Meet Amanda McAuliffe

We were lucky to catch up with Amanda McAuliffe recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I would definitely say I get my work ethic from my father. He has worked so hard his entire life, mastering just about every skill he sets out to learn. He always says, “If one man could build it, I can figure out how to fix it.” He’s always taught me that I shouldn’t rely on anyone but myself, and if you want something, you have to work for it.
I started working at 16, and quickly realized that I take pride in every job I’m given. When I do something, I want it done right. My work is a reflection of myself. A bit of a perfectionist, most would say.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I opened my restaurant Lucky Pint Irish Pub & Kitchen on March 17th, 2025. We created our menu around authentic Irish comfort food, as well as the classics that everyone loves like hamburgers, wings, chicken, etc. We are heavily involved in the local music scene. We have Open Mic nights every Tuesday, Karaoke every Thursday, and live bands/musicians every Friday and Saturday. We host big parties and events for holidays. In the summer time, we have a huge patio with an outdoor bar and stage.
We are very involved in the community. We have taken and delivered donations on multiple occasions such as Back to School supplies, clothing for women’s shelters and the homeless, and Christmas presents for our Angel Tree. We have 3 pool tables, darts, and cornhole available to play. Our bar is completely separated from our main dining, so whether you want to drink, eat and watch sports in the Pub, or bring your family and have a cozy, quiet dinner… there’s something for everyone here.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Staying motivated and persistent is super important in entrepreneurship. It’s the fuel that keeps you going when things get tough, and they often do. It’s what I’ve found drives me to push through the hard days, stay focused on what is ahead, and to keep learning and adapting to the challenges. Without being so motivated to succeed, it’s easy to lose steam, especially when facing setbacks and uncertainty.
The balance between being empathetic while also authoritative is crucial when running a business. This means leading with both strength and understanding. Being authoritative ensures decisions are made efficiently and directions are clear, maintaining structure and productivity. Simultaneously, showing empathy – understanding and valuing your team’s perspectives and feelings – builds trust and loyalty. This combination fosters a positive work environment where employees feel supported and motivated, leading to better collaboration and success. It’s about being a strong leader who also genuinely cares about your team.
My experience working in customer service and the food service industry has played a huge role in my restaurant today. Over the last decade of my life, I have learned so many things from the various bars and restaurants I have worked. I’ve learned what to do, what not to do, how to handle certain situations properly, and so much more. Though, in this industry, you never know everything. You learn something new every day, but I think that’s why I love it so much.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge we are facing is getting ahead right now. We are only 9 months old, and with any new business, our overhead is huge. We are just starting to get established where we’re at, and business is growing – which is always a great thing! We’ve had to cut labor hours and costs on some things. But the more events, parties, and different things we host helps tremendously. By this time next year, I think we will be in a much better spot.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://macsirishpub.com
• Instagram: @mandymacsluckypint
• Facebook: @ Lucky Pint Irish Pub & Kitchen

Image Credits

Taylor Linkes Photography
Shot by Prum Ty Photography