We had the good fortune of connecting with TRACY RATHBUN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi TRACY, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
I firmly believe who you marry is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. Choosing your partner determines so much about how you live your life. My husband, Kent Rathbun, is a chef and has always been supportive and understood the demands of our industry. We work well as a team, and I believe that has helped our careers thrive throughout the past 25 years.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I call my life before opening Shinsei, my “previous life”. I working in the auto industry for just over 14 years. I began in sales and moved to management. The discipline and fortitude required to be successful in the automotive industry helped prepare me for the restaurant world. You learn to never give up and that each day starts fresh. We opened Shinsei in 2006 and have built and amazing team. Our second restaurant, Lovers Seafood and Market opened in 2017 and our third restaurant, Perch has been open just over 2 years.
The most important advice I could give someone is to build a strong team and trust them. Also, remember where you came from and take care of your customers. Without them, you are done.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would begin with drinks and apps at our home. We designed our home for entertaining and it’s less than a mile from Shinsie. Onto to dinner at Shinsei where we will have a variety of sushi. Then hop next door to the neighborhood institution ” the Inwood Tavern” for late night drinks.
The next morning we would have a little coffee and pastries at our neighborhood bakery, “Sugar and Sage”, then onto the Katy Trail for a long walk or walk our dogs in our neighborhood, “Bluffview”. We have wonderful trees and the homes are so interesting to look at around the hood. Lunch at our friend Greg Katz’s restaurant, Beverly’s for tasty meal.
Hopefully, catch a Mav’s game for head to Bob’s for a steak dinner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first real job in the restaurant industry was at a place in Austin called “Lakeview Cafe”, Craig and Jeannie Gatewood were the owners and I began waiting tables there in the mid-eighties. I was a baby…young, green and excited to learn. Craig took me under his wing and began teaching me hospitality. I know how to wait tables and was always friendly. Craig must have realized I understood the art of hospitality and took the time to work with me. I owe so much to his confidence in my ability and encouragement. I became and manager at Lakeview and left later to move to Dallas working for the Hyatt. I will never forget his faith in me.

Website: www. shinseirestaurant.com

Instagram: @porchic911

Image Credits
Scott Harben photographer, I have all rights

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