Steak, Stories, and a Splash of Fortaleza: The Entrepreneur Journey of Jake Burgess and Fox Gardin

In this episode of Real Estate Makes Us Drink, Brian and Brad sit down with restaurateur Jake Burgess for a candid and flavorful conversation about the highs, lows, and lessons of owning and operating restaurants. From his journey as a chef to launching beloved spots like Smoky’s, Bonge's Tavern, and the original Fox Gardin restaurant, Jake dishes out stories that blend culinary passion, family legacy, and business grit. They explore what it takes to keep a restaurant thriving in today’s evolving food scene—from sourcing quality ingredients and managing inventory to building a loyal community through live music and great service. You'll hear about unforgettable experiences at events like the Masters and the World Series, how imitation can be a compliment in the culinary world, and why homemade desserts still matter. We even explore some great tequila like Fortaleza and Tierra Libertad. Whether you're into food, entrepreneurship, or just enjoy a good story over a drink, this one’s for you. Cheers to tradition, steaks you can cut with a butter knife, and teaching kids how to run a business! Fortaleza Tequila https://tequilafortaleza.com/ Tierra de Libertad Tequila https://www.drinktyl.com/ Sol2Noches Tequila https://sol2noches.com/ Sun King Brewery https://www.sunkingbrewing.com/ Schedule a consultation with Brian or Brad