A Gorgeous Vintage Teahouse - Waterdown Tea House
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dinah Robert, co-owner of Waterdown Tea House, located in Waterdown, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a teahouse that features afternoon high tea and light lunches in a beautiful Victorian house with a large covered Patio nestled in the old village of Waterdown People gravitate to our restaurant as it provides a unique service of providing elegant English high tea in a setting that is catered to escaping busy life and entering a world of peacefulness and enjoyment.
Tell us about yourself
I have run catering operations on a large scale in the corporate world for many years. I am now able to take that experience and put it into this business where customer service and satisfaction are my priority every day. I love this business and seeing people come together to enjoy good food and conversation is what motivates me. The sound of people laughing and celebrating occasions together is music to my ears.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is growing the teahouse to become a success. We were voted the best new restaurant in 2019, under a year after opening. We have survived the COVID-19 shutdowns, which have been financially difficult for many foodservice businesses to get through.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner is a big responsibility. One of the hardest things is finding time to enjoy family and friends away from the business. There are always other aspects of the operation to take care of, such as orders, contracts, and social media requirements, so you can rarely step away from it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research your business market.
- Hire effective and energetic staff so you have a cohesive team dedicated to making the business a success.
- Be a risk-taker- provide a quality service all the time and enjoy what you are doing.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We have created a great venue for holding bridal showers, baby showers, business events, and even small weddings.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.waterdownteahouse.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waterdownteahouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterdown_tea_house/
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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