There really is not much to tell. I am 44 years old and the proud father of a beautiful young lady named Addison Travelstead. That’s my biological child. And then there’s the other 100+ ladies and gentleman I act as father to between Bare Bones Steakhouse and Off the Rails Mexican Cantina. I love all of them and would not be where I am today without each and every one of them. They keep me pretty busy. I currently reside in Auburn, Georgia but spend most of my time running these two restaurants for Buddy and Gigi Maughon. After 20+ years in the Steakhouse industry with Longhorn Steakhouse my prayers for positive change put me on a path with these two about 5 years ago. They are two of the most inspirational people I have been blessed to work for in my career, to know as friends, and now consider family. For recreation when I get a little free time I like to swim, camp, hike, travel, read and watch movies. I am a Dog guy and love my little Lexie. She’s a pit bull weighing in at about 100 lbs. Best dog ever. I am a home body and like to cook at home when out of the restaurants.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a single dad with a 17 year old daughter getting ready to embark on her senior year of high school so we will making college plans this year. My mother, my hero, passed a couple years ago and my dad and I take care of one another. I have a twin sister and one older brother. I have the best brother and sister in law, two nieces and two amazing nephews. Then there is always my dog Lexie who I cherish.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked for Longhorn Steakhouse through college and never left. I started with them at the age of 17 and parted ways at the age of 40 when I joined Bare Bones Steakhouse during its transition from the original location to our current location. After getting moved I assisted in the opening of Bare Bones Rooftop and the New Off the Rails Mexican Cantina. The last few years have been jam packed. All of which have been very exciting. I could not have accomplished any of this without learning from the good and bad experiences of my previous employment. Running a steakhouse comes naturally for me but what I love most about my job is the people. Everyday is different and holds a new challenge for me. I like celebrating the happy occasions and watching this community come together for those in times of need. I truly enjoy watching family and friends come together and always trusting us to take of them. That’s quite an honor. I understand in todays economy it is not always easy to get out with the family so with each guest I hold that dear to my heart and try to make everyone’s experience special. The part people do not see and do not always pay attention to is the amazing team of people behind the scenes that make each experience possible. My boss’s Buddy and Gigi Maughon, head Chef Joe Luttrell and his assistant John Lamon with their kitchen team, my FOH mangers Lee Johnson and Nick Covey with each of their teams, my key employees Veronica Capps, Katie Redman, Joseph Dean and Dylan Guilmette, our Event coordinator the amazing Amy Davis, the hosts, the bussers, our amazing bar team ,the impeccable service staff, our head maintenance manager Donnell McCleod, head contractor Greg Thigpen and his team are the part I love most about what I do. Having the honor of leading and knowing each of these wonderful people is the the highlight of my career. I have never been so truly blessed and am forever grateful for the incredible job each of these individuals do every day to make this all possible.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I guess I would have to say Bare Bones Steakhouse & Rooftop or Off the Rails Mexican Cantina. Hahaha!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
It will be 5 years in the Buford community in August.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
That is really a loaded question. I get to see all types every day of my life. I think everyone is interesting. Everyone has their own story and wants to tell it. I think they should all be heard as much as possible. It is what makes us alive and not necessarily more interesting than the other. So I will just say everyone in this community is interesting to me.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
When I was young I did travel a lot. Of course this was pre dad days of my life. I never made it to Hawaii or Australia. If I had to pick a place it would be either of the two because they are the two places left on my list I would like to see before I die.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Count of Monte Cristo is my favorite book and movie. There is something empowering to me about someone rising to power and having the good Lord lead you to overcoming revenge for the more important things in life. My favorite Tv shows are Friends of course, Seinfeld, Game of Thrones, & Sons of Anarchy.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Handling people is not always the easiest. The advice I use to mentor my team is not to take life so seriously. I tell them to remember perception is reality. We may not always agree with others but if we remember to look from a different perspective we will always be able to see someone else’s reality. That helps when you are dealing with people. One of my earliest mentors said we are just shaking hands and kissing babies. I always loved that statement and still use it everyday.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Though I can certainly wait I do really look forward to being a grandfather in life. So I will tie in the places I would like to go. I’d like to take my grandkids to either Hawaii or Australia.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Amos Lee or Garth Brooks every time.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Bare Bones Steakhouse
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Probably our current president. I have some questions for him. Hahaha! I imagine I would have to schedule that one in the Hide Away at Bare Bones. Only seats two and its very private.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I have lived and worked all over the United States but what really stands out to me about this community is how everybody really knows and cares for one another. You don’t see that much these days in life or even on TV. I’m lucky because I get to see it everyday. That’s pretty unique to me.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I truly hope to still be doing this. I am one of the few who actually really loves what I do, who I get to do it with, who I get to do it for, and all the the people standing beside me that help make it happen everyday. So I hope I am still here hanging out with all of the great people of this community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I guess outside of all of the controlled chaos of restaurants and no stop conversing I am actually a pretty shy guy. I really like quiet me time.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Jackson Hole Wyoming without question!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October is my favorite month. My daughters birthday and also my twin sister and I’s birthday. They are both very special to me. Christmas for sure is my favorite holiday. October 17 is my single favorite calendar day. When your child is born it is not something you ever forget.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The management, food and service of Bare Bones Steakhouse. I don’t go out much anymore because I find it just a little too disappointing. That is the truth.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Buddy and Gigi Maughon. There is not enough space to share with you the many ways these two have changed my life. I have the the honor of getting to see them almost every day and watching the way they change peoples lives around them. They are the two busiest people I have ever met shaping family, friends, and community in every way possible. Just when you think you have had a busy day try walking in their shoes just one. They inspire me to work hard and be better every single day of my life. I will forever be thankful for these two.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Steak and the Ocean
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Quiet Time, Trust