Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jamal Elrafih, of Jimmy’s A&A, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a family-run Lebanese deli in Calgary specializing in shawarmas and donairs. Jimmy’s A&A began in the early 90s as a corner store with a couple of donair spits in the back corner. Jimmy worked his body to the bones so he could buy the shop himself. Over the years, he’s transformed that tiny corner store into a Calgary landmark and the city’s best Mediterranean deli.
“Food isn’t only about the ingredients. It’s about the atmosphere and attitude in which it’s cooked and eaten. Come and visit us — you’ll be served with love, and you’ll leave happy — I can promise you that,” says Jimmy.
Our original location is still going strong at 1401 20 Avenue NW, conveniently located near SAIT, ACAD, and the North Hill Shopping Centre.
Our second restaurant is located at 1304 4th Street SW, walking distance from Calgary’s downtown as well as its famous 17th Avenue SW retail district.
Jimmy’s A&A has won many awards for the best shawarma in Calgary, but our pride truly comes from our dedication to customer service. Everyone who walks into Jimmy’s immediately becomes a member of the family.
Tell us about yourself
Jimmy comes from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners. He is a man that works hard and follows his passions. Jimmy thinks a delicious, real, fresh meal is at the core of the community.
“When people get together, it’s often to eat. I love bringing authentic, wholesome, and fresh food into our community. It’s not easy to find quick food locations that are transparent from ingredients to kitchen cleanliness to customer service.”
Jimmy loves his customers just like his family. “I wouldn’t give a shawarma to a random customer that I wouldn’t give to my own mother,” he says.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Jimmy’s A&A has won “Calgary’s best shawarma” for years and years in a row. As a business, we are extremely proud of this. Personally, Jimmy’s biggest accomplishment as the owner of Jimmy’s A&A is the establishment itself. He feels the deli really is a cornerstone of this city’s food culture.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Jimmy has an extremely big heart, and the black and white, objective aspect can be difficult to focus on solely. Employee relationships are a massive component of a business and food quality - balancing these with numbers can be difficult. Jimmy wants to provide cost-friendly food to his community but will never cut corners on quality. In today’s economic climate, that can be complex.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your passion.
- Be willing and able to adapt.
- Family first. Always.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jimmysdonair.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jimmys-A-A-Deli-121259337917983/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmysaanda/
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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