Charlie Theros' restarant genes can be traced back three generations. His grandparents co-founded Taxi Lunch Cafe in Columbia Heights 67 years ago and later the James Broiler in downtown Minneapolis. His father, Jimmy, opened Rudolph's in 1975, and Charlie logged countless hours washing dishes, waiting tables and tending bar. When it came time for college, Charlie decided to study restaurant mamagement at the University of Texas in Houston.
When Jimmy, 74, decided to retire five years ago, Charlie stepped into his father's shoes. He didn't tinker with the family barbecue recipe, but he did transform the Uptown spot into a popular nightlife destination, thanks to a more aggressive happy hour and live DJs. Last year, Charlie became owner of another restaurant - the St. Clair Broiler - after his father's cousin, also named Jimmy, decided to retire.
"I love everything about the business and don't want to do anything else," he says.