Meet Nicholas LeMay of Chairs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas LeMay.

Hi Nicholas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started working for Corner Tavern back in 2009-10, and went from Server to General Manager. I had been looking to open my own place, so I was aggressively saving cash. I would rent out rooms in my place, which back then was the Sampson Street Lofts, and only eat the free meals when I get to work at 5pm. At one point after a few failed deals to open my own place, my boss was actively selling his first Corner Tavern in East Point. I took that opportunity with all the cash I had, along with an SBA loan. I started with nearly zero dollars in the operating account, and that was in 2016. Now we’re almost at the 10 year mark and still going!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nope. As I mentioned previously, from the beginning we started with zero dollars. I had a skeleton staff, and worked every job in the building when necessary. Ordering product was heavily scrutinized to the dollar, and intense frugality was crucial. Nearly all maintenance to the building and equipment were done by me; in fact, they still are.
Covid is also an obvious one that we all went through. Thankfully, there was financial help in that scenario, but we’re still recovering from some of that financial loss today.
Covid kicked off the inflationary period we’re still dealing with, and food prices are only continuing to rise. What gets us through, I think, are alcohol sales, that continued mindset of frugality, a very solid well trained staff, and self repairs – when you don’t have to call a plumber for every single issue, it adds up.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Chairs is a full service restaurant/bar.
A neighborhood watering hole with Southern-American-style comfort food.
It’s a place that we strive for people to feel comfortable in first, without having to break the bank.
What sets us apart is being genuine, and transparent, while also not taking ourselves too seriously.
That kind of genuine brand mindset is how we do good business with nearly 100% word-of-mouth marketing.
We also have arcade, 3 nine foot regulation pool tables, darts, foosball, bumper pool, and a covered patio.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
School of for snow days in Ohio.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chairsupstairs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chairsupstairs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChairsUpstairs/about/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBbBsM0pLuM