Today we’d like to introduce you to Corinthian Lyles
Hi Corinthian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve done so much and could talk for days about my journey, but today, let’s focus on my path as a restaurateur. If you’re interested, we can dive deeper into the full picture another time.
At 23, I packed my suitcase and left Atlanta for New York City, with no plans and a whole lot of ambition. I landed in Harlem at LaBodega 47, starting at the very bottom as a barback. It was there, amidst the hustle and energy of the city, that I discovered my passion for the restaurant industry. Learning the art of crafting cocktails, I quickly worked my way up to become a bartender. This was just the beginning.
Within three months, I set my sights higher and applied for a server position at the Sugar Factory in Manhattan’s trendy Meatpacking District. I excelled quickly, becoming the top server on staff and soon moved into management. Though my time as a manager lasted only 4-5 months, I took on the role of corporate trainer, traveling to open two new locations for the brand before returning to my original store. But I realized I had hit an income ceiling, so I made the bold decision to step back and return to serving.
It was during this time that I began exploring entrepreneurship. Drawn to the emerging world of cryptocurrency and the Forex market, I joined a network marketing opportunity and started building my business while mastering the skill of trading. With this newfound passion, I moved back to Atlanta, where I continued to build my network and forge relationships with leaders from around the country.
In late 2019, Sugar Factory asked me to help open a new Atlanta location. I jumped at the chance, and within just 3.5 months, I was promoted to general manager. I ran the store throughout 2020, but by October, another opportunity knocked on my door. A partner from the franchise invited me to help launch a seafood restaurant in New Haven, CT, called Doc’s Baja Surf Shack. I successfully raised $150,000 for Doc’s and secured another $50,000 for a second project in College Park, Atlanta, called Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles. Now, I was not just managing—I was an owner and operator.
Though my involvement in Johnny’s was brief, I played a key role in shaping the concept and refining its operations. Meanwhile, I ran Doc’s during the challenging days of COVID-19, but despite our best efforts, we had to close the doors after seven hard months.
Just two months later, another call came—this time, an opportunity to acquire Dive Bar in Buckhead, Atlanta. I couldn’t resist. I raised the capital and acquired the business in September 2021. Since then, I’ve successfully operated Dive Bar while also launching a business consulting firm, a credit repair company, a rental car company, and several other ventures.
From arriving in New York with nothing but a suitcase and a dream to owning and managing multiple businesses, my journey has been a whirlwind of risk, resilience, and relentless pursuit of growth. And trust me, the story is far from over.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entrepreneurship has never been a smooth road for me. I’ve opened and closed a restaurant, lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in various ventures, and sacrificed friendships and relationships along the way. The hardest part has always been staying consistent and positive through all the trials and tribulations.
Most people would have folded under the pressure I’ve faced, but I chose to view every setback as a lesson. I believe in failing fast, and I’ve certainly done that throughout my career. Each failure has given me invaluable experience, sharpening my business acumen and deepening my knowledge far beyond what most people encounter.
But through all the highs and lows, my journey has blessed me with the opportunity to help others. I’ve become a trusted guide and a calling card for many who need support on their own paths. Every challenge has shaped me, every failure has fueled my growth, and every step forward has allowed me to be there for others as they navigate their own journeys.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Lyles High Enterprise is a business operations consulting firm that specializes in restaurants, bars, nightlife, and hospitality—but I’m not limited to just those areas. I help businesses create efficient systems and solidify their foundation, allowing them to focus on growth and scaling.
My focus is always on the quality and efficiency of the service or product, and I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built for delivering results. This reputation consistently brings me new clients and partners through reviews and recommendations. I work with all types of restaurants and various other businesses, helping them achieve their full potential.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve always been the biggest risk-taker in my circle of friends. I’ve tried and seized more opportunities than most people even think about. There was a time in my life when I craved new experiences and knowledge, driven by the belief that the younger I was, the more I could afford to take chances.
So, I did just that. I dove headfirst into every opportunity, and those risks allowed me to experience so much in business and life across a variety of industries, each with its own unique perspective. This journey made me more versatile and adaptable, opened my mind to the world beyond my comfort zone, and taught me to embrace being different.
Every risk I took has shaped who I am today, giving me the confidence to explore without fear and the wisdom to navigate the unknown.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamcorinthian
