Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ian Thurber, founder of TacOcaT, located in Bear River, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
TacOcaT is a small pub and Mexican eatery in Bear River, NS. We offer live music and tasty Mexican cuisine in a unique building built on stilts over Bear River. TacOcaT seems to draw people looking for something different and fresh. All our menu is made from scratch, and I think people can tell the difference. Bear River has a very unique mix of individuals, more so than most rural areas, so we tend to have a nice mix of people from all walks of life stopping by.
Tell us about yourself
Originally, TacOcaT was supposed to be a three-month test for a taco truck while the sale of the building was closing. However, right from day one, we were so popular that when the sale ended up falling through, we signed a 15-month lease, which we have since extended. We have been open for 19 months now. It is kind of crazy how everything worked out. We were much busier and more popular than I think anyone figured, myself included. We have one couple that ate here 125+ times in our first year, and they drove 50 minutes round trip each time to do so. Support like that drives us to make the highest quality Mexican we can and to make sure each outing is a great experience for our patrons.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say gaining the support of this community. I had recently considered down-sizing to the original taco truck idea because our building was once again up for sale, and the owner wasn't going to renew my lease. As people began hearing that we may be closing, I began to have a large number of people express their disappointment to me and say how much they enjoyed having TacOcaT in the community. I think creating something that others enjoy so much is my biggest accomplishment as a business owner.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
A more stationary life. I love to head out on a backpacking or road-tripping adventure for a few months every year or so. I used to work until I saved enough to go, and I'd do so. I have been lucky enough to travel all over the world, but I still don't think I have had my fill. It's addictive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared for long days.
- Go in with an open mind and be willing to take advice.
- Treat your staff right.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacocattakeout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacocatbus/
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.
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