We were lucky to catch up with Adam Cunningham recently and have shared our conversation below.
Adam, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from the failures I’ve faced along the way as an entrepreneur. Staying positive is what allowed me to push through those tough moments and ultimately turn setbacks into progress. From grinding it out in a food trailer, to paying rent on an empty space for a year and a half, to hearing “no” over and over while trying to secure investors, to the delays of building out our Downtown Raleigh space during Covid, it’s been a journey. And while I’m not even 10 years into my career as an entrepreneur, some days I feel like a battle tested veteran. That perspective is what keeps me moving forward.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
What excites me most is the culture we’ve created at Longleaf Swine. When the team is supported and energized, that energy naturally flows into the guest experience. I believe optimism is contagious. When leadership models it, the whole team embraces it, and the result is a place people want to be.
Looking ahead, we’re planning another one of our bourbon dinners. Those have become a guest favorite. And we’ve got our eye on expanding to a second location in the Triangle area in the near future. A lot of exciting things are on the horizon for the Longleaf Swine family.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three things that have helped me most are resilience, adaptability, and leadership.
Resilience is everything. You’re going to face setbacks, delays, and a lot of “no’s.” The ability to push through and stay optimistic during those tough moments is key. You have to develop a mindset where challenges are just part of the process, not the end of the road.
Adaptability has been just as important. In this industry, things change fast: staffing, supply chains, guest expectations. Being able to pivot when needed without losing your core values will keep your business moving forward.
Leadership is what ties it all together. If you want to grow a business, you have to grow a strong team. That means learning how to listen, communicate, and create a culture where people want to give their best.
For anyone starting out: be patient, stay positive, and understand that it takes time to build these qualities. You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. Surround yourself with good people, stay humble, and keep learning.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
One book that really stuck with me is Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain. It’s an honest look at the food world. Not just the glamour, but the grind. What resonated most was his respect for craftsmanship: doing things the right way, even when no one’s watching, is what separates good from great.
He also had a way of reminding us that the heart of this business isn’t ego, it’s feeding people, creating moments, and building community. There’s a humility to that message that’s always stuck with me.
Another takeaway was how much this industry will throw at you and how adaptability and resilience are just as important as talent. That perspective has helped shape how I lead my team and approach the inevitable ups and downs of restaurant life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.longleafswine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LongleafSwineBBQ/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongleafSwineBBQ/
- Twitter: https://x.com/longleaf_swine
Image Credits
Trey Thomas
Anna Routh Barzin
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
