Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eric Koch, Co-Owner of LunchBox, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
LunchBox is a fun, fast, and fresh sandwich shop with 2 locations - Orleans and Hintonburg! We provide the Orleans and Hintonburg residential and business communities with an affordable and healthier alternative to fast food, and have a great time doing it!
Tell us about yourself
We (Will and I) met working at The Works in our early 20's. We both fell in love with the food industry, and after working and helping open a couple of restaurants for others, we decided we would go for it ourselves based on an idea Will had while attending Algonquin for Culinary Management! The love of the restaurant's hustle and bustle, in addition to creating special moments and memories with our staff and guests, motivates us on a daily basis to keep chasing the dream!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's hard to pick just one thing as a lot has happened over the last 7-8 years, including a global pandemic, but if we had to choose one, it would be opening our first location on St.Joseph in Orleans. It was our first big moment of realizing the dream was actually happening, and we managed to pull it off with under $10000 and no funding from any financial institutions.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Trying not to take things too personally. Of course, not every person you encounter is going to agree with the choices you make as a business/business owner, but people sometimes forget that there are human beings behind every business. When you're really passionate about what you do and put all of your heart and soul into it, it can be difficult to reconcile that someone may not like it or agree with it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but you just have to trust yourself and the things that got you to where you are today.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you strongly believe in what you're doing, never give up. You can't ever fail unless you give up trying! You're bound to make mistakes along the way, and that's totally normal; as long as you learn from them and always try to take steps in a positive direction, then you will be fine in the long run. Also, people/employees that you can trust are worth their weight in gold! When you find those people, do your best to hold on to them and keep them happy because good help is hard to find.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.lunchboxottawa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LunchBoxOttawa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunchboxhintonburg/
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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