We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marcus Hardge a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marcus, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

I hail from the heart of Acres Homes, a community notorious for being underserved. Growing up here, I witnessed firsthand the stark disparities that shattered dreams and limited opportunities for improvement. However, rather than succumbing to the darkness that plagued this community, I found the strength within me to uplift and serve.

In my youth, I experienced profound loss, which shattered the support system I once relied on. I became intimately familiar with how the unforgiving streets can derail the hopes and aspirations of young boys, even those with dreams of becoming the greatest ball players to emerge from Houston because I was one of them. It is needless to say that the streets ensnared me as well, as I struggled to provide for a child while still a young man myself. This led me down a path that resulted in my incarceration, a consequence of losing my way in this very underserved community.

However, my time behind bars served as a much-needed wake-up call, a pivotal moment that compelled me to reevaluate my life and commit myself to better serving my community as a leader. It was during this period of reflection that I realized the immense potential within me to make a difference, to be a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that had plagued Acres Homes for far too long.

Now, with a bold and resolute tone, I stand before you as a testament to the power of resilience and determination. I have emerged from the depths of adversity, armed with a burning passion to uplift and empower those who have been overlooked and underserved. My experiences have shaped me into a leader who understands the struggles and challenges faced by our community, and I am committed to effecting positive change.

No longer will Acres Homes be defined solely by its reputation as an underserved community. Together, we will rise above the limitations imposed upon us, and forge a path towards a brighter future. I am here to lead the charge, to inspire and empower, and to ensure that every individual in this community has access to the opportunities they deserve.

Marcus, 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?

I am a proud 54-year-old Houston, Texas native hailing from the vibrant Acres Home community. Let me tell you, I am no stranger to the grittier side of life in this neighborhood. But you know what? That’s exactly what fueled my desire to uplift and serve my community.

Together with my amazing wife, Shar, we’ve weathered countless ups and downs in our beloved community. Coming from a large cooking family, I’ve always been captivated by how food has this magical ability to bring people together. So, I thought, why not use this culinary prowess to create a haven for my community? A place where they can savor delicious, flavorful meals while basking in a warm, familial atmosphere.

Now, let’s be real here. When it comes to dining options, our community hasn’t exactly been spoiled for choice. That’s where I saw the golden opportunity. I mean, seriously, what could be better than offering a diverse range of mouthwatering dishes to a hungry crowd? It was like a culinary epiphany!

But my ambitions didn’t stop there. As I pondered on who I am and what I could offer as a leader, I couldn’t help but think about the younger adults in our community. I know firsthand the struggles of limited opportunities and the absence of safe spaces for personal growth. So, I made a promise to myself to right my wrongs and rebuild our community from the ground up.

And what better way to do that than over a delectable meal with a side of camaraderie at the Original Empire Grill? I take immense pride in the fact that my cooking has the power to unite our community. It’s like a culinary superhero, swooping in to save the day, one mouthwatering bite at a time.

So, my friends, join me on this flavorful journey. Let’s come together, share a laugh, and indulge in the tantalizing creations that grace our plates from the Original Empire Grill.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

When it comes to operating a business, there are countless moments that test our resilience. One particular situation had me on edge, as our restaurant’s refrigerator unexpectedly broke down after numerous repairs. This unfortunate incident resulted in a significant loss of inventory, forcing us to temporarily close down and dispose of large quantities of food. It was a challenging day, especially with customers coming in and questioning the closure. However, I had to toughen up, accept the loss, and prioritize getting our kitchen serviced and restocking our supplies.

As I assessed the extent of our losses, I found myself uncertain about how we would recover. But it was during this trying time that our customers displayed an overwhelming amount of love and support. Their unwavering loyalty and encouragement propelled us forward. We emerged from that temporary closure with a renewed sense of purpose, selling out our products and realizing the true value our business holds within our community.

Operating a business is not for the faint of heart. It demands resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate through unexpected challenges. In the face of adversity, we must rise above, determined to overcome any obstacles that come our way. This incident with our refrigerator served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. However, it also highlighted the incredible strength and support that can be found within our community.

Our customers’ unwavering loyalty and the outpouring of support we received during this difficult time reaffirmed our belief in the value our business brings to the community. It is in moments like these that we realize the true impact we have on the lives of those around us. We are not just a restaurant; we are a pillar of our community, providing nourishment, comfort, and a gathering place for friends and families.

So, while the challenges of operating a business may be daunting, it is the unwavering support of our customers and the resilience we cultivate within ourselves that allows us to thrive. We will continue to face close calls and unexpected setbacks, but with each

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

What has truly distinguished me in this market is my rich culinary background and my exceptional talent for fostering a sense of unity among people.

With over a decade of experience in the culinary industry, I have honed my skills and developed a deep understanding of flavors, techniques, and ingredients. This extensive knowledge allows me to create unique and innovative dishes that leave a lasting impression on diners. Moreover, my ability to bring people together through food is unparalleled. Whether it’s hosting intimate dinner parties or organizing large-scale events, I have a knack for creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. By combining my culinary expertise with my talent for fostering unity, I have been able to create unforgettable dining experiences that not only satisfy the taste buds but also nourish the soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: EmpireGrill64542af3f1a07.site123.me
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/empiregrill

Image Credits
Original empire grill