Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lerone Mullin, Founder of The Jerk Grill, located in Redlands, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
A small quick-serve Jamaican restaurant offering delicious Jamaican cuisine with fast and friendly service. Our customers are people looking for an alternative to fast food.
Tell us about yourself
Wa gwaan, my name is Lerone Mullin. I'm the owner of The Jerk Grill. I started this with the intention of sharing my love of food. With whom? I had no idea, but I'm glad I've found you all, and you've found me. I appreciate you all being on this journey with me. I'm ever grateful for the love, kind words, encouragement, and support I've received through the years. At the time of starting this business, I had a lot of doubt and anxiety. I would often wonder if anyone would actually like the food I'm serving because it's a bit different from what everyone is familiar with. Luckily I've been proven wrong.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I started as a pop-up shop, so opening my restaurant is a big accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
When I quit my 9-5 job to pursue my passion for cooking and open my own restaurant, I knew it would be a lot of work. But I didn't anticipate just how much work it would be. There are days when it feels like I'm working 24/7, and finding a balance between work and rest has been a challenge. However, I want you to know that I'm doing the best I can to bring you delicious food and a great dining experience. Your support means the world to my team and me, and we appreciate every single one of you. We're still figuring out how to find that work-life balance, but we're committed to taking care of ourselves and each other so that we can continue to bring you the best that we have to offer.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared for the financial realities: Starting a restaurant can be expensive, and it's important to have a solid financial plan in place. This includes identifying sources of funding, creating a realistic budget, and planning for unexpected.
- Focus on customer service: Providing great customer service is key to building a loyal customer base. This includes being responsive to customer feedback, treating every customer with respect and kindness, and going above and beyond to ensure a great dining experience.
- Start small: Starting with a small operation, such as a food truck or a pop-up shop, can be a great way to test the waters and build a following before investing in a full-fledged restaurant.
- Focus on quality: Quality is key when it comes to building a successful restaurant. This includes using fresh ingredients, investing in quality equipment, and hiring talented staff.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thejerkgrill.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejerkgrill/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejerkgrill/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-jerk-grill-099b761b1/
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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