Chris Gannon. Founder of Bolay Ep. 11
In this episode of The Palm Beach Current, we sit down with Chris Gannon, founder of Bolay to explore the entrepreneurial journey behind one of South Florida’s fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant brands. From launching a health-focused concept rooted in bold flavors and customizable meals to scaling Bolay into a recognizable name across the region, Chris shares the lessons, risks, and mindset that shaped his path as a founder.
Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on his background in hospitality and how his family’s deep roots in the restaurant business influenced his approach to entrepreneurship. He shares what inspired him to create Bolay, why he saw an opportunity in the fast-casual wellness space, and the challenges that came with building a brand in an increasingly competitive industry.
We also dive into what it takes to scale a restaurant concept while maintaining quality, culture, and customer loyalty. Chris opens up about leadership, decision-making, hiring the right people, and how staying adaptable has been critical to Bolay’s growth. He also shares insights into the realities of entrepreneurship—the uncertainty, setbacks, and persistence required to turn an idea into a thriving business.
This episode highlights the intersection of innovation, hospitality, and resilience, offering a candid look at what it means to build a modern consumer brand in Palm Beach County and beyond. Chris’s story is one of vision, execution, and learning how to grow without losing sight of the original mission.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a restaurant industry enthusiast, or simply curious about the story behind one of South Florida’s most popular healthy dining brands, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration from a founder who built his business from the ground up.
Chris Gannon, founder of the fast-growing Bolay Restaurant Group, joins the Palm Beach Current to share the story behind building one of South Florida's most recognizable fast-casual brands. From sketching the original concept on the back of a napkin in an airport to expanding across Florida with 23 locations, Chris opens up about entrepreneurship, hospitality, leadership, and the relentless drive to keep improving.
In this episode, Chris talks about creating a restaurant experience centered around fresh, flavorful whole foods, building a company culture rooted in positivity and service, and why Palm Beach County has been the perfect place to grow both a business and a community. He also shares lessons learned from scaling a restaurant group, balancing innovation with consistency, and staying connected to customers through feedback and genuine hospitality.
Plus, Chris gives his favorite local restaurant picks, reflects on the evolution of South Florida, and explains why "having fun" is still one of the most important parts of running a successful business.
