Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Todd Villani, owner of Terre à Terre, located in Davidson, NC, USA.

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

Recently opened a specialty market called Terre a Terre in concord serving grab and go items such as soups, salads, sandwiches, and dinner items easy for housewives to warm up and serve. We also make fine dining multicourse dinners at clients' homes. Corporate catering, weddings, graduations, showers, birthdays, etc. We relocated from NJ, where I had Terre a Terre as a restaurant. Upscale farm to table that did very well. I think the readers should support our mom-and-pop store because it's elevated comfort food you can't get anywhere else. Pick up or delivered.

Tell us about yourself

I've been cooking now for close to 30 years. Cooked in Michelin star restaurants abroad, was in Manhattan for years with Top chefs. In 2013 I finally pursued my own passion and opened Terre a Terre in NJ. It's there where I met my wife Beth Ann, and we had our son Johnny. That's my biggest motivation to show my son that hard work, dedication, and perseverance will make you a success. (Maybe not rich) but a wealth of a happy life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment would have to be realizing my dreams. Opening the restaurant and reinventing it to what it is today in NC. And never giving up.

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

The hardest thing is being consistent on a daily basis. Everyone has days of doubt. But training your mind to have hope and faith every day is the challenge.

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

  1. Take an accounting course.
  2. Marketing is huge. Especially social media. Photography is key.
  3. Make sure you have at least two years of backup $$.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you have a dream, don't let anyone stop you. Fight for it. And don't ever give up. If you give up, there is a 100% chance you won't realize that dream. But if you keep fighting, you have a chance to be great!!!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tateatery.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localncfoods/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localncfoods/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-villani-49734727/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.