Mallory Chan

I attribute my success to the way I was raised—believing that nothing is given, everything is earned. That mindset has shaped how I show up every day, both for my team and my guests. In hospitality, success isn’t transactional—it’s built through genuine relationships, consistency, and the effort you put in over time. For me, it’s always been about earning every opportunity.

The best advice I ever received came from my sister when I was in college. She reminded me that while there’s a traditional path many people follow, it doesn’t mean it’s the right one for everyone—and if something doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to force it.

That perspective gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and create a path that truly aligns with who I am. Throughout my career, it’s been a reminder to stay authentic, to advocate for myself, and to make decisions that support my long-term growth and happiness.

I’ve learned that when you take ownership of your journey and believe in your direction, the right opportunities follow—and that’s where real fulfillment and success come from.

Be confident in your voice and don’t be afraid to take up space. This industry moves fast, and it can be easy to feel like you need to prove yourself before speaking up—but your perspective has value from day one.

One thing I always tell people is that if you feel uncomfortable, it usually means you’re growing. When you’re too comfortable, you’re standing still. So don’t talk yourself out of opportunities or think you’re not capable—you are. Don’t be afraid to take the leap, even if it feels intimidating.

Hospitality, and especially leadership roles, can still be very male-dominated. When I stepped into my role, I was often the only woman in the room. That taught me quickly that you have to put yourself out there, trust your voice, and not be afraid to step into spaces where you may not see many people like you.

Most importantly, don’t let anyone make you feel small. Advocate for yourself, because no one will push for your growth the way you can. Pour into yourself, recognize your own progress, and give yourself credit—you’ve earned it.

At the same time, great leadership isn’t done alone. Be a team player, stay open to collaboration, and always give credit where it’s due. Some of the best ideas come from your team, and recognizing that not only builds trust, it makes everyone stronger. When you lift others up, you grow with them—and that’s what creates lasting success.

One of the biggest challenges in hospitality right now is balancing rising costs while still delivering a consistent, high-quality guest experience. At the same time, staffing and retention remain ongoing challenges—but they also present a major opportunity.

There’s a shift toward more intentional leadership. When you invest in your team, create a strong culture, and provide opportunities for growth, it not only improves retention but elevates the entire guest experience.

There’s also a growing opportunity around brand and community. Guests are looking for more than just a meal—they want connection and experience. The restaurants that lean into that are the ones that stand out.

Ultimately, success in this industry comes down to adaptability—evolving with the challenges while staying grounded in great service and strong leadership.

Integrity, consistency, and accountability guide everything I do. I believe in showing up fully, following through, and holding myself and my team to a high standard.

I also value genuine connection—building strong relationships with my team, my guests, and the people in my life. That trust is the foundation of both personal and professional success.

Above all, I value growth. I’m always looking to learn, improve, and challenge myself.

Outside of work, I spend time with my supportive boyfriend and our recently adopted puppy, enjoy exploring new restaurants, and run a seasonal creative business designing customized ornaments. I also love farmers markets, festivals, and discovering new experiences around Atlanta whenever I can.