Purpose Driven Profitability: Chris Hall on Building Culture, Community, and Connection

In an industry where culture can make or break a business, Chris Hall has set a gold standard for what it means to lead with purpose. As co-owner of Unsukay Restaurant Group in Atlanta, Chris has turned his restaurants into more than just places to eat—they’re community hubs rooted in generosity, connection, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Today, we discuss how Chris and his partners have built thriving businesses by focusing on values-driven leadership, the transformative power of philanthropy, and the strategies they use to ensure both their team and their guests feel like they truly belong. For more information on Local Three and their community initiatives, visit https://unsukay.com/.TakeawaysAt the time Atlanta was still growing, and Mus and Turner's filled a gap.Curiosity and humility are essential in learning and growth.Partnerships require commitment and open communication, similar to marriage.An abundance mindset fosters human connection in business.Creating a positive atmosphere for staff leads to better hospitality.You can't teach someone to care; it's an inherent quality.Purpose and values should guide business decisions, not just profit.Engaging advisors can provide valuable insights and support.Continuous improvement is key to success in any business.A strong partnership is built on complementary skills and trust. We talk about our values every day.Culture is defined by what you tolerate.What you say no to is more defining than yes.Growth is about people, not just opportunity.You need systems to standardize operations.Profitability is essential for sustainability.Great customer experiences drive word-of-mouth.Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.The Giving Kitchen started as a response to need.Every day is an opportunity to make a difference.Chapters00:00 The Birth of Mus and Turner's05:11 Navigating Partnerships in the Restaurant Industry12:28 Purpose, Values, and Mission in Hospitality17:30 Continuous Improvement and Learning in Business23:52 Intentional Growth and Leadership29:13 Profitability: A Necessary Conversation34:53 The Journey Over the Destination40:52 Adopting an Abundance Mentality____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:Yelp for Restaurants PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars