Conversations with the Inspiring Jordan Moore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Moore.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My father is in food & beverage as well, so as a teenager, I didn’t even consider a job outside of the industry an option. I first became serious about service at Tazza Kitchen in Columbia, SC. I started as a host & worked my way up to a server, trainer, & eventually bartender. My next job was my first creative & first management position at Rosso Trattoria. I was there for a couple of years when offered a position as Oak Table’s beverage director & AGM, my first Indigo Road restaurant. Almost two years later, I moved to Atlanta to establish the Hotel Clermont’s beverage program. Once that was in a manageable place, I moved over to the Westside of Atlanta to preside over Donetto & O-Ku’s beverage programs.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like most roads, there have been both smoothly paved & bumpy stretches. I struggle with anxiety & depression, which stress only exacerbates. I don’t have any revelationary words, just that the old adages are true: do your very best. Be honest & forthcoming with others, but also with yourself. & maybe what I’ve found the most valuable: be kind to yourself. I am a perfectionist & so hard on myself. Sometimes, I catch myself in an internal dialogue saying things I would never ever say to another individual. Value your mental health. Treat yourself with the same gentleness & love with which you treat others.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Donetto & O-Ku story. Tell us more about it.
I think due to my anxiety it is very important to me to ensure that people are comfortable. & that’s what hospitality is, isn’t it? Making people feel comfortable in a place they’ve never been with people they’ve never met. One of my favorite things that a guest has ever said to me is “we always feel special when we come here.” What a compliment?! Not to make it less special, but I hope everyone feels that way when they come to one of our restaurants.

On a more technical note, I love the cocktails & spirits & their histories. I love to read & learn & experiment. I love to taste things I’ve never tasted & introduced wacky things to adventurous (& not so adventurous) people.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Be on time. Be honest. Take care of yourself.

Contact Info:

• Email: jmoore@theindigoroad.com
• Instagram: JCMHTX
• Facebook: Jordan Lovemoore
• Twitter: JCMHTX

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