The World's Best Place - Green Bean Café

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chelsea Butler, owner of Green Bean Café, located in Windsor, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are an independent coffee and lunch venue that caters mostly to the staff and students of the University of Windsor. We offer specialty coffees. A variety of different breakfast and lunch options are available, including vegetarian and vegan options. We also have many vegan baked goods options that are all baked in-house.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Chelsea Butler. I just recently purchased the Green Bean Café in mid-December 2021. I have worked at the restaurant for four years and fell in love with the vibe the restaurant gives off. I have been working in the restaurant industry for almost 20 years and have learned so much through that time. My motivation is my love for what I do. It doesn't feel like work when you love what you do. All of us working at the Bean feel like a family and are so supportive of each other. Being able to see the same customers every day is a joy, and they become like extended family.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am new to being an owner of the restaurant, but I feel my biggest accomplishment on a personal level for the business is seeing how proud my children are of me. It is wonderful to see them look up to their mom and be a role model for them. Knowing that if they work hard enough, they can accomplish their dreams as well.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Right now, the biggest hurdle as a new business owner is going through the restrictions with the Coronavirus pandemic. I took over and opened the day restrictions were put back in place, which limited us to take out only. It was a rough start, but now that restrictions are being lifted, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully prevail.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. You must love what you do.
2. Know that owning a business is not a 9-5 job. You will be taking your job home with you and have to do things outside of business hours.
3. Be prepared for anything. Especially in the restaurant industry, we can be busy one day and not the next. Must always be thinking one step ahead.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenbeancoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbeancoffee/

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.