Imposter Group: How To Build A Successful Restaurant Group One Venue At A Time

Posted On November 13, 2024

Neil & Ed

irmingham food podcast breaking bread episode with Imposter Group directors Ed and Neil

Welcome To Breaking Bread Imposter Group Owners Ed & Neil

We break bread with Imposter Group directors Neil and Ed this week as they share their journeys to Birmingham, delving into the city’s thriving hospitality scene. Neil and take you behind the scenes of their awesome venues, places like Tiger Bites Pig, Trentina and The Church.

Who Are Imposter Group Directors Neil & Ed?

There’s a reason we eat; more than hunger, more than taste. It’s connection, camaraderie, survival. Some people get that, and some people are Neil and Ed. Two lads from Scotland and Grimsby—places known for their grit—who managed to bring a slice of themselves, a fierce loyalty to quality, and a bit of rebellion to Birmingham’s food scene.

Neil and Ed’s story isn’t just a tale of opening restaurants; it’s a test of resilience, skill, and a little madness. From early days in hospitality’s back alleys, enduring endless shifts and long nights, they’ve crafted their own narrative by refusing to play it safe. They’re not the types to settle, nor are they the types to shy away from taking risks, pushing boundaries, or wrestling with the pandemic. They’ve built the Imposter Group brand on two things: good food and a genuine, rough-around-the-edges hospitality you can’t fake.

Imposter Group Venues

Tiger Bites Pig, a joint that flips the script with bao buns that became iconic for locals. This was their first experiment in crafting a space that felt equal parts bar, and sanctuary. They leaned into their gut instincts and served what they loved. The Imposter Group team didn’t care about what the market dictated. It was about getting people through the door, around the table, and sharing something memorable. The same is true of their other adventures. Trentina, Txikiteo, Tierra and the legendary Church, are all a step up, sure, but rooted in the same no-nonsense approach to quality and community.

Imposter Group Struggles

When COVID hit. Like all restaurants, they were pummeled, but they didn’t break. They pivoted, reimagined, and fought tooth and nail for the survival of their places. They threw themselves into keeping the doors open and staff paid, balancing passion with the grim realities of the times. It was more than business; it was about preserving the city’s beating heart of independent food culture. Today, Neil and Ed’s venues don’t just feed you; they remind you why cities need places like these, where the food has a story, the owners have scars, and every meal is an invitation to be a part of it.

Watch Our Full Conversation

00:00 Welcome to Breaking Bread

00:10 From Scotland to Birmingham

00:38 First Impressions of Birmingham

01:06 Life in Edinburgh

04:32 Birmingham’s Transformation

08:18 The Rise of Cocktail Culture

14:13 The Burger Boom

15:09 Career Journey in Hospitality

17:54 Starting Tiger Bites Pig

30:03 Navigating COVID Challenges

45:50 Learning the Ropes of Interior Design

47:18 Challenges of Opening Tierra

48:11 Unexpected Hurdles and Quick Fixes

51:23 Navigating Equipment and Supply Issues

53:52 The Importance of Community and Collaboration

57:38 Reviving and Maintaining Venue Standards

01:03:21 The Unique Offerings of Txikiteo

01:07:31 The Art of Crafting Quality Food and Drink

01:26:15 Quick Fire Round: Personal Favorites

Links/Socials

Tiger Bites Pig- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_tigerbitespig/⁠

The Church- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechurchjq_/⁠

Tierra- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tierratacos/⁠

Trentina- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trentinajq/⁠

Txikiteo- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/txikiteo_/⁠

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