Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Félix Gagnon, operations manager of Burger Fiancé, located in Montréal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We wanted to offer something different and new to Montreal. At Burger Fiancé, we make amazing, plant-based junk food! We are proud to make great and decadent vegan food and to offer an ethical choice for everyone without compromising on deliciousness!
Tell us about yourself
I have been working in restaurants for over thirteen years and tried my hand at many culinary traditions before falling in love with vegan cuisine. Like most people, the pandemic threatened my work and personal projects. I turned towards opening Burger Fiancé as a way to keep myself active and motivated despite everything going on. Cooking has always been a huge part of my life, and for me, it's been a way to take care for everyone around me. Opening Burger Fiancé quickly a way to share that love with everyone wanting to try our food.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe opening the restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic was an incredible challenge (some might even say it was a crazy thing to do), but I learned so much by adapting our business to that new reality; I wouldn't change it for the world. I think people needed some distractions after that first year, and I like to think that we offered our fair share.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Putting everyone else first. It's the reality of any business, I think. You want to make sure your team is healthy and happy, that your customers are having a blast and that the business flourishes. Starting this restaurant has been demanding but even more fulfilling!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First off, surround yourself with amazing people, your team, colleagues, and partners. Secondly, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are tons of professionals who genuinely enjoy helping out a new entrepreneur. Lastly, be kind to your team. Always.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I'm super excited to announce that, only a short 13 months after opening Burger Fiancé, I will be opening a brand new restaurant in St-Henri: "La Conceria, bistro, vins et plantes." A beautiful plant-based bistro and wine bar, opening at the end of April on Notre-Dame West in Montréal!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://burgerfiance.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/burgerfiance/
https://www.instagram.com/fil.mtl/
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.