Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tony Marquez, founder of Beer Rocks, located in Elk Grove, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is called Beer Rocks (Brew Bites). Our customers are people who enjoy good local microbrewery beers alongside some rocking pub style foods. We are basically a “pub on the go” except we supply the food, and the brewery we are at supplies the beers. Our menu was chosen specifically to cater beer, wine, and cider drinkers. This sets us apart from 99% of the other food trucks you’ll find at breweries.
Tell us about yourself
My brother and I decided to start this business as we found a hole in the market with most local breweries not serving any food or only to providing snacks (chips and salsa, dry pretzels, potato chips, etc.). We loved the family friendly atmosphere of ale houses or traditional European pubs and wanted to bring that experience to our local breweries.
The best motivation we get daily is from our customers who take the time out of their day to stop and tell us how much they enjoyed our food. It makes us feel good to brighten someone’s day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is starting a business that is both fun for our staff and fun for our clients and customers. We have people inviting us to come cater their birthday parties, business openings or even just their family events.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I read a meme the other day that seems quite fitting…. I GOT TIRED OF WORKING A 9 TO 5 IN A CUBICLE SO I DECIDED TO START MY OWN BUSINESS. NOW I WORK 24/7. Hours can be overwhelming so keeping a hold of proper time management becomes key.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
RUN FOREST… RUN… HA HA.
#1. Keep track of your expenses and pricing. If your company isn’t making money, it won’t be around long.
#2. Keep track of your scheduling (for those of you who don’t have a brick and mortar). Missing a job, double booking, or unscheduled cancellations costs can add up before you know it.
#3. Adapt to what your customers want. They are the ones paying your bills. You may think that ketchup on a hot dog is a crime against humanity, but that’s your opinion, you would do best for your company by accommodating to their desires.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/sacbeerrocks/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.