What a Former Lawyer Learned About Leadership in the Kitchen

In this episode of Coffee With Closers, Ric Gruber shares his remarkable journey from being a Chicago attorney to becoming the CEO of a thriving multi-location restaurant group. He opens up about leaving behind the billable-hour grind, learning every role from dishwasher to CEO, and mastering the art of leadership, branding, and team culture.Ric also discusses how he’s leveraged social media — especially LinkedIn — to grow his brand, attract talent, and build trust in an era of AI-driven content. This episode is filled with insights on entrepreneurship, scaling without burning out, and staying authentic in business.👉 Topics covered:Transitioning from law to hospitalityBuilding scalable business systemsUsing social media to grow a local brandLeadership lessons in a family businessBalancing work, family, and personal growth