4 minute read
Path To Power Chris Frawley, COO of Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Path to Power: Chris Frawley
Chris Frawley is COO of Anna Maria Oyster Bar. As a 40-year restaurant industry veteran, his past experience includes 27 years at Miller’s Ale House. In this role he grew the company and oversaw the operations of dozens of restaurants.
Q: How did you get started in the hospitality industry? I was in 10th grade when my parents stopped paying for my clothes, daily trips to Mickey D’s and entertainment. I recall the “Get a Job” speech and the “Money doesn’t Grow on Trees” finger wagging. A few classmates were busboys at a nearby restaurant and were always bragging about how much money they were making and how easy it was. So, I applied, got hired and got hooked. I knew then I was a lifer.
Q: Early in your career, what were the most valuable lessons that you learned? Integrity. Never lie — ever! You’ll never get fired if you tell the truth, you’ll get disciplined, yes — so never lie. Truer words were never spoken. While being honest doesn’t always make me the most popular guy in the room, my coworkers know I am 100% honest and they always know where they stand.
Q: Do you have any mentors who were instrumental in helping you achieve your goals? Heck yes! I will mention two, there are more, in no particular order. First, Harold Phillips believed in me and stood behind me to get into management. When the recruiter told me “We are going to pass.” Harold said “Oh they made a mistake.” and called the corporate headquarters for the Vice President of Recruitment to interview me personally. She did, and I was promoted! Harold was a great role model, treated people fairly and was not afraid to discipline, as well to include yours truly — nobody’s perfect. Secondly, Ray Holden taught me so much in the 30 years we spent together at two brands. The value of family: Ray always led by example with this. This has been very impactful to me; he showed me how to balance my life better with my wife Sherry of 33 years. She is my rock and without her support on this journey, I would have flopped. We always got together as friends with others, and he always made it a point to recognize why this is so important. Faith: Ray showed me it was okay or cool to be a Christ follower. He really leads by example to this day. I mentioned Integrity before. This was all him. He lived his word and never fired me because I told the truth as uncomfortable as it may have been — did I mention nobody is perfect? The Integrity speech is one I have copied and emulated because for me, it is, and was, life changing. Q: Is your company taking any special measures in the face of the labor shortage in the hospitality industry to recruit and retain talent? Another big yes! But, we work on “re-recruitment” of our team members and managers on a daily basis. We praise progress and celebrate all the wins, no matter the size! In addition, birthdays, anniversaries — personal and professional — frequently. The retention rate at Anna Maria Oyster Bar is “best in class!”
Q: What is the single greatest factor in the success of your career? The “perfect storm!” There isn’t one factor, but a blend of them that helped me slingshot into position. First, work ethic blended with the desire to be great, honesty and trust, along with a high level of enthusiasm! There are more; however, these “core four” learned qualities have helped me attain great sustained results for years. So, if you want one factor … RESULTS!
Q: Is there anything that you would like to share with Florida's hospitality industry? We are the luckiest group of people in the world! We get to be part of people’s good times, anniversaries, birthday celebrations, business trips, vacations, weddings, family outings and more. The list goes on and on. My good friend Luke Bryan — ok I met him once — has lyrics in a song that say “do what you love and call it work.” I do and so should all of you. Choose your attitude and have a blast!
