More Than a Salad - Chop Stop
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Arthur Bedway, Owner of Chop Stop, located in Fountain Valley, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We specialize in chopped salads. You can order off our menu, or you can create your own. We also have warm "choppuritos" and anything we serve; you can also get as a wrap!
Tell us about yourself
Like many, I was on a budget when I was in college. I needed options for no more than 10-12 dollars to feed and keep me full for most of the day. Chipotle and options such as this, which were big chains, always left me with a stomach ache or feeling like I wasn't at top performance for my busy schedule. Chop Stop was the first thing that I ever ate in that price range. I felt full and felt good!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think opening during COVID has to be up there... It took me around three years of setbacks to finally open the doors. And I would say getting the core staff and team I now have and can rely on right up there.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Probably the like of care if you're doing 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, by your peers, family members, etc.
It's not that you're looking for sympathy; it's just that for a while, if you don't have a day off or anytime at all to yourself, it can be hard to hear, "Well, this is what you signed up for." It's like yes, I did... but bear with me, it's hard right now.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- As always, do something you love. Especially with the market today, you'll probably quit if you don't love what you're doing.
- Take care of your people. A coffee here, a day off there equals people that have your back.
- Don't quit. Hard times create tough people.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Yes, just to say to anyone reading this that no matter the result, if you really feel in your core you should do something, you'll sleep much better at night having done it than not, regardless of the stress it might come with.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://chopstop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chopstop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choppedoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chopstop
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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