Meet Ciaran Gough: Founder

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

Hi Ciaran, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I think for many in the restaurant industry, the ultimate goal is to open your own place one day. I’ve had the good fortune of working in some fast pace growth vehicles, thus creating a lot of added responsibility and opportunity as my career evolved. I did not want those experiences to be left unchallenged, hence opening The 908 at Long Beach Exchange in 2019. I had a lot of pent up ideas and artistic expression that demanded liberation. My experiences were worth their weight in gold but that does not guarantee success unless you can hit the balance just right. Our aim was to pair all our operational experience with a design aesthetic that had a foothold in Long Beach’s ethos and culture. We created a footprint that is primed for proper execution, a menu that blends classic with nouvelle in a building that ultimately makes you feel good. I didn’t want to be lying on my deathbed wishing I would have taken the leap and opened my own restaurant. Although creating from scratch is daunting and it’s been one of the most challenging things I have ever done, it is also by far the most rewarding. To be able to watch our guests and employees laugh, joke, eat and enjoy each other’s company is quite precious. For others in the restaurant industry that are thinking about taking the leap, I would say – embrace it! My only word of advice is to ensure you have a sound business model first. At the end of the day it is a business of many moving parts and to put it simply, you need to be making money to continue.

What should our readers know about your business?
Created by a team of expert local restauranteurs, The 908 located at Long Beach Exchange in East Long Beach is a dynamic restaurant and bar that is committed to honoring the community it serves. At The 908, guests enjoy creative and elevated food and drink offerings inspired by the city they love, served in a welcoming atmosphere with the personal, friendly service you expect in a neighborhood eatery. Experience classic Californian cuisine with a Long Beach twist when you visit The 908 for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would of course take them to Long Beach Exchange! The 908’s patio is adjacent to the central location of LBX making it a great place to people watch while enjoying our delicious food. Aside from The 908, there are tons of small fast casual eateries and places to grab a drink along with boutique fitness concepts and essential shops and services. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shoutout my business partners who have helped to make The 908 possible – Ian Moston, Todd Miller and Juan Carlos Guerra! I’ve worked with this crew at other restaurants and when it came time to start something of our own, I knew I wanted them on my team.

Website: https://www.the908restaurant.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the908restaurant/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-908-long-beach