The Big Interview

‘The customer is always right? That’s the biggest pile of shite I’ve ever heard’ – Jack McGarry of the Dead Rabbit, NYC

The maverick Irish founder of the world’s most awarded pub stands up for his staff, providing health insurance, education and a career path. But he has a zero-drinking policy, knowing only too well the addictive dangers of working in hospitality

Jack McGarry, managing partner of the Dead Rabbit: the hospitality sector will ‘chew you up and spit you out’. Picture: Bryan Meade

Despite being just 34 years old, Jack McGarry, managing partner of the world’s most awarded pub, New York-based the Dead Rabbit, has packed a lot in.

Speaking to the Business Post, McGarry candidly talks running, the hospitality sector, fatherhood and expansion plans for the company. Even his own struggles with alcohol addiction are up for discussion.

The hospitality sector is known for being difficult: staff work long, unsocial hours and tempers can be tested.

It ...