Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Lyons

Hi Sean, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My culinary journey started when I was 11, inspired by the Food Network. That early interest led to my first job as a busboy at 15, where I quickly got hooked on the fast pace and creativity of the restaurant industry. I started off studying finance in college but soon realized my heart was in the kitchen, so I switched gears back to cooking.

I spent time traveling across the U.S., managing and running restaurants with the Hillstone Restaurant Group. The experience was eye-opening and helped me grow a lot. Later on, I had a chance to explore professional ballroom dancing, which eventually drew me to Nashville because of its lively entertainment scene. Here, I opened a hotel that let me mix my love for hospitality and entertainment, which paved the way for owning my own restaurants. My journey has always been about a love for food, community, and entertainment, and I’m excited to keep creating and sharing culinary experiences in Nashville.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It has been both smooth and challenging. On one hand, it’s felt smooth because I knew deep down that this is what I always wanted to do – it feels like a calling. That inner certainty has always kept me motivated and focused. On the other hand, the road has had its fair share of bumps. The standard entrepreneurial struggles like building a team from scratch, establishing cash flow from nothing, and reinventing a brand on a tight budget were all significant hurdles.

Then, of course, COVID hit right after a tornado totaled our restaurant, and it brought a whole new set of challenges, forcing us to adapt rapidly to re-open our doors. Despite these struggles, I genuinely enjoy every aspect of the business and the journey. Hospitality is such a unique field – it allows us to touch on so many facets of life, from culture and relationships to positive memories, finance, and creativity. It’s truly at the center of everything, and that makes every challenge worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

We’re a restaurant group that strikes a perfect balance between culinary excellence and community connection, blending Nashville’s rich traditions with thoughtful dining experiences. What sets us apart is that we’re not just a restaurant – we’re a community hub. Our mission is to celebrate the past, cherish the present, and craft the future. We’re known for helping our guests create memorable experiences, relax, and feel at home.

We take immense pride in executing our service, delivering high-quality food, and facilitating meaningful connections between our guests, staff, and the broader community. It’s not just about dining; it’s about creating a space where people feel invited, valued, and excited to return.

Brand-wise, we are most proud of our ability to blend culinary traditions with innovation, providing a dining experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh. We want our guests to feel like they’re part of our family and our community. We’ll know we’ve succeeded when our guests share their experiences, return with friends and family, and become regulars. This is how we grow our business and cultivate a thriving community.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that the connection between human beings is the most crucial element. Food is great, and a fun experience is worth paying for, but when you can genuinely learn about, understand, and help someone, it creates lasting happiness. Whether it’s providing a trusted place where a couple can connect on a weekly basis or offering a dishwasher or immigrant a real opportunity to learn and progress in life, these connections make all the difference. My hope is to achieve this at scale with our company and make a real impact. As long as we maintain this focus and use our success to amplify this goal, I will be proud at the end of the journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://uphospitalitypartners.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seandaniellyons

Image Credits
Sam Phen, Briana Raasio, Maurice Johnson