Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sabine Langer, founder and CEO of Global Café, located in Memphis, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small restaurant located in Memphis, TN, employing immigrants and refugees, cooking and selling food from their home countries. Our customers are Memphians and visitors who enjoy tasting and learning about food from different cultures.
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in Switzerland and moved to the US when I was 21. I have lived in California, Texas, and Tennessee. The idea for Global Cafe came about during an election cycle, which carried very negative rhetoric towards immigrants and refugees. I wanted to find a way to help my fellow immigrants and refugees.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
By far, my biggest accomplishment has been to be able to set up a social enterprise that allows employees to make a good living while sharing their culture. An employee was able to pay their house off, and a couple of them were able to buy a house. It's a meaningful change that keeps me going.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner is not easy, and being a restaurant owner is difficult. Being a restaurant owner during the pandemic was downright hard. Thankfully, we provide incredibly good food that is fresh and cooked from scratch, which has allowed us to build a following of wonderful customers and friends.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep the course. Keep going. Don't let the outside noise get to you. Set your target and never waiver.
- Surround yourself with amazing people that have different strengths than yours.
- Don't be shy to ask for help. Network with fellow business owners and ask for advice.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://globalcafememphis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalCafeMemphis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalcafeinmemphis/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globalcafe/
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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