INTERVIEW: Larry Morrow On Expanding New Orleans Restaurants, Caribbean Cuisine, Work-Life Balance + More

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Larry Morrow

Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Larry Morrow On Expanding New Orleans Restaurants, Caribbean Cuisine, Work-Life Balance + More

1. Introduction and Guest Background

The episode opens with Angela Yee energetically welcoming listeners to The Breakfast Club, featuring hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and guest Larry Morrow, a prominent figure in the New Orleans restaurant scene. DJ Envy shares a personal anecdote about Larry assisting his 21-year-old son in attending the Super Bowl, highlighting Larry’s influential role in the hospitality industry (00:20).

2. Restaurant Portfolio and Concepts

Larry Morrow elaborates on his diverse portfolio of restaurants in New Orleans, each offering a unique dining experience:

Morrow's: Specializes in Southern cuisine, offering traditional New Orleans flavors.
Sun Chung: Focuses on Asian fusion, named in honor of Larry’s grandmother (03:21).
Morrow's Steak: A high-end steakhouse with a distinct ambiance.
Monday: Known for its brunch and outdoor dining atmosphere.

Larry introduces his latest venture, Spicy Mango, a New Orleans Caribbean fusion restaurant aimed at bringing an upbeat, Tulum-inspired vibe to the local scene. He emphasizes the blend of authentic Caribbean flavors with New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage (01:07; 03:23).

Notable Quote:
"Spicy mango. It's a new spot I'm opening up right there in Frenchman Street. It's called Frenchman Street. So Frenchman is like bourbon, but more local live music versus strip clubs and bars, like live music, restaurants." – Larry Morrow (01:07)

3. Family Business Dynamics

Larry discusses the dynamics of running a family-owned business alongside his mother and grandmother. While he cherishes the collaboration, he acknowledges the challenges of blending familial relationships with business operations. He shares how naming Sun Chung was a tribute to his grandmother’s journey from Korea to America, aiming to honor her legacy while scaling the business (04:04; 05:39).

Notable Quote:
"Working with my mom is definitely early on, she had to, like, it was, you know, we'll meet up at work, and she'll still think I'm her son, but mommy, business partner." – Larry Morrow (05:39)

4. Navigating the Restaurant Business During COVID-19

The conversation shifts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry. Larry recounts how the pandemic initially slowed business but ultimately motivated him to expand. In 2021, he opened Treehouse during Memorial Weekend, capitalizing on the surge in outdoor dining and making significant profits. This success spurred him to open multiple locations rapidly, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a challenging market (08:14; 08:29).

Notable Quote:
"Covid made everybody feel like they had to do something, do more. And, you know, now Spicy Mango. I'm finally getting to a point where we're about to open up due to just me not really understanding the industry and how much time and money it takes." – Larry Morrow (08:29)

5. Expansion Plans and Future Goals

Larry outlines his ambitious plans to grow his restaurant empire beyond New Orleans, with Houston being the next target for expansion. He expresses a desire to inspire the next generation of Black restaurateurs and to establish one of the largest Black hospitality groups in the country. While considering franchising and investment opportunities, Larry emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality and authenticity across all locations (10:00; 11:47).

Notable Quote:
"Ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of black, you know, restaurateurs, Black hospitality... building something that can take care of me and my family. You know, not just this generation, but the next one." – Larry Morrow (10:00)

6. Work-Life Balance and Personal Life

Balancing a demanding career with personal life is a recurring theme. Larry shares insights into his daily routine, which includes early mornings, gym sessions, and managing a five-year-old daughter. He discusses the challenges of ensuring quality time with his family while overseeing multiple businesses and hosting events at night. Despite the hectic schedule, Larry emphasizes the importance of consistency and prioritizing family time (13:00; 14:00).

Notable Quote:
"Everyday is a new day and we just. I'm just trying to figure out how to balance it, but I make it work, you know, Got to. And I have no other choice." – Larry Morrow (14:00)

7. Challenges and Experiences as a Black Restaurateur

Larry candidly discusses the unique challenges he faces as a successful Black man in the hospitality industry. He touches on societal issues, security concerns, and the additional scrutiny that comes with his success. This segment highlights Larry’s resilience and determination to protect his business and legacy despite external pressures and occasional confrontations (16:08; 18:31).

Notable Quote:
"Being a black man and successful young in a city where like New Orleans... you can sometimes be a target or just stand out." – Larry Morrow (16:46)

8. Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Larry provides updates on his upcoming restaurant, Spicy Mango, slated to open in May with a soft launch followed by a grand opening closer to June. He encourages listeners in New Orleans to visit his various establishments and hints at future expansions based on the continued success and stability of his current operations. The hosts express their appreciation for Larry’s contributions to the community and his entrepreneurial spirit (15:17; 19:45).

Notable Quote:
"Spicy Mango is about 30 to 45 days out. So sometime next month in May, we'll be opening soft. Won't really do a grand opening. Probably into June or closer to essence." – Larry Morrow (15:20)

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers an in-depth look into Larry Morrow’s journey as a restaurateur in New Orleans. From managing a diverse portfolio of restaurants and navigating the challenges of a family business to expanding amidst a pandemic and balancing personal life, Larry provides valuable insights into the culinary and hospitality industry. His commitment to inspiring future generations and his resilience in the face of societal challenges underscore his role as a pivotal figure in Black hospitality.

Key Takeaways:

Diverse Restaurant Concepts: Larry’s ability to cater to different tastes and atmospheres ensures his establishments stand out in a competitive market.
Family Collaboration: Balancing family relationships with business demands requires patience and adaptation.
Resilience During COVID-19: Larry’s strategic expansions during the pandemic highlight his entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability.
Future Ambitions: Aiming to inspire and lead within the Black culinary community while expanding his business footprint.
Work-Life Balance: Managing a successful career alongside family responsibilities is challenging but achievable through consistency and prioritization.
Overcoming Societal Challenges: Navigating the complexities of being a Black entrepreneur in the hospitality industry requires resilience and strategic thinking.

For those interested in the intersection of culinary innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural legacy, Larry Morrow’s story offers invaluable lessons and inspiration.

Timestamp Reference

<a name="timestamp"></a> Timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript segments and are provided to highlight where notable quotes and discussions occur within the episode.