Meet Adonis Graham | Entrepreneur – Hospitality Industry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adonis Graham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adonis, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing about the hospitality industry that outsiders are unaware of is that there are so many factors that play a role in the day-to-day operations. We are in an industry that is working with individuals of all walks of life coming to work with us for various reasons, all while maintaining structure in an industry that isn’t traditionally run by structure unless it is or has a corporate feel. This is along with upholding a quality of service to keep your guests satisfied and returning for more, all while running the necessary numbers to produce profits and maintain a good standing with all legal parts of any business. Many don’t realize that there is just as much work being done outside of the hours of operations as there is going on during them. Because of that there must be a hands-on approach when opening a hospitality business in all areas. Solutions must be provided for various areas of the business that will impact the business in a positive manner while focusing on putting the guests first.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The business that I currently own with my business partner Bronson Gutierrez is FAO HTX. An arcade/speakeasy style bar located in Midtown, at 2303 Smith Street on the third floor. We originally acquired this space in July of 2019 and remodeled to open a concept late December of 2019. Unfortunately, this was right before covid, and we were forced to close our doors for an extended amount of time. During this time period we came up with a new concept that we now know as FAO, For Amusement Only. Covid was a humbling and learning experience on many of levels, but we were committed to creating a concept that would have a positive impact in the industry. We centered the concept around human interaction and being welcoming for all walks of life. We want our guests to feel comfortable when they enter FAO and not pressured to indulge in drinking because of the environment we provide. This helps groups of different backgrounds be able to socialize. This space is made for fun time.

What has set us apart from other venues is that we are hyper focused on the details. From the overall layout, what games we offer and their positioning, the drink menu and what we offer, events and partnerships, and even the structure of our training. We aim to maximize the capabilities FAO has to offer, all while being versatile and open to many opportunities.

We are most proud of what has come from our efforts to bounce back from covid and come up with this type of concept. With a competitive market, to make it 3 plus years now has been a blessing filled with many learning curves.

My business partner and I both entered the industry in 2008, and met in 2011 while working at a Houston, Midtown staple: Pub Fiction. Ever since we first met, we knew we would eventually open our own venue. In 2019, we were presented the opportunity to take over the concept, 3rd Floor. This ironically was a venue in the same building where our friendship started, so it was full circle and a no brainer.

None of this journey has been easy, but our paths to stay committed to the process of working in every position offered in this industry has helped us gain the necessary knowledge to lead our staff in a competitive industry and market. Our experience is what has given us the confidence to trust our process and continue to focus on doing the right things when it comes to operating our business. The knowledge and accumulated experiences are what got us this far, and us being open to innovation and pivoting in this industry is an important part of our journey. This must be done all while maintaining the basic operations that are built into the foundation of the business.

We have learned many things, but one major lesson we have learned is that as operators, we can’t rely on just opening the doors to keep you in business. There are already a number of moving pieces when opening a bar, but now with the advancement of technology and gaining exposure, there is so much more that must be done to bring in and keep new business, all while maintaining a good relationship with your existing guests.

We want everyone to know that FAO is a brand created by bartenders turned bar owners. We have over 30 years of experience combined working in the hospitality industry and take pride in providing hospitality. We are humans and will make mistakes, but our ultimate goal is to set the example for how venues could be run from top to bottom. The focus is to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all walks of life. Everyone in this industry is providing a service, but here at FAO we pride ourselves on the hospitality provided to everyone that takes time to visit us. We want people to have enjoyable experiences that they remember and share with any and everyone they come in contact with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were visiting Houston, here’s my curated list of must-try spots, activities, and experiences:

Food & Drink Recommendations
• Space Cowboy – Check out their event calendar for fun weekly happenings.
• Soma Sushi – A fantastic spot for happy hour sushi.
• Soto Sushi – A newer sushi restaurant making waves with exceptional customer service.
• Avalon Diner – A classic Houston staple for breakfast.
• Eddie V’s – A seafood and steakhouse known for its consistent quality over the years.
• El Tiempo Cantina – Perfect for a Tex-Mex fix.
• Bollo Woodfired Pizza – A go-to Italian spot that never disappoints.
• Anvil Bar & Refuge – A cocktail bar renowned for its precision and creativity.
• Truth BBQ – One of Houston’s most iconic BBQ spots, serving tender brisket and mouthwatering sides.
• The Pit Room – A staple for smoked meats, creative tacos, and a true Texas BBQ experience.

Entertainment & Nightlife
• Explore Midtown, Downtown, and The Heights entertainment districts for their unique vibes and diverse bar concepts. Each area offers a mix of lively energy, craft cocktails, and a variety of atmospheres.

Outdoor Activities
• Buffalo Bayou Park – Perfect for biking, jogging, or a leisurely stroll with stunning views of downtown Houston.
• Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou – Rent a kayak and explore Houston from the water.
• The Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park – A historic underground reservoir that offers unique art installations and tours.
• Hermann Park – Great for a walk, paddle boating on the lake, or visiting the McGovern Centennial Gardens.
• Discovery Green – An urban park offering outdoor yoga, seasonal ice skating, and live music.

Cultural and Creative Experiences
• Seismique – A futuristic, immersive art museum filled with vibrant lights, interactive exhibits, and Instagram-worthy installations.
• The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) – Home to a world-class collection of art from all over the globe.
• The Houston Museum of Natural Science – A favorite for its stunning dinosaur exhibits and planetarium.
• Color Factory – A fun, interactive museum with playful, colorful installations that engage all your senses.
• Houston Botanic Garden – A beautiful outdoor space to explore themed gardens and exotic plants.

These spots combine the best of Houston’s food, culture, nightlife, and outdoor adventures to make any visit truly memorable!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One person I would like to dedicate this shoutout to is my mother, Constance White. She has been my biggest supporter all of my life. Leading by example and always encouraging me to put my best foot forward in everything that I am doing. She’s there to celebrate the wins and help me find the learning experience in my failures. I value our conversations in more ways than one and am extremely grateful for her in my life. We love you mom and thank you for everything you have done for us and those that have come into our lives.

Website: Faohtx.com / theabeffect.com

Instagram: @adonismgraham / @faohtx / @the_abeffect