As a state legislator and restaurateur with more than 20 locations, Peake tells us how his business background helped prepare him for local government.
Allen Peake owns a dozen Captain D’s restaurants and nine Cheddar’s locations with one more on the way in Georgia.
How did you become a small business owner and why?
My background is a lot of being in the right place at the right time. I’m a CPA and was chief financial officer for a large restaurant company. I eventually became CEO of that large restaurant company after the partners and the large majority shareholder of that business decided to sell. I didn’t make enough money to retire, but it was enough to potentially make another investment. I was familiar with this restaurant called Cheddar’s. It looked very interesting, and so we put everything we had—me and one other partner—into opening up a Cheddar’s. And the first one was a home run.
What are some of the challenges you face as a small business owner, and how are you dealing with them?
The biggest challenge we have every day is finding good quality help. Particularly, the restaurant business is a very changing workforce. Fortunately, we’ve had managers that have been with us for 10 years or more. But, it’s always a challenge to ensure we have good quality people working for us, staying with us and hanging in there with us in this tough economic climate.
What could Georgia do better for small business?
It’s all about having that political environment that encourages low taxation, and less regulatory requirements, and provides an environment where businesses want to come to Georgia.
Why did you join NFIB?
I had gotten to know the NFIB folks at the Georgia state capitol as a legislator, and I knew they were fighting for issues that were important to me as a small business owner. I was eventually approached to join, and it made perfect sense for me.
How has your small business background prepared you for working as a legislator?
I went into politics because I felt like we needed strong business people with significant business experience running our state government and not just career politicians. I understand and know the struggles of a small business, and what those struggles are, every day. When we’re trying to find solutions to create a good economic environment for businesses, I live and breathe it. So, I think the real world can emphasize a political decision to impact our state.
How has NFIB helped you run your business?
I think they’ve helped in the big-picture battles that we face when it comes to local, state and federal bureaucracy, which I think is crucial to having a sustainable and growing business.
What do you like to do off the clock?
I love to play golf. I’m a scuba diver. I have three grandchildren. And I’m an avid runner.
