Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Baum.
Jenna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jenna Baum, and I’m the Vice President of Wolverine Management Restaurant Group, a dynamic and growing restaurant group known for creating vibrant, high-energy dining experiences. Under our umbrella, we have several exciting restaurant concepts, including Agave Bandido, our modern Mexican brand that blends creative cuisine, innovative cocktails, and bold, artistic design. We now have four Agave Bandido locations in Lakewood Ranch, Winter Garden, Pembroke Pines, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, each reflecting the local community through its food, art, and atmosphere.
I was born and raised in Florida and began my career in a very different field, which is law. After graduating from law school, I served as a prosecutor in Miami, where I gained invaluable experience in advocacy and quick decision-making. I then spent ten years practicing real estate law, which deepened my understanding of contracts, negotiations, and business development, all skills that turned out to be crucial when I transitioned into the hospitality industry.
When my husband and I opened our first Agave Bandido in Pembroke Pines, we had a vision to create not just a restaurant, but an immersive experience that celebrated flavor, culture, and creativity. As we began expanding, I officially joined Wolverine Management in 2021 as Vice President and in-house counsel. Since then, we’ve opened three additional Agave Bandido locations and launched Backyard Social, a food-truck-based entertainment concept in Fort Myers that captures a fun, community-focused vibe. We’re already planning to expand that brand as well.
For me, what’s most rewarding about this journey is combining my legal and business background with a passion for hospitality and growth. Every new opening, mural, and menu addition tells a story, not just of great food, but of teamwork, creativity, and community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No and honestly, if it were easy, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun. Every challenge along the way has taught us something valuable. One of the biggest struggles early on was finding the right spaces that truly fit our concept. Because Agave Bandido isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience. We needed locations that could capture the energy, the art, and the community vibe that make our brand special.
Sometimes that meant walking away from spaces that looked great on paper but didn’t have the right feel or flow for what we wanted to create. We’ve also had to navigate supply chain issues, staffing challenges, and rapid growth, which can be exciting but also demanding.
But through it all, we’ve built an incredible team that’s passionate about what we’re doing. Every obstacle has pushed us to be more creative, more resilient, and more intentional about how we grow. Looking back, those tough moments are what made the journey so rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Wolverine Management Restaurant Group, we’re all about creating unforgettable dining experiences that blend incredible food, creative energy, and genuine hospitality. We’re the team behind Agave Bandido, a vibrant, modern Mexican concept known for its bold flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and striking, mural-filled interiors that celebrate art and culture. Each location, whether in Lakewood Ranch or Winter Garden has its own personality, reflecting the local community while staying true to our signature high-energy vibe.
We’re also growing beyond Agave Bandido with our newest concept, Backyard Social in Fort Myers, which brings together food trucks, live entertainment, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere that’s all about community and connection. It’s a different format but the same spirit: great food, great people, and memorable experiences. Our second location is being built in Lakewood Ranch with plans to open in 2026.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creativity and connection. Every detail from the vibrant artwork on the walls to the way our dishes are plated is designed to spark conversation and make people feel something. We’re not just serving food; we’re creating moments.
I’m most proud of how our brand continues to evolve without losing its heart. Each opening has been a chance to grow, refine, and celebrate what makes us unique: our culture, our people, and our passion for hospitality.
What I want readers to know is that Agave Bandido and Backyard Social aren’t just places to eat, they’re places to experience. Whether you’re stopping by for tacos and tequila with friends or spending a weekend afternoon listening to live music, our goal is to make you feel like part of the family.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Having a mentor is absolutely essential, no matter what stage you’re at in your career. In every profession I’ve been in, from law to hospitality, I’ve always made it a point to have a personal mentor. It’s about growth and perspective, but also about staying humble and recognizing that you don’t know everything.
There’s so much value in learning from someone who has been where you are and has navigated challenges you may not have faced yet. A good mentor helps you see things differently, pushes you to grow, and reminds you that there’s always more to learn.
I truly believe mentorship keeps you grounded and it teaches you to listen, to ask questions, and to continuously evolve both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: Wolverinerestaurants.com, agavebandido.com, and backyardsocial.com
- Instagram: @agavebandido and @backyardsocialfl
