South Carolina native Brittany Cabigao says her career path was a winding one. After graduating from the College of Charleston, she began teaching before shifting gears. A brief stint in real estate led her to Memphis, where she supplemented her income by working in restaurants.
Though real estate didn’t pan out, two other things did — she met her husband Ed, and they began building restaurant concepts. Today, the couple owns four restaurants with seven locations under the SOB Hospitality brand. Get to know the busy entrepreneur behind SOB Hospitality and our newest FACE of Memphis, Brittany Cabigao!
What is your role at SOB Hospitality?
That’s a hard question. I feel my role doesn’t fit under one job description! I mostly handle on-site and off-site events, vendor relations, donations, and all the little stuff that falls through the cracks.
How do you juggle the demands of four different restaurant concepts?
Each day looks very different, and I try to stay involved on a day-to-day basis to stay in the know. It’s easy to get out of the loop. Having amazing team members certainly helps!
What lessons did you learn along the way that have helped you become successful?
Build a team around you that you can trust so you can work on the business instead of in the business. This was so hard for me to grasp over the years. I am such a hands-on person when it comes to work, but my husband preached it so much that I finally got on board. It really does make a world of difference!
What do you love most about working in the restaurant/hospitality industry?
The people! We have amazing people working with us and many have become close friends. Some of my best friends are ones I met in the early days of SOB in 2009. I also love that every day looks different, so boredom is just not a part of our world. Our guests also become our friends, and we certainly could not do this without them!
What are some of your favorite menu items in your restaurants?
At SOB, I usually go for one of the bowls, like the Zaka or Shawarma bowl. At The Liquor Store, I love the breakfast tacos or the classic breakfast plate. Bangkok Alley — it’s so hard to choose, but Green Curry and Pad See Ew are probably my top two faves. My favorites at Hen House are the flatbreads and the birria grilled cheese. And the craft cocktails are insanely good.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
Probably on the soccer field. My son plays competitive soccer, which takes up a good bit of our time, but we love watching him play. Or I’m just out and about in our neighborhood, walking and playing. We have amazing neighbors!
If someone came to you for advice about opening a restaurant, what would you tell them?
Make sure your vision is solid, and don’t compromise. Take a leap of faith, but be prepared!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
From the book The Four Agreements (I highly recommend!) and something I try to work on every single day: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best!
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Coffee, traveling, and a great meal!
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