Riskier Not to Try: Hudson Terrell on Entrepreneurship, Food, & Finding His Path

Episode 7: Riskier Not to Try: Hudson Terrell on Entrepreneurship, Food, & Finding His Path

Episode Summary:
Launching a restaurant is never easy—especially during one of the most uncertain times in recent history. In this episode, we sit down with Hudson Terrell, the founder of Animal Farm and Gabagool Downtown, two of Columbus’s favorite restaurants. Hudson shares what it was like to open during the pandemic, the financial and personal risks involved, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership, culture, and creating spaces people love.

From tackling hood vents and historic building codes to redefining what “farm-driven” dining looks like in the South, Hudson’s story is one of resilience, vision, and grit. Whether you’re a foodie, entrepreneur, or someone curious about what it really takes to build a restaurant from the ground up, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why opening a restaurant is harder than keeping it open—and what changes once you’ve done it before.

• The unexpected challenges of working in historic downtown buildings.

• How Hudson pivoted Animal Farm’s concept from fine dining to approachable, farm-driven comfort food.

• The financial realities of running restaurants—margins, cocktails, and the importance of sales.

• Why low staff turnover at his restaurants comes down to culture, leadership, and opportunity.

• Hudson’s unique leadership journey, including lessons from John Maxwell books he had to read as a kid.

• Why he believes the biggest risks are often not taking risks at all.

• The truth about partnerships in business—and why Hudson avoids them now.

• How Columbus’s downtown food scene has grown, and the role restaurants play in shaping community.

• The importance of asking questions, seeking mentors, and learning from people ahead of you.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Sales heal all restaurant wounds.”

• “Risk isn’t always what you do—it can also be what you don’t do.”

• “Culture matters more than any recipe or cocktail list. People make the restaurant.”

• “If you’re opening a restaurant, take your budget and double it.”

Connect with Hudson:

• Visit Animal Farm and Gabagool Downtown in Columbus, GA.

• Follow along on Instagram for the latest menus, specials, and behind-the-scenes updates.

Thank you for tuning in to Fountain City Founders. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and join us for more insightful stories from Columbus’ entrepreneurial leaders. Document, Don’t Create: Jake Koehler on Lost iPhones, Found PurposeDocument, Don’t Create: Jake Koehler on Lost iPhones, Found PurposeRiskier Not to Try: Hudson Terrell on Entrepreneurship, Food, & Finding His PathRiskier Not to Try: Hudson Terrell on Entrepreneurship, Food, & Finding His Path