Today we’d like to introduce you to Mathew Baum.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to team sports, where the thrill of collaboration and working towards a common goal became an integral part of who I am. Growing up, I loved being part of something bigger than myself, where every play, every effort counted toward a shared victory. This passion for teamwork led me to play college soccer at the University of Kentucky, and later, I had the opportunity to take my game overseas, honing my skills and deepening my commitment to success within a team dynamic.
When my career in sports came to an end, I still felt a strong pull to be part of something where success was driven by collaboration and shared goals. I took that passion and applied it to managerial positions in a variety of industries. But it was in the service industry where I truly found my calling. I started my journey as a franchisee of a Brass Tap Franchise, where I learned the ins and outs of hospitality management, and focused on cultivating a team that delivered exceptional customer experiences.
With the knowledge I gained, I expanded my vision and began creating my own concepts, drawing inspiration from the world’s best hospitality experiences. Traveling to vibrant places and exploring incredible venues as a consumer allowed me to incorporate the things I loved into the spaces we built. That’s how Agave Bandido came to life—our unique, fun, and vibrant brand where every guest can come and experience something special.
What sets Agave Bandido apart is our exclusive incorporation of a SpeakTiki, Maya, into every location. It’s a feature we’re incredibly proud of and one that helps make our brand truly one-of-a-kind. Our goal is always to create an experience that’s energetic, memorable, and full of life, and I’m excited to see where we can take it next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never a “Smooth Ride”! In fact there is rarely a day in the year where its a smooth ride, you have to be able to roll with the punches and not get too high or too low. This industry requires you to be calm even when things appear to be spiraling at times. The calmness and composure are what get you through each day and it allows your team to see that you believe everything is going to be okay, so they believe everything is going to be ok. In some ways I believe in manifest destiny. You have to work hard, empower people and continue to try to improve.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
From the world-class murals painted by Ruben Ubiera to the handcrafted lighting fixtures from Mexico and custom woodwork, every detail is designed with the guest experience in mind. We create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that’s energetic, vibrant, and full of life. Every element, from the décor to the service, is carefully crafted to make every visit memorable, ensuring that every guest feels like part of something truly special. At Agave Bandido, it’s all about delivering an unforgettable experience, not just a meal.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My Father is my biggest mentor and advocate. My wife is the smartest person in my family and our in house attorney. My business partner and our COO Matt Faul is an amazing leader. We also have so many people from Pam Manhas our designer, Ben and Sabal designs for the woodwork and of course Ruben with the artwork. Im sure the list continues much further than you have time or space to report on!
Contact Info:
- Website: Agavebandido.com
- Instagram: @AgaveBandido
- Facebook: facebook.com/agavebandido
