About Larry

I grew up in this business. I know what it means to have your livelihood and your team’s future riding on getting it right.

My parents owned and operated restaurants and bars throughout my childhood and teenage years. Working beside them, I learned the day-to-day operation by doing the jobs myself. Those experiences taught me how much each person contributes and how quickly a problem in one part of the business can affect everyone else.

I went on to own and operate a 250-seat restaurant, a high-energy nightclub, and an outdoor tropical Tiki bar. We brought people together for dining, DJs, live entertainment, concerts, sporting events, celebrations, and community fundraisers. I loved creating a place people enjoyed and wanted to return to. Behind that experience were bills to pay, equipment to maintain, employees to lead, and decisions that were mine to make.

After selling my business and moving to South Florida, I founded Larry Make It Happen to help other owners, operators, and managers put experience into action.

Learning What Makes the Whole Business Work

When the DJ scheduled to perform couldn’t make it, I stepped into the booth without the experience or confidence I needed. I got through it, then came back when we were closed to practice. Over time, I developed an approach that worked for our guests and our business, and trained other DJs to deliver it.

That was one part of a much bigger responsibility. A packed dance floor could look like success while the bartenders stood waiting for someone to order. A promotion could bring in a crowd, but the team still had to deliver. Every piece needed to support the others.

“Don’t quit” was always part of my thinking. When something wasn’t working, I needed to understand why, learn what I could, and find a better way forward. I stayed curious, tested ideas, and kept learning from people who brought something valuable to the table.

Helping People Do Their Best Work

Some of my proudest moments came during busy shifts when the whole team came together. The welcome at the door, thoughtful recommendations, the kitchen keeping pace, coworkers helping each other, and guests leaving with plans to return. I wanted my employees to take pride in their work, earn well, and know they were part of something worth contributing to.

That required leadership from me. Clear expectations and accountability mattered, and so did listening and following through.

At one restaurant where I was brought in to help, a frustrated but capable kitchen team had been working without functioning air conditioning and with equipment that had been broken for months. I arranged the repairs, worked with the city to expand outdoor seating, introduced a new POS system, and replaced an outdated phone system. Those changes improved working conditions, helped organize the operation, and supported increased revenue and a better guest experience. The kitchen team chose to stay because their concerns were being addressed and they had the tools and support to do their jobs.

That experience reflects how I approach an operation: recognize what’s working, understand what people need, and address the problems that prevent them from delivering.

Staying Involved

I’ve continued building my knowledge through industry seminars, workshops, trade shows, and relationships with experienced professionals across the country. I’ve participated in panels at Nightclub & Bar Conventions and explored the details of leadership, service, promotions, music, and the guest experience.

I also maintained relationships with neighboring operators, including competitors. I wanted my business to succeed, and I was willing to help others when I could. Charity events, designated-driver efforts, and community involvement were part of how I operated. The relationships extended beyond the people sitting at our tables or standing at the bar.

What You Can Expect From Me

I start by listening and observing. You may know exactly where you need help, or you may sense that something isn’t working without knowing why. I want to understand your goals, what your team already does well, and where the operation needs attention. From there, we establish priorities and agree on the work that makes sense for your business.

I’m comfortable on the floor, working alongside your team and helping them put new practices into use. You can expect straightforward feedback, including an honest conversation when a management decision or habit is getting in the way. I also want to hear your perspective. Lasting improvement takes communication and follow-through from everyone involved.

My aim is to help you make money, save money, and protect the business you’ve worked to build.

That same commitment is behind my upcoming book for servers and bartenders. It draws on lessons about earning more, creating a better guest experience, working together, and handling the demands of the job. Seeing people develop their skills and succeed still gives me a great deal of satisfaction.

Tell me what you’re working toward and where you could use support. Let’s start with a conversation.

Cheers,
Larry Luttrell