A New Food Concept - The Brazilian Guys
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ricardo Oriente Mendes, owner of The Brazilian Guys, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Brazilian Guys started in 2015 when I decided to bring to California a totally new food concept. Joining common tastes, some ideas, and my passions we started at the Farmer's Markets in San Diego selling our famous Stuffed Hash Browns. Which is kind of a sandwich made out of crispy hash browns as the "bun" and the customers have different options of fillings to stuff in the Hash Browns crust, and so much more. Another cool fact about our concept is that we use cast iron skillets to cook all of our Hash Browns, which give the format and an amazing taste and crispy texture. Most of our customers are tourists and the regular locals that never miss a Farmer's Market day.
Tell us about yourself
I am passionate about food. I have a degree in culinary school and I have been working in the industry since 2008. I have moved to San Diego in 2011 with a dream of having my own business and since 2015 when the dream became true of opening The Brazilian Guys, it motivates me every single day to do my best and keep my dream alive, also getting the feedback of our customers and seeing them so happy after eating our food keeps me going on.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe that so far the biggest accomplishment in 7 years of being open was keeping the business alive after the during and after the pandemic. Unfortunately I still see small and big businesses closing every day because of the difficulties generated after the pandemic which is something I never thought I would see in this life. I hope with all my heart that everybody stays strong as much as they can.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Every day is a struggle in a small business, at the same time you are the owner, you also gotta be the graphic designer, the accountant, web designer, salesman, chef, social media and so many more tasks that lots of people have no idea, but I believe that is what makes you the best at what you do, overcoming those challenges.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Work, work and work as hard as you can, keep your head always up, never let any challenge put you down and of course do what you love to do because everything happens at the right time.
Anything else you'd like to share?
First of all, I just want to thank you for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts/life experiences. Secondly, doesn't matter what type of business you own, always make sure to follow the right path, and be honest with yourself and with others around you.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.thebrazilianguys.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thebrazilianguys/
https://www.facebook.com/thebrazilianguys/
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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