Meet Nick Esposito | Owner, Belle’s Nashville Kitchen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Esposito and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Without a doubt, the most important decision I’ve made is to have humility. Owning your own business brought so many aspects of things that I never really thought of when I worked for someone else. I learned very quickly that there are so many people involved in the success of a business, and you don’t realize this until those people aren’t there. When you are the owner of a small business, you become all of these people. On top of that, you are responsible for the financial success of all of the people that you employ. That in itself is a burden that most people never feel. I’ve learned that I don’t know everything, and asking people for help, while difficult at times, is key to growing my business. You have to take ego out of it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Throughout my career, I had worked at private country clubs and luxury hotels. When I decided to move to Arizona and become an owner at Belle’s, everything changed. As I had always put my staff and the culture I tried to create at the forefront of my management style, it became clear very quickly that there were so many aspects of the business that I wasn’t aware of. The hardest part of becoming a business owner was that I had no clue what it was like to be a business owner. It was, and still is, a massive learning experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m an avid golfer, and in Scottsdale, there is no shortage of phenomenal golf courses in and around the area, although in season, it might be a little more difficult to get a tee time. Troon North is absolutely my favorite course, although it can be a little pricey in the busy months. Zinc Bistro is always a go to for my wife and I, and we’ll hit up our favorite Italian restaurant, Tutti Santi as well. Visiting our neighbors, Rusty Spur, is always a great way to kick off a night in Old Town Scottsdale. Finished with a great cocktail and taco at Cien Agaves.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Belle’s Nashville Kitchen wouldn’t be what it is without our wonderful staff, as well as our musicians who play daily for us, creating the atmosphere that we want for our guests. Mike Haley, who is my good friend and business partner, has to be given the ultimate credit for creating Belle’s. I was lucky enough to come in after he had already put the ball in motion. We are proud to have Janel Alderman, our dedicated General Manager, who lives and breathes Belle’s. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of our business, and she does a fantastic job of continually creating an experience at Belle’s that we are so very proud of.

Website: https://bellesnashvillekitchen.com

Image Credits
Sydney McFadden
SM Food Photography