Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Quinton Bennett, executive chef of Enigma Yorkville, located in Toronto, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Enigma is an intimate modern-European fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Toronto’s historic Yorkville neighbourhood. Nestled on picturesque St. Thomas Street and is surrounded by mid-century modern architecture.
We celebrate the best of local and international ingredients, treating them with respect and integrity above all else by serving a seasonal, evolving, blind tasting menu. Our wine list showcases regions from the old and new world, encompassing traditional and modern styles of winemaking alongside curated cocktails and juice pairings.
Tell us about yourself
Originally from South Africa, I was exposed to food at a young age by my mother, who is a great cook and baker herself. She encouraged me to find a trade and got me my first apprentice position at the age of 16. From there, I spent time in some of the finest hotels in South Africa Michelin restaurants in the United Kingdom and Denmark. I am motivated by sharing my passion for food and beverage with all that are willing to try it. My driving force is my family and building a business that provides jobs and educates/trains passionate people to further succeed in life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to have multiple return customers and be able to pay staff!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being able to have multiple return customers and be able to pay staff! Motivating yourself to keep pushing through the hard times and believing in what you do no matter who else thinks you may fail.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep it simple stupid "KISS."
- Always know that someone is better than you providing a better service or product, so find out who they are and what they are falling short on and push to be better than them.
- Pay for good staff and let go of bad staff straight away. It is not personal. It is your business, your money!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Fight for your freedom and the right to operate your business the way you want it to operate! Not how others think it should be operated. Remember, people like to be a part of a successful winning team, but not all have the grit, courage, and stamina to create one. So never compromise on your objectives, goals, and your quality.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.enigmayorkville.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enigmayorkville/
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.