Every single successful entrepreneur in the food industry that I know, and most of the unsuccessful ones as well, work their asses off. I know this because I have worked in the food industry at every single level, from farming to sales to prep to cooking to event planning / catering to waiting tables to washing dishes. And for the most part, not established businesses but startups, where it is very easy to keep a close eye on the business decisions of the founders.
I've seen a lot of different people fill those shoes. Their roles aren't symbolic, and it is an impressively grand delusion for a founder of any business to think as such. They are supposed to set an example for everyone else.
Only one of my bosses could not understand this, and his business has sunk millions without turning a profit because, initially, he was lazy and would blame every problem on his workers, the industry, the weather, etc. instead of his own laziness and lack of planning skills. He didn't seek to eliminate his problems, he relished in them because they let him feel like things were out of his control.
The rest of them worked themselves to the bone to provide good service and a good product. They took responsibility for all decisions and gave at least some thought before making stupid, risky decisions.
Literally the first thing you do when creating a brick and mortar establishment is research the area and find where the most profitable location will be. This guy fucked up from day one, choosing laziness over rational thought, and then denies responsibility for it. This is downright pitiful and he deserves to lose every penny that he did.