Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pierre-Luc Chevalier, owner of Régine Café, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.

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

Régine Café is a brunch restaurant that serves creative homemade dishes in an elegant yet unpretentious tea room decor. We have a wide variety of clientele: young, old, local, tourists, with one thing in common, the desire for an incredible brunch experience with close friends or family.

Tell us about yourself

After 15 years as a hotel manager, I needed to escape from my monotonous daily routine and the rigid structures of administrative bureaucracy. I was looking for a way to use my creativity, as well as my experience in the hospitality industry. Régine Café’s concept was to create magic and joy by democratizing the experience of a 5-star brunch. I believe we’ve accomplished this goal. I never get used to the feeling of seeing people lined up in front of our restaurant every morning. This is an incredible motivator, and we push ourselves every day to impress and pamper our customers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Régine is going to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. We have become an institution in Montréal, purely by word of mouth. I believe we have created a unique experience that makes people happy. I’m proud to be part of what makes Montréal a world-class city.

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

It’s always been hard for me to delegate, and I’ve always tended to micromanage. But over time, I have discovered the benefits of putting more trust in our managers and chefs. Great people desire independence, and when we put trust in each other, we create overall positive energy in the restaurant.

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

  1. Follow your heart and your gut.
  2. Recognize the talent of people surrounding you and be as generous as possible.
  3. Don’t forget to take some time off. Taking a break is always very beneficial.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think it is ok to doubt yourself from time to time. It allows us to challenge and push ourselves to do better. I believe Régine Café’s success came from teamwork. It is really OUR restaurant, rather than MY restaurant.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.reginecafe.ca/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RegineCafe/
https://www.facebook.com/plchevalier

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/reginecafe/
https://www.instagram.com/pierrelucchevalier/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-luc-chevalier-8b94082a/

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.