From the military to business ownership, from discipline to culture — Dearonne Bethea’s DB Business Blueprint Podcast welcomes Tai “T” Say, General Manager of Roy’s Ko Olina, to share how his journey from humble beginnings to leading one of Hawaii’s top restaurants holds lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking growth.
From Busboy to General Manager
Born and raised on the west side of Oahu, Tai Say’s path wasn’t scripted. After a short stint in community college, he landed his first job at Roy’s — not as a manager, but as a busboy. The energy and sense of purpose in that restaurant changed his trajectory.
“I didn’t dream of being GM back then,” Tai recalls. “I just wanted to be the best busboy possible.”
Over the years, his dedication and work ethic carried him through roles as server, supervisor, and manager. He even left briefly to work at the Four Seasons, gaining structure and corporate experience, before being called back to lead Roy’s Ko Olina as General Manager — a position he’s now held for over four years.
The Secret Ingredient: Culture
While many restaurants struggle with turnover, Tai’s team thrives — even during the pandemic. His secret? Culture.
“You have to create a place where people want to be,” he says. “When your staff drives to work excited, hugs each other at the door, and takes pride in their roles, that energy translates to the guests.”
Together with Executive Chef Daryl Shinogi, who oversees the kitchen, Tai focuses on alignment — shared values, trust, and communication. The result: a restaurant that feels less like a workplace and more like a family.
Managing Through Love and Leadership
In hospitality, challenges are constant — equipment breaks, staff call out, customers have bad days. But Tai approaches every issue as an opportunity:
“I don’t see challenges as problems. They’re chances to lead, to find solutions, and to show your team that love wins.”
That philosophy has earned him respect and loyalty. “You can’t lead through fear,” he explains. “If you’re the vibe leader, everyone follows your energy. Love disarms everything.”
Healing Through Hospitality
Tai sees Roy’s as more than a restaurant — it’s a place of healing.
“People come to Roy’s to feel better, not just to eat. My staff and I are healers — we feed people’s hearts as much as their stomachs.”
That insight reflects what makes great service powerful: connection, empathy, and purpose.
Lessons in Passion and Perseverance
When asked why so many restaurants fail, Tai doesn’t hesitate:
“Some open for the wrong reasons — to have a cool place for friends or status. But real success comes when your intention is to serve, to nourish, to make people happy.”
He credits Roy Yamaguchi’s original vision — passion-driven service and consistent excellence — as the foundation of their longevity.
The Power of Relationships
Dearonne and Tai also discussed the importance of relationships — from mentors to community connections. Dearonne shared how moving to Ko Olina and surrounding himself with successful people transformed his own journey.
Tai admits he’s often been the mentor rather than the mentee, but now feels ready for the next phase:
“I’ve never had a mentor, but I think it’s time. The right one will come when I’m ready to level up.”
That humility and openness mirror the very mindset Dearonne teaches — that success isn’t just about drive, but about learning, serving, and evolving.
Beyond the Restaurant
Outside Roy’s, Tai is an artist at heart — a rapper, storyteller, and creative explorer. He recently performed live for the first time and is launching a storytelling series, Tai Discovers, inspired by Anthony Bourdain.
He’s also heading to Oregon’s Willamette Valley as one of only 270 nominees worldwide accepted into the prestigious Pinot Camp, where he’ll deepen his wine expertise as part of his journey toward becoming a certified sommelier.
“I’m learning to tell stories — through wine, through food, through people. It’s all connected.”
Looking Ahead
As a featured speaker at the Hawaii Millionaire Mindset Conference, Tai’s talk, Love and Profit, will focus on leading with heart — because, as he says, “profit is small compared to purpose.”
His story — from clearing tables to leading teams, from music to management — is proof that discipline, humility, and love are the true building blocks of success.
“Be yourself and grind,” Dearonne concludes. “You’re already your résumé — just keep adding pages.”
