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Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ken Frank, Owner of La Toque, located in Napa, CA, USA.

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

I am the chef and owner of La Toque in Napa Valley. We cater to a very high-end adventurous clientele that appreciates the finer things in life.

Tell us about yourself

I started dishwashing because I needed a job at 16. Then I moved into the kitchen and saw it was a way to pay my way through college. But then I realized that I really loved to cook, and it became my career. Opening my own restaurant was an inevitable step forward in my career.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To be successful and in charge of your own destiny is a great feeling. To be able to do it on my own terms and be proud of how we operate La Toque is my biggest achievement.

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

You have to be comfortable with risk, big all-in risk.

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

Make sure it's something you love to do, that you are good at, and would do for free.
Strive to be the best at what you do.
Work and learn from your competition before you go out on your own.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://latoque.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkenfrank/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChefKenFrank

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.

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