20qs
Steele Platt
08.29.12
We asked 20 Questions with Steele Platt, founder of the Yard House. Today is a big day for Steele Platt; it’s the last day of living and breathing the Yard House, a concept he founded 18 years ago that focuses on delicious food, classic rock and up to 250 taps of imported, craft and specialty ales and lagers. There are more than 40 Yard House restaurants in 13 states, and more are opening soon. We were fortunate enough to ask the wildly successful local businessman what this day is like.
1. You wrote a business plan in 1994 called "The Yard House" while bartending in Huntington Beach. Now the Yard House sold to Darden Restaurants for $585,000,000 and you're last day with the company is Wednesday. How does that feel?
I personally feel a sense of accomplishment and that a specific goal in my life was achieved and that was to create a national brand restaurant. I had that goal in my freshman year in college going to restaurant school at the University of Denver. In a way it is surreal in that it seemed like only yesterday the first Yard House opened in Long Beach in 1996. Time has really flown by so fast. But there are now definite bookends on this chapter in my life. Other than that I am so proud of all the Yard House employees who worked so hard over the past 17 years to make the brand so successful. I will miss waking up and going to sleep "Yard House" everyday.
2. What will you miss the most about the Yard House?
I loved the day to day business, the emails, the phone calls, etc. Everyday there was something happening - new locations, design, new menu items, making a new music playlist. It will seem very strange for me to wake up now and have absolutely nothing to do with Yard House like I have been doing the past 18 years.
3. What's next on your to do list?
Pretty much just do nothing other than focus on working out, playing more golf, and traveling between my homes. I am sure something new will present itself in the not to distant future.
4. What’s your most prized possession?
I don’t know if it’s a "possession" but my most prized person is my 9 year old son.
5. Fantasy purchase?
I have purchased everything I have ever wanted.
6. What can’t you live without?
My daily dose of classic rock music - it plays constantly at my house.
7. Favorite drink?
An ice cold beer - of course.
8. Biggest regret?
That I didn't start the Yard House sooner in my life to have enjoyed it more being younger.
9. Cause that you’re most interested/involved in?
I would like to start sharing with young people what it takes to accomplish and succeed in one's personal goals. I am thinking of speaking in front of schools and organizations to help translate this thought process and try to help get the younger generation a little more motivated in doing more - like our parents and their parents did to make this country what it is (or was). My favorite saying is to wake up each day and hit the reset button - start the day like it was the "first" day.
10. Your dream day in Orange County?
I love playing golf and enjoying the ocean, driving up or down Pacific Coast Highway and stopping by all of the great places OC has to offer.
11. Favorite place for breakfast?
I am not a big breakfast guy and mostly start off the day with a cup of coffee at Starbucks in Crystal Cove.
12. What was the best day of your life?
When my son was born. I was the first person he touched when he grabbed my finger.
13. Last concert that you went to?
Maroon 5 in Lake Tahoe.
14. Favorite vacation spot?
Maui.
15. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you like to move?
I currently live in Crystal Cove, La Quinta, Couer D’Alene, Idaho, and Aspen, Colorado so I do not think there could be a somewhere else.
16. Favorite books?
I really have not had time to read any books in the past 17 years - but that is on my "to do" list.
17. Favorite restaurants (besides the Yard House) in Orange County?
Mastro's Ocean Club in Newport Beach, 370 Common in Laguna Beach, Bluefin in Newport Beach, Gulfstream in Newport Beach, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse at Fashion Island, and The Winery Restaurant in Tustin.
18. Biggest accomplishment?
Overcoming my personal bankruptcy in 1994 by starting over and creating the Yard House.
19. What’s your biggest fear?
The next presidential election.
20. Secret most people don’t know about you?
Hot dogs are my favorite food.
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