Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Fraser, Founder of Dave’s Private Chef & Catering, located in Tilton, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a multi-faceted business offering personal chef services, healthy meal prep services & catering. Also, as of May of 2022, we own the Greenside Restaurant at the Lochmere Golf & Country Club in Tilton, NH. Our customers are those who really are looking for a special dining experience prepared by chefs who have a true passion for culinary arts.
Tell us about yourself
I've spent fourteen years in the restaurant industry, rising from Prep Cook to Executive Chef. I cooked for several premier restaurants in New Hampshire, including The Common Man, O Steaks and Seafood, the Canoe Restaurant, and the Bedford Village Inn. Most recently, I served as Head Chef at the Ellacoya Barn and Grille in Gilford, New Hampshire. It was with a heavy heart but with high hopes that I left Ellacoya to pursue my own venture with Dave's Private Chef & Catering and now the Greenside Restaurant here in the Lakes Region. Specializing in custom menu design to fit each client's individual needs, they are sure to turn any event into a top-notch dining experience. Fresh food cooked from scratch -- that's the secret behind Dave's Private Chef & Catering.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My philosophy has always been to create an environment in which employees thrive. A place where people love to come to work every day and give it 100%, knowing that they are respected and valued by their employer and have plenty of opportunities to grow within the company. To me, it's simple; you take care of your employees, they, in turn, take care of your business, and then the business takes care of you. My biggest accomplishment thus far has been building a great team and foundation in which we can grow the businesses to the point of great success in the coming years.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There is a lot to learn for any young entrepreneur just starting out. Tons of obstacles along the way, and you have to be a solution-driven person. There will be problems that need solving on a daily basis when you're starting out, and you need to be very strategic in solving these problems. Write yourself a to-do list with every little thing you can think of, and then accomplish it all and then write your next one. Rinse/Repeat
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay humble; things absolutely do not happen as fast as you think they do. Everyone you know with success in business has gone through hardships getting there. Don't assume because you've run other people's operations that starting your own will be as easy as that.
- Treat the people around you who are helping you manage your business with the utmost respect and kindness, and be as fair as you can with scheduling and expectations.
- Play people to their strengths; don't expect people to learn as quickly as you learned. There is a reason why you have decided to start a business, and they haven't. It is on you to help people grow into the roles you have hired them for. Show them the right way of doing things and be patient.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Take risks; what's the worst that can happen?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.davesprivatechefcatering.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073961301384
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davesprivatechefcatering/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.