Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gina Priest, owner of Bon Appetit, located in Hamden, CT, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Bon Appetit is primarily a cheese shop with a huge variety of the best-imported sweets and savory items from around the world. We have the largest selection of domestic and international cheese in the area. We also create our infamous gift baskets and cheese & charcuterie boards. Our customer base is multi-generational, as we have been in business for 55 years!

Tell us about yourself

I've been in food and beverage all of my life, and at this point in my life, I found myself looking for a new challenge. In 2018, I knew I could add so much more to this hidden gem when I took the store over. The customers' passion for cheese and their loyalty to the store is what keeps me going each day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, I am most proud to continue serving the customers that have been coming here for the past 50 years. We've not only been able to elevate their experience but create a home-like atmosphere. I am also incredibly proud of the team we've built to work here.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things we've faced so far was COVID - between the unknown, figuring out how to navigate the day-to-day, and the continued difficulties getting products in. We feel so incredibly blessed to have such a supportive customer base to keep us going through such a trying time.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't give up.
  2. Surround yourself with knowledgeable people.
  3. Treat your staff with generosity and respect.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

With so much online ordering and big box stores, it's so wonderful to be able to create a personal experience for the customer.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.bonappetitct.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonappetit.hamden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bon_appetit_ct/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.