Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sylvester Borówka, owner, and General Manager of Continental Treat Fine Bistro, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Continental Treat Fine Bistro is a modern Eastern and Central European restaurant. A family affair, where three generations of our Borówka family work together to bring our turn of the century dining vision to life. We draw in a substantial number of people who patronize us for special events and occasions. As well, we serve a significant portion of the community who enjoys or are restricted to gluten-free baking and food.
For those who are not gluten-free and just looking for somewhere where they can enjoy tasty European comfort foods prepared by talented chefs and with great service, we offer a unique and memorable experience of delicious food, all served in a romantic atmosphere.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Sylvester Borówka. I am the original owners' son; it was my parents that started off continental treat back in 1982. I worked with them as a young man around the age of 14 with no experience whatsoever. I quickly realized that I loved chatting with customers and was inspired by food and the industry from day one. Eventually, I branched out for a while to further educate and gain experience in the hospitality industry and in marketing, gaining a marketing diploma at Martech college and many years working as a banquet manager with the Fairmont hotels and resorts.
I came back to Continental in 2007 and took over management of my family restaurant and eventually ownership. I now work alongside both my parents, my son and my nephew to continue to expand and grow our dream.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was also my biggest challenge as a business owner. That was to transform all our well-loved recipes to Gluten-Free and beyond. I chose to embrace gluten-free cooking both to promote healthier eating as well as to provide wonderful European dishes to clients who have celiac, gluten-intolerance, or a gluten-free preference. The goal is to make food that is indistinguishable or superior to traditional gluten-containing products.
We continue to grow and improve upon our products, but I would say that this has been my biggest accomplishment in successfully creating a fully certified menu that is indistinguishable from our original recipes and is well-loved by all guests old and new.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that has come with being a business owner is dealing with all the unknowns each and every day! There are new challenges and obstacles to deal with and overcome. It's never fully predictable, no matter how prepared you are…like this pandemic. COVID was one of the biggest challenges of the history of our restaurant and our lives.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
To achieve business success, I would definitely say you need to be organized. It will help your complete tasks and stay on top of things to be done. The key to being successful is also taking calculated risks to help your business grow and understand your worst-case scenario so that you can plan for the hard days and the good. My last tip but not least important is to do your research well and follow your passion to the limit.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Commit to being a lifelong learner. Always remain open-minded for opportunities that may lead to a better or more valuable perspective.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ctfinebistro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctfinebistroWhyteAve
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/continentaltreatglutenfree_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ctfinebistro
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvester-borowka-2a093928/
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.
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