Phil Spear has a rich history in the restaurant industry.

Spear, owner of the Poway Premium Partners' winner Hamburger Factory Restaurant, started in the industry as director of real estate for McDonald's. Eventually, he worked for In-N-Out as vice president of real estate and construction before purchasing his own restaurants including Hamburger Factory in 2000.

Despite the years of experience—Spear said he isn't immune to the recession.

"The biggest obstacles have been rising food costs and heavy discounting in the restaurant industry," he said. "It is very hard to absorb the rise in food costs without raising prices."

However, the challenges have forced him to improve his business further. 

"We have focused on improving productivity and waste to offset some of the increased food cost," he said.