An Inspired Chat with David Cunningham of Grant Park & Kirkwood

We recently had the chance to connect with David Cunningham and have shared our conversation below.

Hi David, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What battle are you avoiding?
The battle I tend to avoid is the one within myself. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression, and I’m often my own harshest critic. On the outside, I can seem focused and driven, but internally, I wrestle with self-doubt and the weight of expectations I put on myself.

It’s much easier for me to throw myself into building businesses, leading my staff, and making sure my customers feel taken care of than it is to slow down and do the work of being my truest self. The truth is, the battle I avoid most is becoming a better version of myself — not just as an entrepreneur, but as a husband, a son, a friend, and a leader.

What I’m learning is that this avoidance doesn’t make the battle disappear; it just postpones the growth I need. I’m working on giving myself the same patience and grace I try to give others, and on realizing that progress in life isn’t only measured by milestones or success in business. It’s also measured by how well I show up for the people I love, and for myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is David Cunningham, and I’ve been in the service industry for about 20 years. Five years ago, I made the leap into ownership and now operate two Atlanta concepts: Grant Park Social, a speakeasy-style bourbon bar, and The Argonaut, a raw bar and small plates restaurant in the historic Kirkwood neighborhood.

Beyond hospitality, I also work in real estate investments and rehab projects, which give me another outlet for my creativity. At 37, I’m still chasing the thing that truly sets my soul on fire, but that pursuit is what fuels me. I’ve always had a creative mindset, and that drive naturally leads me toward new ideas, businesses, and opportunities to build something meaningful.

What makes my journey unique is that everything I do is rooted in curiosity, creativity, and community. Whether it’s bourbon, seafood, real estate, or a new venture, I’m constantly exploring how to connect people and bring ideas to life.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
While there are many individuals I could credit for shaping my understanding of work, the first two would be my father and grandfather. Both were hard-working men who did what they knew best to put food on the table and provide a life for us that they themselves never had. Watching their example instilled in me the belief that work isn’t just about making a living — it’s about responsibility, sacrifice, and doing whatever it takes for the people you love. That’s where my foundation started.

From there, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible people in my corner who each taught me something different about what work really means. My brother has always been a steady influence and supporter. Bobby Wiggins showed me the importance of consistency and accountability. Liz Elam inspired me to think differently and push boundaries. Mario Johnson & Ronnie Luciano taught me the value of hustle and resilience, and Brandon Nelson has been a model of leadership and great business partner.

Each of these people shaped a piece of how I view work today. To me, it’s not just about hours and effort — it’s about character, persistence, and the willingness to grow and learn from those around you.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. In 2017, I lost my mother suddenly after she came to visit me in Colorado. It was her first time out west, and we had just shared an unforgettable trip exploring the Rocky Mountains together. The very next day, after flying home, she had a heart attack and passed away at just 54 years old.

That moment shattered me. It was the hardest thing I had ever faced, and for a while I felt completely lost. The weight of grief, combined with anxiety, stress, and depression, made me question everything — including whether I had the strength to keep moving forward.

But ultimately, that loss also became the reason I didn’t give up. I realized that my mom wouldn’t have wanted me to stop living or chasing my dreams. Picking myself back up wasn’t easy, and it’s still a daily battle, but it shaped me into who I am today. It taught me that even in the darkest moments, you can find purpose, and that resilience is built one step at a time.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people are getting it wrong today by confusing busyness with progress. There’s this constant pressure to always be moving, scaling, or “hustling,” and while that can drive results in the short term, it often comes at the expense of balance, creativity, and even mental health. I’ve learned firsthand that if you don’t take care of yourself, your business will eventually feel it too.

Another place I see people missing the mark is in underestimating the human side of business. Whether it’s hospitality, real estate, or tech, at the end of the day it all comes down to people — how you treat your staff, how you connect with your customers, and how you show up in your community. You can have the smartest strategy in the world, but if you neglect those relationships, you won’t build anything that lasts.

And finally, I think there’s a tendency to chase trends instead of paying attention to fundamentals. Technology and markets are always shifting, but the basics — hard work, curiosity, listening, and adapting — will never go out of style.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Ironically, one of the biggest examples of this has been owning restaurants. For years, I thought that was the ultimate goal — I loved people, I loved the industry, and I loved the grind of working my way toward ownership. But once I got here, I realized it didn’t bring the complete satisfaction I imagined it would. Don’t get me wrong — I’m proud of what I’ve built, and I still love many aspects of it — but as I’ve grown as a person and my interests have shifted, I’ve had to accept that success doesn’t always feel the way you think it will.

Over time I’ve realized this isn’t a failure — it’s part of growth. There have been several things in life I thought would fulfill me if I could just achieve them, only to learn afterward that the reality was different. What I’ve come to understand is that true fulfillment isn’t tied to a single title, milestone, or business. It’s about continuing to evolve, finding purpose in the process, and staying open to new paths that might set my soul on fire in ways I haven’t even discovered yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theargonautatl.com www.GrantParkSocial.com
• Instagram: TheArgonautATL GrantParkSocial

Image Credits
Gabe Trujillo – Photographer
Instagram – G_Truj