TKO Malley’s Sports Café in Scituate, Mass. has been winning round after round since they entered the culinary ring back in 1994.

“It’s a knockout restaurant with knockout views and knockout food,” says General Manager Rich Lenahan.

But the fun, food and ambience of the 140-seat restaurant on the harbor did not just happen by chance. It has honed itself into a lean, mean fighting machine. One that stands the test of time, competition and other challenges.

Lenahan explains in this week’s brief Q&A with Recipe for Success @ Boxerbrand.

Q: How did TKO Malley’s Sports Bar emerge on the restaurant scene?

It was the owner’s lifelong dream to start a sports bar. TKO means technical knockout, and the Irish name Malley was his wife’s maiden name. It was started in 1994 in the old Harborview Restaurant and Grog Shop, which was one of the oldest buildings in town.

Q: How have you attracted customers all these years?

The biggest feature is location, location, location. Being on the water, we have one of the best views in town. Add to that our good food, some pub favorites like our gold finger pizza, boneless buffalo wings and burgers, and we keep the place hopping.

Q: What’s your biggest challenge?

Nowadays it’s the minimum wage going up — it hurts. In addition, we have challenges with insurance to overcome. And there’s always the competition of staying ahead of the next guy. In the summer, we have to triple our staff in order to keep up with demand. We hire a lot of younger people who have to learn the work ethic. But once they learn, it’s all good.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who dreams of opening their own restaurant?

Be prepared to work very hard. I think a lot of people imagine they can just open up a restaurant and be a success, having no idea the number of hours it will entail. Running a successful restaurant is like holding a tiger by the tail. You have to have the right temperament for it. — TKO Malley’s Sports Café uses Boxerbrand Menu Cover products in its table presentation. Thank you!