Ryan Stock shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Ryan, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My family. Most people naturally assume my primary focus is the companies I’ve been building, and of course, a significant amount of my time and effort each day goes into that work. But in truth, all of it is secondary to my family—and that’s what I’m most proud of.
My beautiful wife and I have our hands full with three little ones, and while it’s not without challenges, it’s the ultimate joy. I feel incredibly fortunate to be so blessed. Building a business is one of the hardest things you can do, but building a family—and guiding children to grow in all the best ways—is a challenge unlike any other.
I’m proud of the businesses I’ve built and excited for the ones still to come. But the real legacy I hope to leave behind is the beautiful family we’re building together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ryan Stock. I grew up in southern Ohio, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to and fascinated by kitchens, restaurants, and hotels. At my core, I’ve always been inspired by the art of hospitality. I began my career in the kitchen, cooking with the initial aspiration of one day becoming an executive chef. Most of my experience has been on the luxury side of the industry, working in top hotels and restaurants around the country. Over time, that passion evolved into building my own concepts and partnering with incredible chefs, bartenders, and creatives to bring new ideas to life.
Today, as the co-founder of Adept Hospitality and S&A Global, I’ve been able to fully embrace the journey of entrepreneurship. The companies I’ve founded serve as platforms to shape projects and ideas that range from intimate omakase counters like Sushi | Bar, to cocktail lounges such as Golden Sound in Nashville, to coastal restaurants like The Ellwood at Goleta Beach. Each one reflects a larger philosophy—that hospitality is about creating moments that feel personal, immersive, and unforgettable. At the heart of it, I believe success comes from finding unique ways to connect with guests, which ultimately leads to lasting relationships.
Looking ahead, I’m more excited than ever. There are a number of new projects and developments on the horizon, and I look forward to continuing to create memorable experiences for guests across the country.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Growing up in the Midwest was fantastic—I don’t think I would change anything about it if I had the choice. That being said, growing up as a child in a smaller community can create a certain mindset about what living a successful life means and how success is defined. Generally, it was believed that being successful meant following a clear, traditional path—get good grades, work hard, and climb the ladder. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I thought there was only one way to “make it.” Over time, I’ve come to realize that’s not true at all. In fact, as it relates to success as a founder, it’s anything but a clear-cut path.
Today, I know that entrepreneurship is about carving your own path, embracing risk, and often finding opportunity where others may not see it. Building something new and exciting requires significant trust and confidence in yourself and your ideas. Letting go of that childhood belief has allowed me to think bigger, take bolder chances, and create businesses and experiences that never could have existed if I had stayed inside the lines.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
One word: resilience. Resilience in a way that success never could teach. When everything is going well, it’s easy to believe you have the answers. But it’s in the setbacks—missed opportunities, failed deals, personal challenges—that you’re forced to dig deeper, adapt, and grow in ways you never expected.
Success can build confidence, but suffering builds perspective. It taught me humility, empathy, and the importance of perseverance. In both business and life, the hardest moments have been the ones that shaped me the most and prepared me to lead through uncertainty.
I often look back on my failures as some of the most critically important points in my life, and for that, I feel fortunate to have experienced them. There’s no question there will be more failure ahead in some form—but having the mindset to move forward, often in a stronger position, gives me exceptional confidence as well as a significant advantage for whatever the future holds.
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Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in hospitality is that it’s all about the product—the food on the plate or the drink in the glass. Don’t get me wrong, quality matters, but the real magic is in the experience: the ability to connect with guests in the smallest of ways and how that makes them feel. Our industry sometimes convinces itself that if you just have the best chef, the best bar program, or the most beautiful space, success will follow. The truth is, none of that lasts without genuine hospitality and connection.
We’ve all seen it, no matter where you live—a new restaurant opens with millions invested, the most stunning design, and really good food, yet it closes within 24 months. Meanwhile, the humble spot on the corner with uncomfortable chairs has a line down the block every day. When people feel a personal connection, that’s where they’ll always return.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
My parents are musicians, and no one in my family—or even in my extended family—had any professional connection to the hospitality industry. Early on, there was certainly nothing about “cooking” or “serving” in a restaurant that was seen as a long-term career option. But I’ve always felt confident that this is what I was meant to do with my life, and I feel fortunate to have never questioned it.
I’m often asked how I find the time to work as much as I do, and the truth is that I never feel like I’m working at all. Every day I wake up excited and enthusiastic about what’s ahead, and I genuinely look forward to diving into the projects or challenges of the day. To me, that’s the clearest example of being born to do something specific.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adepthospitality.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanstock13/
Image Credits
Garrett Smith, Kathy Tran, Sam Phen
