Interview with the Owner, Eddie’s Story

Garry’s Grill opened its doors in 1991. At that time, owning a restaurant wasn’t exactly what 5-year-old Eddie Conway might have had in mind. But what happened in the coming years is a true representation of the American Dream.

Starting at the Bottom and Working to the Top

In 2000, at age 14, Eddie began working for Garry’s Grill washing dishes. It was grunt work but he was happy to show his work ethic. It didn’t go unnoticed because, within a year of starting, Eddie moved to the front of the house bussing tables and working as a host.

Even at a young age, Eddie was outgoing and charismatic. The customers instantly connected with his likable personality. They admired how he was always on the go, constantly moving, chatting, and attentive to their needs. Eddie was a unique teenager in that he took pride in any job or task given to him.

By the time he was 17, he had begun training in the kitchen. First, learning how to make all the breakfast items. A quick study and dedicated worker, he soon learned the entire menu. At the same time, he was also working as a server in the dining room. He never stopped – some shifts cooking, some serving, some days even doing both! There were days where he even volunteered to help the kitchen staff prepare for catering jobs. He loved what he was doing and it showed.

Fate Steps in One Night

One fateful night, the manager on duty did not report for his shift. Eddie, without hesitation, stepped up and the current owner realized he was also a talented manager. It was the combination of Eddie’s FOH (front of the house) and BOH (back of the house) skills that earned him a managerial position at 21 years old. He shortly thereafter became the General Manager for the restaurant.

By the time Eddie was 22, he knew that the restaurant business was his future. He recognized that Garry’s Grill was his passion. At that point, he made an offer to purchase the restaurant from the current owner, and a year later that dream came true!

Humble and Grateful

Eddie Conway credits his success to his former boss, Garry. He says he is grateful for having such a devoted mentor. Eddie is thankful for his dedicated customers and says they are the reason he is in business. There are days where he is in disbelief that what seems only a few short years ago he was a young kid working as a dishwasher. Now he owns the place! This is a testament that if you are determined and work hard, you can achieve almost anything you dream.

Eddie loves what he does and appreciates his customers. He is passionate about providing them the very best. And, that is what keeps bringing them back. Whether you are a regular or trying Garry’s Grill for the first time, you can expect nothing but excellence.

Message from Eddie

Over the last 9 years, I have had the pleasure of serving and meeting thousands of great customers by ways of Garry’s Grill. In turn, those customers have become my extended family and real staples in my life. It has been amazing to hear all of your stories and share my major life milestones with you, from the birth of my beautiful daughter Lenox to marrying my best friend and true love Allison. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, all the great memories and being such a hugely important part of my life. I look forward to the future and many more great memories for us to share. 

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Color Fire On August 24, 2016   /   Fun stuff