What happens when you refuse to let a good restaurant quietly die?
In this episode of The Restaurant Coach Podcast, Donald Burns sits down with Madison Bree, a first-time restaurant owner who took a massive leap of faith by buying an existing restaurant in Michigan that still had a name… but was slowly bleeding out.
The restaurant was Kathy’s 126.
The reputation was there.
The energy, systems, and vision were not.
Instead of trying to “save” a dying brand, Bree made the bold decision to rebuild it from the inside out. She rebranded the concept into Madison’s on Main, reopened with clarity, structure, and standards—and the results speak for themselves. The restaurant has taken off since reopening, proving that survival is optional when leadership finally steps up.
In this conversation, Bree shares:
-
What it’s really like buying an existing restaurant with baggage
-
Why rebranding was non-negotiable for growth
-
The mindset shifts required to move from operator to owner
-
How working with a coach fast-tracked her progress and eliminated years of painful trial and error
-
How the TRC Method helped her build structure, confidence, and momentum instead of chaos
This episode is a must-listen for:
-
Aspiring restaurant owners thinking about buying an existing concept
-
Owners stuck “keeping it alive” instead of building something that thrives
-
Anyone who wants proof that coaching isn’t a cost—it’s a shortcut
Bree’s story is a reminder that thriving isn’t about luck.
It’s about standards, leadership, and having the right guide in your corner.
If you’re tired of surviving and ready to build a restaurant that actually works for you—this episode will hit home.
👉 If you want to see these kinds of results in your own restaurant, book a TRC Method Strategy Call (for FREE) with me personally at www.GrowMyRestaurantNOW.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS