Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christopher Blauvelt, Owner of The Standard Restaurant, located in Fort Myers, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a casual restaurant with a variety of entertainment. Our customer base consists of business people to bikers, and we cater to the LGBTQ community.
Tell us about yourself
I started working in a New York Deli at the age of 16, where I learned to make fresh pasta, mozzarella, and sausage. In my later years, I learned the cold-cut trade working in bologna kitchens in New Jersey and The Bronx. I now have three restaurants under The Standard brand and a pizzeria. If you do what you love, it's not work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Surviving two hurricanes and a pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding and keeping quality people.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay focused.
- Have passion.
- Failing is not an option.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thestandardftmyers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStandardFTMyers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestandardswfl/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-blauvelt-09b48660/
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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