Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Hackman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

It’s great to see your wife and kids daily at the business and share the joys and struggles together. There is never the feeling of your partner not understanding what you are experiencing.

For me, the primary pitfall is the business can easily become your entire world… Talk about something else at the dinner table. Be mindful that there is more than just work.

We have been so lucky to share this journey with our three daughters. They have been there every step of the way. Out of the three, one of them would like to take over. First, we want her to finish college and experience other opportunities outside of the family business to ensure that it is the right path for her. The restaurant industry is a grueling beast, However, it can be the most rewarding when it all comes together.

Melanie, my wife and business partner, grew up in a family business that was established 40-plus years ago. It wasn’t her path and she ran in the other direction. It did however give her, and by association me, a great understanding of what it means to work hard. A 40-hour work week is for quitters and Monday – Friday is for bankers.

When we opened our restaurant our girls were in elementary school. We pulled them out of aftercare and every day they did their homework in the restaurant dining room. They would film skits after hours while we finished working. During the holidays when we worked late, they would fall asleep on the banquets. As they got older they ran the weekly green market for us alongside their grandmothers, and with that experience can proudly count change without a register or calculator. Now our two younger daughters 16 & 18 work at our restaurants while in school. Melanie and I love that fact that on a busy Saturday, we can look in either direction and see our girls or spouse. Having a business can be all consuming. If your family is involved it becomes a shared bond.

Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My drive to be a chef began in high school when I realized I liked “playing with food” and was naturally good at it, So I embarked on a culinary career and enrolled at the Florida Culinary Institute in 2001. Armed with the basics, I worked my way through the kitchens of the most prominent hotels and restaurants in Palm Beach, namely The Breakers, Palm Beach, the Five Star, Four Diamond, L’Escalier, Cafe L’Europe, and The Four Seasons Palm Beach.

Established and equipped with an impressive client roster, I transitioned into a private chef entrepreneur and restaurant consultant. I excelled in the “chef in residence” role and created professional bonds with my clients, partnering with them in their homes for very intimate and personal dining experiences. In 2014, the time had come to forge my own territory and along with my wife, Melanie, opened aioli in West Palm Beach. Specializing in casual, locavore foods and gourmet to-go, our industrial-chic eatery and bakery caters to the locals’ breakfast and lunch crowd. In 2015, we expanded the business to include a scratch bakery focused on artisan bread production, a passion for me and now a core component of our business.

Aioli quickly became firmly planted in the hearts of the Palm Beach community with an almost cult following for our artisan bread. Inspired by our passionate patrons and my creative desire, we opened Pizzaioli in 2023, a sourdough pizza “joint” where, from the scratch kitchen, our simple menu focused on pizza, salad, and pasta is executed utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients.

A progression of achievement, creativity, and a strong connection with our community have been the cornerstones of our ongoing success. And getting to where we are today with my family is what I am most proud of.

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

It is important to be present as an owner and encourage the team to take pride in what they do. Treat everyone with respect and create a family environment. Keep it fun but serious. The team is essential to the success of our business, each person has an important role. Be mindful of who you add to your team, don’t just hire to fill a position but take into consideration how this new person will strengthen the team. Every person needs to work well with each other. Play good music loud at all times. If anyone asks the volume button is broken.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building our clientele one person at a time. Creating strong customer relationships. Maintaining high expectations within our team on every level and lead by example. And consistency of product. If it isn’t perfect do not serve it. When our clients come in, we say hello, we are kind, we serve them delicious food and we thank them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aioliwpb.com/
• Instagram: aioliwpb
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aioliwpb/
• Other: https://www.pizzaioliwpb.com/
  @pizzaioliwpb