Meet the Management: Tara Imoto

You’ve heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and the same can be said for operating a restaurant. It is truly a team effort to ensure that our food and drinks are consistently mouth-watering, our staff are trained and knowledgeable and our guests receive the best possible service and experience. Tara Imoto is one of the many people that keep the restaurant running smoothly each day. Allow us to introduce you to our co-General Manager, Tara.

Tara joined our restaurant family in 2015 as a server turned bartender at our sister establishment, The FEED Co. Table and Tavern. After two years in the Southside, Tara was promoted to a key position (manager in training) at 1885 Grill in St. Elmo. Working closely with former general manager, Miguel DeJesus, she learned not only what it takes to run a successful restaurant, but how to manage different personalities and lead a team. While Tara may have been new to the business aspects of the restaurant industry, she quickly fell into her role and was promoted to assistant manager shortly after joining the team.

Fall 2022, Tara stepped up to the plate once again, this time partnering with Ashley Kirby to serve as co- general manager. Not only does she manage the restaurant, but Tara also oversees hiring servers, bartenders, and hosts, facilitates training, manages payroll and financial statements, all while fostering a fun productive environment. She is passionate about the latest dining trends and how she can introduce them to our guests.

In many ways, Tara has grown up with the restaurant- learning not just the art of managing employees but how to motivate them and effectively communicate in ways that resonate with each employee individually. “Managing people is a challenge. Not only am I continuing to learn my management style and growing in my position, but I am also doing so while adapting to the people and situations I encounter. I have learned that grace, with other people and with yourself, is critical.”

Born in Hawaii, Tara grew up in Clarksville and moved to Murfreesboro to attend Middle Tennessee State University. After graduating with a degree in sociology and archaeology, she moved down the road to the Scenic City to be closer to the adventures found in mountains and on the river. Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time with fiancée, (and FEED manager) Adam, and fur son, Gus. She also enjoys reading business books and is an avid aficionado of the Harvard Business Review.