Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jesus Vasquez, owner of Papito Moe's, located in West Jordan, Utah, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Papito Moe's is a locally owned and operated restaurant and a food truck serving Puerto Rican food in West Jordan and Utah. We offer a laid-back casual environment with counter service, nothing fancy, just good food. Our distinct menu features island comfort and street food, so delicious that your taste buds will do the salsa! Anyone that loves to eat good food is welcome!
Tell us about yourself
Originally from the east coast. I was a Truck Driver. We moved here from Allentown, Pennsylvania, approximately eight years ago. My wife was offered a job promotion, and I was like.. let's do it, I can get work anywhere! When we got here, there was NO Puerto Rican food! It was all the same types of cuisine Mexican, Asian, etc. but no Puerto Rican food. Don't get us wrong, we love these cuisines, but we wanted something different! We wanted food that made us feel at home, and I wanted to share the flavors, the love of our culture, food, family, and God with the Salt Lake Community. Food brings people together, and that's a beautiful thing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Not sure if this is an accomplishment, but definitely a blessing! Our hard work and our team's hard work and dedication paid off when we were featured on Food Network's, Diner's Drive-In's, and Dives this past fall. The episode is "Traditional Twist." It's like one of those moments when you're like...WOW, did we make it? We just couldn't believe it! Till this day, the whole experience seems surreal.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having employees is a blessing, but the realization that it's no longer just about you and your family is real, and it's heavy. Each employee has a small family they are providing for, too. So as business owners, we want our staff to be happy working with us but also be able to provide so that they can survive. When you love your team, you want to do what you can for them while balancing the needs of your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be Patient; nothing happens overnight.
- Put in the work; no one else will do it for you.
- Start small; growth is better in baby steps.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.papitomoes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Papitomoes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papitomoes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/papitomoes
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.