restaurant. Little did young Johnny know, he had just launched a successful career.
Early on, Johnny discovered the work came naturally to him and, armed with a degree in accounting and finance, opted to stay in the industry. Now 36, the Florida native is the Chief Operating Officer of Grindhouse Killer Burgers and is considered a seasoned industry veteran.
Over the years, he has opened more than 50 high-volume restaurants for both Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Brio Italian Grille. Since bringing his talents to Grindhouse nearly 11 years ago, he has been a key player in opening their five locations, plus two licensed operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Known for leading by example, Johnny has helped put Grindhouse on a growth trajectory, taking the company from $2 million to $13 million in revenue. As he puts it, “I’m not one to sit behind a desk.”
Proof of that? The self-described “control freak” visits every location regularly, handles the payrolls for all five stores and does the ordering for four of them. Even with day-to-day operations handled by two directors, Johnny is committed to making sure the food quality is up to the company’s high standards and that the 250-staff operation is running smoothly.
“It’s a lot like coaching,” he says. “Since I grew up in restaurants, I love seeing people grow within the company.”
As far as teaching goes, he adds, “that’s how I learned. If I can pay that forward and the next generation gets to learn a little from me, then I’ve done my duty.”
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