Old City Kitchen - Laura Eaton

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laura Eaton, owner of Old City Kitchen, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

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

Old City Kitchen was created to bring together chefs and the local community. Our guests are like-minded food lovers and cooks, eager to learn and be inspired! The pandemic taught us all a lot about what goes on in the kitchen, both our own and those of small businesses. Food is essential to life and for creating connections between people. We wanted to bring people back together at our table.

Tell us about yourself

I started out as a photographer, and a long and winding road later, I have found myself a restauranteur! I have been running small to medium event spaces over the last twelve years, with a strong focus on creating the best possible client experiences.

For many years I avoided food-based businesses like the plague... that was until we experienced one. Suddenly my fears about the learning curve, inspections, and regulations disappeared. I knew that I had to offer food in order to keep my business going. Old City Kitchen became my focus because I knew that even if we ended up in lockdown again, I would still be able to serve the community.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is building businesses that bring people together. I ran a shared office/studio that helped other small businesses occupy an affordable space. I offered small to medium event spaces that could accommodate people that wanted an intimate venue at an affordable price. I am proud to say that I have 5-star reviews for the services that we provide.

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

One of the most difficult things that come with being a business owner is that there are never enough hours in the day! You are either working "in" your business or "on" your business. When you aren't actively on location, you need to be constantly marketing and thinking ten steps ahead.

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

If you are looking to start a business, I would first recommend growing your network and strengthening your connections. Relationships are the backbone of any successful business. The people that you keep close and support will be there for you when you need them most. Those people will be there when you need help, and they will spread the word because they know who you are and that what you are offering has meaning and value.
Running your business successfully means you need a team. I was a "one-woman show" for entirely too long. Now that I have assistants and chefs supporting me, the load is much lighter. I do everything I can to treat them with the utmost respect and make them feel valued (and I truly do value them immensely!).
Do not depend solely on social media to promote your business. Algorithms and platforms can change or even disappear in the blink of an eye. Accounts can be hacked or disabled without notice (I know this from personal experience). Building your email list is one sure way to stay in touch with your clients, and maintaining those connections should not be an afterthought.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://oldcitykitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldcitykitchen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldcitykitchen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeaton/

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.