How To Create A Legacy Starring Restaurateur Magnate David Morton

Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

To create a legacy, you must first understand its foundation. What exactly does it encompass? That’s a great question. While you ponder, David Morton is already on his billionth venture it seems like, but this time with his brother Michael Morton.

The long-awaited partnership between the two brothers finally happened. Together, they created MB Steak the breathtaking new steakhouse concept at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

MB Steak etches with vision, taste, rhythm, soul, and rich artistic heritage. Those words are also the perfect description for David Morton.

Heritage and legacy, in his case, starts back home with his family. But before that topic is touched, know Morton himself is the type of person you cannot duplicate. Who he is cannot be taught. Examples of his kind are not found in books, websites, or depicted in movies. Morton’s legacy is the simple act of being himself and the very form of creation itself.

Photo Credit: MB Steak

He may firmly believe that all he is and all that he has successfully become is because of the lessons taught by his late iconic father and steakhouse pioneer, Arnie Morton. However, Morton has figured some things out (a lot actually) on his own too. But, it’s easy to understand why he would think his father has played a huge role and he wouldn’t be entirely wrong.

His father developed a partnership with Victor Lowes and Hugh Hefner to launch the first Playboy Club. Mr. Morton later served as executive vice president at Playboy Enterprises.

As a member of the Morton family, who have developed and owned some of the most incredible and legendary properties around the world (think Morton’s Steak House, Hard Rock Cafe, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino) individuality could have quickly been eclipsed. But, Morton fought for the thunderous and creative voice in him and gave it purpose.

Photo Credit: MB Steak

In addition to owning MB Steak with his brother Michael, Morton co-owns Chicago-based DMK Restaurants, alongside acclaimed chef and partner Michael Kornick.

The duo owns and operates ten concepts under the DMK Restaurants brand, including four DMK Burger Bar locations, Fish Bar, Ada Street, County Barbeque, and Henry’s. As well as, The Rec Room, Werewolf Coffee Bar, Marshall’s Landing, Tavernonna, and Fort Willow, a remarkable treehouse concept inspired by Morton’s childhood memories; that is how he begins to create his legacy.

See, legacies require presence, awareness, and patience all which Morton says comes with age. You would think he was in his 60s the way he says it but reveals he’s just in his 40s. It may be his “old soul” speaking, though.

“I think Mile Davis is the best jazz player,” said Morton.

And, it’s easy to believe the authenticity of his comment with the secret dining place area at MB Steak behind the bar that could have easily hosted Sammy Davis, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin back in their heyday. The jazz music in the background also gave him away. While discussing interior design and the MB Steak walls made of lava, that glimpse of vision, taste, rhythm, soul, and rich artistic heritage in him begins to show.

Failure is also a big part of creating a legacy, but not everyone is quick to admit them. Not Morton, though.

Photo Credit: MB Steak

“I [explicit] love it. I welcome it. And, I tell our team to fail as much as possible. That’s how we grow and become better,” said Morton.

Legacy is the profound school of thought that stems from establishing a portion of yourself in the world rather than establishing yourself on the notion of acting on impulses. Legacy is achieved by doing something you enjoy even if failure presents itself. Eventually, you master it after doing it so much that one day you’re remembered by it all. In the end, you’re left with something greater than yourself, and that is the point.

Photo Credit: MB Steak

Before their opening hours, people walked in through the doors of MB Steak and with staff available he made sure to excuse himself to greet everyone by hand personally. That speaks volumes about the type of person he is and the legacy he is creating. People will remember David Morton today and 50 years later by how he made people feel and what memory he was able to help people evoke during a great steak, cocktail, a handshake, conversation, or one restaurant concept at a time.