We Asked: How Do You Run a Restaurant With Your Partner?

""Some things may be hard to say or hard to hear, but a constant line of honest communication ensures everybody is on the same page and resentment doesn't build. You can always work on things when you say them out loud, but keeping things to yourself, especially in a work environment, always manifests itself in unhealthy ways.""

""One thing we've learned is that saying 'Don't talk about business during quality time' isn't always realistic. Our work is our life—it's what we're passionate about, what excites us, and a huge part of how we connect with each other. Trying to separate it completely can feel forced and, honestly, unnecessary. A tip we'd instead share is: Don't treat each other like business partners; treat each other like partners who happen to run a business together. Use the deep knowledge you have of one another—the way your partner communicates, what stresses them out, how they receive feedback, what motivates them—to navigate business situations. When challenges come up, approach them with the same care, empathy, and respect you bring to your relationship. That perspective changes everything.""

Consistent, honest communication prevents resentment and allows problems to be addressed openly rather than festering. Expectations to fully separate personal time from work are often unrealistic for owners whose lives and passions are intertwined with their business. Partners should leverage intimate knowledge of each other's communication styles, stressors, and motivations to navigate business decisions. Addressing challenges with care, empathy, and respect preserves both the relationship and the operation. Prioritizing partnership over purely transactional roles fosters collaboration, resilience, and a healthier balance between operating a business and maintaining a personal bond.

Read at Eater