When chef and proprietor Carl Redding decided to establish the Harlem restaurant named after his grandmother, Amy Ruth’s in 1999 he didn’t foresee it becoming a multimillion-dollar company that he would one day no longer lead. Yet, that is exactly what happened when he was forced to sell the restaurant four years ago due to financial mismanagement, which led to tax debt. After relinquishing power Redding made two more efforts in the culinary business with Ruthie Mae’s in Englewood, NJ, which lasted only seven months, and Doc’s, a take-out soul food spot in Harlem that was also short-lived. These disappointments may have convinced any other entrepreneur to quit but it only made Redding’s resolve to succeed stronger. Finally, he has managed to do just that with Redding’s, a popular soul food attraction in Atlantic City, NJ that recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Mr. Redding’s latest achievement wasn’t easy and now he shares with BlackEnterprise.com his most significant tips for any businessperson intent upon making a comeback. —Souleo
