Matthew McKeown

Greensboro, NC (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal

SG Restaurant Group

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Location: Greensboro
Industry: Food Service/Restaurant
Year Founded: 2008
Number Employees: 10-50 people
Description: My name is Matthew McKeown, and I am in the process of opening a restaurant in Greensboro, N.C. with a goal opening date of Dec. 31st, 2008. I have two partners that have 1Mil+ in real estate to help secure any funds. I created the dining concept 4 years ago, and have since recently acquired my Executive Chef and Sous Chef from the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada. My goal is not just to open a restaurant, but to obtain a Mobil 4-star rating which will be the first in the triad. I have an Asst. Manager that is already picked out that brings Mobil 4-star experience with her. The pieces are now falling into place. We have a location ready to be secured. The owner of the property is a fellow member of the N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association. I know that the myth is that 90% of restaurants fail in year 1. That Myth started with an American Express ad in 2003. When approached about this they could not support the data stated. This is a common sense answer because if 90% failed then in 90 years there would be no restaurants left. The actual rate is near 30% year one, 22-24% year 2, and 19%+/- year 3, and when you take into account that 64% of all new restaurant owners have 0 prior working experiences in restaurants, you can start to see where the statistics blend. I have done my fair share of homework. The concept is Casual Elegance in a guest-controlled environment. I will get into more detail in future communications; I am redefining what the eating experience is like. I have done a large amount of research and have found no one that has this concept in the southeast. Please request more information. Sorry, but this has been a dream for 11 years, and I just want to protect my Concept. As far as my operational plans; we are projected to generate over 1.5mil in sales our first year. Annual payroll sit at about $350k per year. The owner of the property is opening his wine cellar to us that includes Vintages ranging from 1968-2002, and is willing to invest $100k+ into exterior changes. The building was constructed in 1999. It is 5,720 Sq. ft. not including a 1,800 sq. ft. patio. We are located within a half of mile from Greensboro Country Club, and Irving Park (extension of country club). Ruth Chris, P.F. Changs, Green Valley Grill, Undercurrent, and 1618 West restaurants are all located within 2 miles of the location. We are situated next door to an upscale movie cinema, and have the Range Rover and Lamborghini dealership across the street. The owner of both dealerships are willing to park there showrooms in our parking lot to generate traffic buzz. If you would like to know more feel free to contact me at (URL removed). I hope you have a great day, and here is to a future partnership.