Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Moshakos.
Hi Amber, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Amber Moshakos
Amber Moshakos was born and raised in the hospitality business. As the daughter of Lou and Joy Moshakos, prolific restaurateurs and founders of LM Restaurants, Amber grew up in restaurants—first spending time at her parents’ Seafood Shanty in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and later working shifts as a teenager at the family’s Miami Subs franchise in Raleigh, North Carolina.
She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Business from NC State University before officially joining the family company. Her early focus was on the expansion of LM Restaurants’ flagship brand, Carolina Ale House. Amber later earned her Master of Management in Hospitality from Cornell University in New York, while remaining actively involved in the business.
Today, Amber serves as President of LM Restaurants, a Raleigh-based hospitality management company founded by her parents more than 40 years ago. The family-owned company designs, develops, builds, and operates award-winning restaurants across the Southeast. In her role, she oversees overall operations and senior leadership, while also guiding LM Restaurants’ business development and strategic initiatives, including vendor negotiations, real estate transactions, marketing, restaurant construction, and design.
Under her leadership, LM Restaurants has continued to grow its portfolio, which currently includes 10 unique brands, with the second Lucky Fish location recently opened in Dania Beach and Lucky Lou’s Raw Bar slated to debut in October as the group’s 11th concept. LM Restaurants also owns Flying Olive Farms, an import company specializing in Greek olive oil and wine.
Amber is deeply engaged in both industry leadership and community service. In 2019, she served as Chair of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) Executive Committee and most recently helped lead the search for its new executive director. She has also served as Vice-Chair of the NCRLA Executive Committee, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, and Chair of the North Carolina Hospitality Education Foundation (NC HEF).
Nationally, she is serving her first term on the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association and sits on the Executive Committee, helping to shape strategy and champion initiatives that strengthen the prosperity of the restaurant industry.
Amber’s community involvement extends to numerous causes, including the Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness, the NC State College of Education’s Advisory Board, Activate Good, No Kid Hungry, Habitat for Humanity, and the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation.
Her leadership and impact have been recognized with several awards, including the Triangle Business Journal’s Women in Business Award in Family Business and its 40 Under 40 Award in 2018.
Amber lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Tyler, and their four young children.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“Growing up in a family business has been both a privilege and a challenge. On one hand, I had the opportunity to learn by watching my parents lead and grow the company with integrity, grit, and an incredible work ethic. On the other hand, stepping into the business meant learning its many angles —everything from navigating real estate negotiations to understanding how culture and hospitality shape our success.
One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to balance respect for the legacy my parents built with bringing my own perspective and ideas to the table. In a family business, decisions aren’t just business—they’re deeply personal. It took time, humility, and a lot of listening to learn how to navigate that dynamic. There are still a lot of deep discussions around our family dinner table.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LM Restaurants?
At LM Restaurants, our mission is to create unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate hospitality, quality, and connection. We design, build, and operate restaurants that bring people together, nourish communities, and reflect the vibrant spirit of the Southeast.
We believe the hospitality business is the most fun you can have as a professional—and we envision a future where every restaurant we open becomes a true gathering place. Our vision is to grow thoughtfully and sustainably, building brands that resonate with local communities while carrying forward our legacy of exceptional food, warm service, and meaningful relationships.
Our values encompass our mission to nourish our communitys:
Hospitality from the Heart – We treat every guest and team member like family, creating an atmosphere of warmth and genuine care.
The Opa! Factor – Inspired by our Greek heritage, we bring joy, energy, and celebration to everything we do.
People First – We believe our people are our greatest strength and are committed to providing opportunity, growth, and a living wage.
Community Commitment – We give back to the communities we serve through service, philanthropy, and partnership.
Excellence with Integrity – From the kitchen to the boardroom, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality, transparency, and respect.
Creativity & Fun – We embrace innovation, resourcefulness, and playfulness to keep our brands fresh, relevant, and full of life.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
A surprising fact about Amber Moshakos is her deep love of gardening, a passion she inherited from her father, who grew up on a farm in Greece. Just as she finds joy in nurturing plants from seed to bloom, Amber views her role in hospitality as a way to nourish communities—cultivating spaces where people can gather, connect, and thrive. For her, gardening and restaurants share the same core truth: both require patience, care, and a belief that when you invest in growth, you create something that feeds others in meaningful ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LMRest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lmrestaurants
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LMhospitality
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amber-moshakos-9948934/
Image Credits
LM Restaurants
