New Günter Hans owner keeps focus on 'what people already love'
The same food, drinks and ambience remain at Günter Hans European Pub and Café after ownership transferred to Morgan Wright from original owner Lydia Melton.
Wright, 25, assumes the position at the same age Melton was when she decided to open the restaurant nine years ago at 7 Hitt St.
"This restaurant was part of the reason that I fell in love with Columbia," Wright said.
The idea of shifting ownership has been in Melton's mind for over a year, but the details and logistics that went into selling the business ultimately drew out the process, she wrote in an email to the Tribune.
"Looking at our family, we realized how much our lifestyle had changed in 10 years. Between kids and getting older, we realized Günter Hans needed different leadership to reach its next level," Melton wrote of herself and her husband. "In thinking of people that would be great, Morgan immediately came to mind."
Wright previously worked as Melton's food service representative at Sysco, ordering ingredients and supplies like flour and salt when the restaurant needed a restock.
Similar personalities and Wright's passion for the restaurant industry made her not only interested in the possibility, but a great fit.
"Morgan has a passion for the culinary arts and a real fire for seeing and growing leadership in others," Melton wrote. "Those two things will take her very far."
The official announcement of the exchange came March 31, but the transition formally occurred two days prior, allowing Wright to celebrate her career move before the public was made aware, she said.
"I don't feel like the general public has noticed a change," Wright said. "The staff perception went really well."
There are no current plans to change how the restaurant is operated, but Wright eventually wants to add some of her own personal touch to the brand, she said.
"I would hate to change what people already love," she said, citing her favorite menu item, a bretzel with cinnamon butter.
Wright graduated from the University of Missouri in 2018 as a third-generation legacy of the hospitality management program.
Despite no longer owning the restaurant, Melton will continue to help Wright if needed, she said. Melton plans to shift her focus to her start-up business, The Business of Efficiency, which aims to help online entrepreneurs.
Lauren Tronstad covers local government and politics for the Tribune. Contact her at LTronstad@gannett.com or on Twitter @LaurenTronstad.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: New Günter Hans owner keeps focus on 'what people already love'
