Nick Reader has lived in Tampa since he was five, when his family moved from Chicago. Over the years, he has watched the city evolve from a small Gulf Coast town into a global destination—especially in the food scene he now helps shape as chief executive officer of Tastes Pretty Good, the hospitality group behind Rocca, Streetlight Taco and Bar Terroir. Upcoming concepts include White Wolf, Bar Spuntino, Carnivore Club, Lumbre and Kingfish.
My dad owned a coffee company here in Tampa, and my mom worked as a real estate broker. Both were entrepreneurs in their own way, which definitely influenced my early interest in business.
Some of my fondest memories are centered around food and football, the two things that really defined happiness in our family. We always had people over for big meals and to watch games, and there was this incredible sense of community and joy in the middle of a pretty crazy world. I’ve been really lucky to build a career in the two industries that meant so much to me growing up.
I first started working in restaurants to help pay my way through high school and college. Those early experiences opened my eyes to the power of hospitality. I saw how food and service could genuinely change someone’s day and how meaningful it felt to be part of that. Working in the dish pit and behind the line gave me deep respect for people in this industry—their work ethic, pride and passion.
My biggest supporters have always been my wife and my parents. I met my wife, Melanie, when I was 15, and she has been my rock ever since, always encouraging me to chase ideas no matter how ambitious. My parents were the same way. Even when money was tight, they made sure family and friends were cared for and that there was always food on the table to share. They showed me the importance of generosity, community and time with loved ones—values that have shaped how I approach life and hospitality.
The last few years have taught me how challenging the restaurant industry can be. Managing people is never without difficulties, but the ability to positively impact someone’s life is incredibly inspiring. My favorite part of this industry is creating opportunities for anyone who comes in with a great attitude and work ethic.
I never thought I could create more than 2,000 jobs across our restaurant ventures and provide opportunities for so many hardworking people. That’s what keeps me going. I owe a lot to Coach Ciao for believing in me. Teachers and coaches can change lives, and I strive to do the same.
The biggest item on my bucket list is really about mindset: enjoying the little moments rather than focusing on end goals. I want to simplify life, be thankful and be a positive force for people around me.
Besides work and family, I like spending time at my local gym, Diesel Optimization, or in Utah living out my wannabe cowboy dreams. My greatest extravagance is my collection of cowboy hats and boots from Burns 1876 in Park City.
If I could wake up tomorrow with any skill, it would be the ability to be unconditionally happy for others. My dad does this effortlessly, and I admire that mindset.
When I think about my impact, it’s less about what I still have left to accomplish and more about ensuring I don’t mess it up. Along with my partners Jack, Greg and Bryce, we’ve worked to leave a love letter to Tampa’s culinary scene that will resonate for generations.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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