Chef Entrepreneur - Jonathan Fortes
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jonathan Fortes, chef, and owner of The Flipside Restaurant Group & Salmeri's Italian Kitchen, located in Fort Mill, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Flipside Restaurant, The Flipside Cafe, and Salmeri's Italian Kitchen are our three restaurants located between Fort Mill SC and Rock Hill SC. Our guests are anyone that may be looking for a fantastic, fun-inspired meal in a casual environment.
Tell us about yourself
At a young age, I started cooking for myself. I grew up in a single-parent household, and my mom worked her butt off to provide for us. Her work ethic inspired me to do what I do today. Work hard, and support the ones you love. What's great is I get to do it in the kitchen where I love to be.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say three successful restaurants, as well as a successful catering business, is a pretty good accomplishment (8 years and running), but the biggest thing is watching people that may have come through the system of our current restaurants or my past restaurants and see them succeed.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Life!, being able to separate from the business to spend time with loved ones. Secondly, I would say the stress of making it run daily. We have close to 100 employees who count on Amy and me to support their families. We work hard to make sure we can be there for them.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start small with a small footprint, have your finances ready to support your life for a year.
- Do your research, make sure there is a need for your business in the area you are looking for.
- Surround yourself with team players who bring something unique to complete your team.
Where can people find you and your business?
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.