Adam Orman: Why Being Creative in the Food Industry Keeps Everyone Included

What does it look like when an Austin restaurant prioritizes employee well-being just as much as profit? For L’Oca d’Oro, it looks like becoming one of Austin’s most respected restaurants and a leading voice for change in the local hospitality industry. In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, L’Oca d’Oro cofounder Adam Orman shares how the award-winning Austin restaurant built a sustainable business model rooted in fair wages, paid sick leave and community impact. Drawing from years of experience in restaurants across the country, Orman and business partner Fiore Tedesco created L’Oca d’Oro with a mission to support both staff and customers while helping shape the future of Austin’s restaurant scene. Throughout the conversation, Orman reflects on the evolution of Austin restaurants over the last decade, the growing challenges of affordability in Central Texas and how independent restaurants continue to adapt amid rising costs and rapid growth. He also discusses the restaurant industry’s role in local policy conversations, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses and why restaurants are increasingly expanding into Austin’s surrounding communities. Listeners will gain insight into sustainable restaurant practices, the future of Austin small businesses and how community-driven restaurants like L’Oca d’Oro are helping create a more affordable and connected Austin. Follow Adam Orman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-orman-6344a3254/ Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo About Changing Austin: Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future. VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177 Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas