We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Fine Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

“Giggle water is a playful term from the Prohibition era that means alcohol. Our restaurant, bar, and one-screen movie theater has a vintage 1920s-vibe, so when we came across that old-fashioned phrase, it felt like the perfect fit. We put a lot of emphasis on our award-winning craft cocktails and whiskey bar, so ‘Gigglewaters’ encapsulates both our historical inspiration and our focus on quality beverages in a way that’s both fun and memorable.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with us, my name is Rachel Fine Wilson, and I am the CEO of Gigglewaters, a unique dining and entertainment establishment that blends a 1920s-inspired restaurant and bar with a one-screen classic movie theater. My journey into the restaurant industry began with a passion for creating memorable experiences through exceptional food, drink, and ambiance, as two generations of my family has done before me. This passion led us to develop Gigglewaters into a brand that stands out in the crowded restaurant landscape.

At Gigglewaters, we specialize in award-winning craft cocktails, a well-curated whiskey bar, and a menu that features craveable, top-quality dishes. Our one-screen movie theater adds an immersive entertainment element that offers a unique experience combining dining and entertainment in a way that few other places do.

We provide a venue that is perfect for a wide range of events and gatherings. Whether it’s a first date, a family reunion, or a corporate event, Gigglewaters offers an atmosphere that is both inviting and distinctive. What sets us apart from others is our commitment to creating a sense of community and belonging. Our guests don’t just come to eat; they come to be part of an experience that they can’t find anywhere else.

One such experience is the Cinema Supper Series, where we take a classic film and serve- live time- every food and beverage cue happening on the screen for a curated culinary adventure. Guests don’t order anything, they eat exactly what is served on the screen, exactly in the scene that it happens. Think Pulp Fiction’s five dollar milkshake or the Royale with Cheese. These one-night only events happen every six weeks and sell out in minutes, although they’re now available as private corporate Team Building Events.

I am incredibly proud of the recognition we have received for our innovative concept and the quality of our menu. We’ve won over 50 culinary awards, including Best American Restuarant in the State of Florida, and have been featured in media outlets such as Forbes, USA Today & LA Weekly for our unique approach to dining and entertainment. Our goal is to create a place where people can relax, have fun, and make lasting memories.

At Gigglewaters, we are dedicated to excellence in everything we do. From the carefully crafted drinks to the thoughtfully prepared meals and the completely immersive experiences in the theater, every detail is meant to create a night of a thousand good times. We are constantly innovating and finding new ways to delight our guests, and now, we’re extending this commitment to excellence through our franchising opportunities. By franchising Gigglewaters, we invite passionate individuals to join our family and bring the unique Gigglewaters experience to new communities. We look forward to welcoming you to our Gigglewaters family, whether as a guest or a franchise partner.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Absolutely. One story that truly illustrates our resilience at Gigglewaters is our “Giggles for Good” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world was facing unprecedented challenges, we wanted to do our part to support our community, especially those on the frontlines.

In the early days of the pandemic, we saw the immense pressure on healthcare workers and first responders. Recognizing their sacrifice and tireless efforts, we decided to launch a program to provide free, high-quality meals to those fighting the virus head-on. Despite the severe impact on the restaurant industry and our own business, we were determined to contribute positively.

We rallied our team, adjusted our operations, and leveraged our resources to prepare and deliver meals. The community quickly got involved, with local businesses and residents contributing to our cause. This initiative not only provided much-needed support to frontline workers but also helped us stay connected with our community during such a turbulent time.

Our commitment to “Giggles for Good” during this period exemplifies the resilience and adaptability that define Gigglewaters. We didn’t just survive the pandemic; we found ways to thrive and support others. This spirit of resilience and community engagement is also what drives our franchising efforts. We believe that by extending our brand through passionate franchisees, we can continue to make a positive impact on more communities.

We are incredibly proud of how our team came together during one of the most challenging times, and it’s this same spirit of resilience and dedication that we bring to our ongoing operations and our franchising endeavors.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My best advice is to identify your company’s values. Managing a team and maintaining high morale at Gigglewaters is deeply rooted in our own core values. These principles guide our actions and create a thriving work environment:

1. Care About Community: We take care of those around us. Whether it’s our co-workers, our guests, or our community at large, we help first. We treat people with respect and compassion, bringing people together. This fosters a supportive atmosphere where team members feel valued and connected.

2. What We Say & What We Do Are the Same Thing: Our word means something. We are trustworthy and tell the truth. We don’t just say yes; we make sure we can pull it off. We are accountable to the projects we take on and have excellent follow-through. This builds a foundation of trust and reliability, essential for team cohesion and morale.

3. Show Up When It Matters: When the chips are down, we have each other’s backs. Our team members are people we can count on. We value reliability, loyalty, and dedication. Knowing that we can rely on one another during challenging times strengthens our team and boosts morale.

4. Positive Influencer: We are enthusiastic and believe in creating a positive experience for guests and co-workers. We are optimistic and believe it’s our responsibility to make Gigglewaters the best place to work. We take pride in what we do and believe in creating the best night out. This positive energy and commitment to excellence inspire our team and create a vibrant work environment.

5. Sweat the Small Stuff: Details are everything. We are self-motivated to perfect the fine points that improve our guests’ experience. We hold ourselves to an exacting standard. We’re knowledgeable, professional, we work clean, and put quality first. This meticulous attention to detail ensures high standards and a sense of accomplishment among our team.

By embedding these core values into our daily operations, we create a workplace where high morale thrives, and our team feels empowered, valued, and motivated to deliver exceptional experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://gigglewaters.com , http://ownagigglewaters.com
• Instagram: @Gigglewaters
• Facebook: @Gigglewaters
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gigglewaters/ , https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelfinewilson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigglewaters

Image Credits

Rachel’s headshot: Joseph Rodriguez. All other pictures: Jeremy Scott.