Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lindsey Pete, Co-Founder of Chestnut Hill Brewing Company, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My husband and I own a Brewery Restaurant, including a taproom and beer garden. We sell craft beer, PA wine, cocktails (with PA spirits), wood-fired pizza, and vegan-friendly pub fare. We have a variety of customers, primarily ranging in age from 20 years old to 70 years old. We have beer lovers, vegans, families, young couples, and singles. We also have a lot of people looking to celebrate a special occasion, including graduations, milestone birthdays, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, and more!
Tell us about yourself
I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I used to want to open youth hostels. Then it became hostels with beer, and then the concept morphed into a brewery with yummy food! My husband loves beer, and he gets me to go to breweries with him as long as there is good food. So, good food was a must for our brewery! I am motivated by our team being excited to come to work and love what they do! I am also motivated by happy guests and love to see our guests enjoying our space, the food, drink, and service! Positive reviews and great feedback keep me doing what I do every day! I really like creating positive experiences and lasting memories.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting through the pandemic! We had to do a LOT of pivoting and changing our business model and operations in order to survive.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is knowing boundaries. There is always one more thing to do, and it's important to have boundaries and know when to take a break and rejuvenate yourself or call it quits for the day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up! Your days will be roller coasters. You'll be feeling great one minute and down the next or good one day and down another. Be sure to focus on your accomplishments and the good things, and don't let the negative things get you down too much. There will always be challenges (it's how we grow and learn), and you'll be happier if you learn to embrace the challenges! Find a buddy to help raise your spirits when you're feeling down. Journaling helps too!
- Success is only rented, and rent is due every day! Just because you did something great yesterday doesn't mean you can let your foot off the gas pedal. Don't get me wrong, take time to enjoy your wins. But a business requires constant attention, and the second you stop running it, it will run you.
- You probably have heard this a lot and think that it may not apply to you, but trust me, it does. EVERYTHING takes longer than you expect and costs more. Have plenty of buffer money and time to get you through the growing pains.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.chestnuthillbrewingcompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chestnuthillbrewingcompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestnuthillbrewingcompany/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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