Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracii Hutsona, CEO of Breakfast Bitch, located in San Diego, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Breakfast Bitch Restaurant is a Brunch spot with locations in San Diego, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.
We cater to local communities, but we have quite a bit of guest from tourism. Our goal is to promote diversity, progress, and empowerment by providing a fun and delicious service. We are woman-owned and black-owned and are diligent about supporting similar vendors, and community resources. When people come to our restaurant, they expect an experience.
Tell us about yourself
I have an entrepreneurial spirit. Some call it "hustle." You will never see a person like this with a 1 or 2-page resume. We constantly watch the environment for what's next and build concepts ahead of what's trending. The inspiration for this restaurant came from the urban dictionary description of "Breakfast Bitch" being someone who makes you breakfast every day. My husband Derrell and I started playing with spin-off quotes and quirky menu names, and it was ON from there! With the B-word, you need to be careful that it's always used in a positive and playful context. I thought of the baddest bitch, Rosie the Riveter, who in post-WWII decided she was nobody's bitch anymore and led a movement that has inspired women and minorities for decades. Rosie is the iconic inspiration for the baddie in our logo.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Definitely the reward of giving back to the communities we are in. To be able to make a difference in these times. and stand by our motto "All Bitches Welcome" is truly gratifying when we see people from all walks of life come together for a good time. We also have the best staff anyone could ask for. To watch them build and grow with BB is like raising a tribe and celebrating proud moments of mentorship. We truly are like a family.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Without a doubt, the judgment and ridicule that comes with success. There are people out there who just plain don't want to see others win and unfortunately stop at nothing to discredit what we work so hard for. We are very involved with the day-to-day operations of our business, and it can be exhausting at times. You just need to remember what and who you are doing it for, and feed into the lovers, not the haters!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Research- Do your research. Know your market, and prepare for it. I watched countless videos, read books, and hired a restaurant consultant to ramp up for the change in the industry.
Brand- Building up your brand is everything. Let me say that again. Your brand is everything! Before opening BB, I branded the name, then the logo then trademarked catchphrases. I opened social media accounts and tested the demographic targets. Once you see who responds to what, Give them what they want!
Be Flexible- Don't attach yourself to an idea that you cannot change. I find that when people get fixated on how they originally planned things to go, it's difficult to grow and shift gears when necessary. Remember that you're appealing to your customers, their wants. theirs needs. Not just your own. My vision has changed a few times and morphed into what it is today because I have learned to listen to what people want.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I frequently tell my crew, "I have never learned anything from what I did right." Getting to the point where everyone looks to you for advice isn't because you have the golden touch. At least not in my case. My mistakes have been the building blocks of my success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://eatbreakfastbitch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakfastbitc/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/breakfastbitch_az/
https://www.instagram.com/breakfastbitch_sd/
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.