We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Barnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mike, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up right here in Denton. I went to Denton High School and the University of North Texas. I remember eating lunch at Denton Independent Hamburger as a kid, and later as an adult. It has always been my favorite hamburger joint. The older I got, the more I thought to myself – there should be one of these restaurants in every town in America. In 2000 I got married and moved to New York City, where I worked in hotel management. In 2004 we moved to Boise, Idaho. In 2014 we moved back to Denton. I helped my good friend Seth Morgan start Denton County Brewing Company, and soon after got wind that Kim Kitchens was considering selling Denton Independent Hamburger. I almost immediately set up a meeting Mr. Kitchens. He had owned the company since 1980, and I had long admired his concept and work ethic. Over the course of a couple months we negotiated a deal for me to take over. That was over five years ago.
My ultimate goal is to franchise this wonderful concept throughout Texas and beyond.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I waited tables in college, while I earned a degree in Financial Planning. I worked in finance for less than two years, because I could not stand sitting behind a desk. I got into the golf business, where I became a teaching pro. Six years later I got married and moved to New York City, where I worked in hotel management while my wife attended graduate school at NYU. In 2004 we moved to Boise, Idaho to be closer to her family in Oregon. We set out for Idaho with no jobs, no prospects, just the desire to live in Boise – an awesome city. There I landed a gig managing two car washes, and later opened a pizza shop on the side. We moved back to Denton in 2014. I mentioned earlier how I came to own Denton Independent Hamburger. I would say my diverse background benefits me in many ways. I have learned from many mistakes over the years. I think the key is to not let failure discourage you from taking the next shot. The only way to truly fail is to quit.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would of course have lunch at Denton Independent Hamburger. Then I would probably take him downtown to see all the cool places on and around the square. We would hit happy hour at Denton County Brewing Company, and later grab dinner at one of the many good restaurants downtown. The next day we would likely play golf at my favorite course in Denton County – Bridlewood Golf Club in Flower Mound. The next day I might take him to Ray Roberts Lake for some great fishing.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mentor in the restaurant industry is Mel Knight of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop fame. I helped him open a steakhouse back when I was still in college, and we have been friends ever since. Mel has done just about everything in the restaurant business. He has always been generous with his time, acting as a sounding board on numerous occasions.
Website: www.dentonindependenthamburger.com
Instagram: dentonburgerco
Twitter: @dentonburgerco
Facebook: Denton Independent Hamburger Company
Image Credits
Mike Barnett