As the chef/owner of Eat Good Group, Adam Hegsted heads up nine Washington restaurants, even being named a James Beard Award semifinalist for his work at Spokane’s The Wandering Table. Learn about Adam Hegsted…
Hometown: Spokane, WA
First job: Dishwasher at Marie Callender’s.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: Kayaking, snowboarding, hiking, checking out new restaurants.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Owning my restaurant group. I never thought that I would have more than one restaurant, and it’s been so amazing to be a part of such a great, supportive community. From our employees, vendors to our guests, we couldn’t do any of it without their support and love.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Went into a huge amount of debt with my first business and ended up selling it at a huge loss. Coming back from that pure and utter defeat was difficult and to have the courage to try again.
Someone who inspires you and why: I find inspiration from many people, it would be really hard to pin down one. I think that everyone has something to teach and that if you’re willing to listen you’ll find something inspiring in most stories. I do my best to read constantly, hear different points of view and try to hone my own abilities.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Listen, keep your head down and work hard. There are no shortcuts, but with a little luck, passion and perseverance, you can be successful. Only having one of those is not enough. This career is notoriously hard but it can be done.
Favorite quote: “Expect great things and great things will happen.” –Maslow
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I did not grow up eating fancy foods, mostly Hamburger Helper and TV dinners. I actually didn’t eat salmon until I was 15 years old.
What makes someone fabulous: The love of what they cook. You can taste when someone puts their soul into the food the share with you. It brings an authenticity that cannot be faked.