On the same day, we watched as the fate of two area barbecue businesses played out in very different ways. One announced that it was closing, while the other heralded the arrival of a long-awaited brick-and-mortar restaurant.
When we examine the reasons why particular restaurants succeed or fail, we don’t give momentum enough weight. We dive straight into the quality of the food, we pick apart the service, we rate the “vibeyness” of the rooms. But what if we’re ignoring the most significant determinant of viability?
Take Proof Barbecue. Owners Michael Griffin and Dave Ferrante spent the better part of three years converting the lower level of the Crust Pizza/Visible Voice Books building in Tremont into a sleek subterranean saloon. The pair – along with consulting chef Pete Joyce – hosted the customary “friends and family” events in advance of the public unveiling, which was scheduled for March 18, 2020…