Restaurant mogul Robert Earl leans into multi-vertical strategy
Robert Earl, founder of Orlando-based Earl Enterprises — a major player in the restaurant sector — is optimistic about his company’s future and hospitality in general, though he doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the difficult times his industry is facing.
“It's a very, very tough time,” he told Orlando Business Journal. “There are momentum players in every sector, but they only represent a small percentage. So much is happening, from cost of goods to cost of labor to changes in consumer behavior. How do they want to spend their time? Do they want to be doing something else at home and having food delivered? Do they have a tighter budget?"
He called OBJ from Beverly Hills, California, for his interview, where he was readying for the opening of a new AC Barbeque brick-and-mortar fast-casual location in Westfield Century City mall. The event would see comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer share stories about their journey into the culinary world, emphasizing their passion for barbecue and its cultural significance.
