Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Freeman.
Chris, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been in the food industry my whole life and it all started in my best friend’s yogurt shop when I was 15 years old. I worked a variety of restaurant jobs during college, then moved to Miami for business school. I imagined that I would return home after the program, but instead, I was offered a position at Burger King Corporation.
The company had just been purchased by 3G Capital and was looking for young professionals who would bring new ideas to the table. I worked my way up the “corporate ladder” over the next 4 years, learning the ins and outs of the fast food industry. I loved the culture of the company and the people I worked with, but it was difficult to get behind the product itself.
I was offered a position by a private European group that wanted to open several “fine-casual” restaurant concepts in Europe. The concepts they planned to open exemplified everything that fast food does not; local, healthy, flavorful food with an enjoyable dining experience. I accepted the position and loved the excitement that came with starting several concepts from scratch.
One of the concepts originated in Boston, so I found myself going back and forth frequently. I began to fall in love with the spirit of the city but was surprised by the lack of variety in dining options. I realized that Boston would be a perfect place to open a brand new restaurant concept. But I didn’t know exactly what it would be until I traveled to Southeast Asia, eating all of the street food that I could over the course of several months.
That’s when Grainmaker was conceived; a fine-casual restaurant that was built upon the grain. The grain is simple and humble, but it is a staple of Southeast Asia, one of the healthiest cultures in the world. Over time, and with the creative minds of the Boston community which had such an influence on its development, Grainmaker blossomed into what it is today. Now, I am happy to say that I stand behind a company that supports local businesses, and sustains its community with only the healthiest of ingredients.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The restaurant business always has it’s fair share of challenges, but one stands out for me more than the rest. Despite the fact that we are in the food business, I believe we are in the “people business” just as much. One of our greatest goals is to foster a community of individuals who believe in our culture, in one another, and who want to develop as professionals in the food business.
As a startup, we believe we present a unique opportunity for our employees to leave their mark. While it’s not always easy to find those people, when we do, it’s the most rewarding aspect of my job.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Grainmaker, we’re approaching food in a whole new way. Our open kitchen uses quality ingredients to produce food that is both mindful and flavor forward. We build off of the traditions of Southeast Asian street culture and blend it with a chef-driven, contemporary menu. We feel like a “build your own” concept, but with real purpose behind the menu.
We’re proud to partner with small, local businesses like ours, and believe that fostering community is the only way to bring about positive change. From our New England potter who makes our ceramic bowls to our baker, all of our partners are carefully selected to foster small, local businesses.
Our menu features unique items such as cauliflower rice, volcano brown rice (a 100% organic red rice grown in volcanic soil), a 12-hour marinated lemongrass skirt steak, and our own secret red curry sauce recipe, which gained us the title of “best bowl in Boston”.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a small town in NC, loving soccer, my two sisters (who I teased mercilessly), and being the class clown. I loved my life in North Carolina but always felt like there was something more out there for me. When I had the opportunity to stay with my uncle in Mexico for a few months, I was on the plane before anyone could say “adios.”
Ever since then, I’ve loved traveling and getting out of my comfort zone. I try to see every challenge as an opportunity to make my mark. Grainmaker is just the beginning of that journey.
Pricing:
- $9-$12 per entree
Contact Info:
- Address: 91 Summer St
- Website: www.eatgrainmaker.com
- Phone: 6174820131
- Email: info@eatgrainmaker.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatgrainmaker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatgrainmaker/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/eatgrainmaker?lang=en
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