Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jason Rosso, partner, and general manager of J. Red & Co., located in Woodbridge, ON, Canada. Jason is a renowned chef and serving contemporary pizza and pasta.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are Brampton's best urban eatery and live music venue. We offer an eclectic mix of international flavours with wood-burning pizza and gourmet pasta, and unique dishes.

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been in the restaurant business for 35 years in 14 different countries. I felt Brampton needed a much better independent international restaurant, somewhere people can get an urban experience without traveling to Toronto.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to survive for seven years in an incredibly difficult industry. I’ve been fortunate enough to have an incredible team around me for the same length of time.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

It’s 24/7. There are no days off or days of rest. Every problem is yours to fix, and it can be a little relentless.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Pick an industry that has viability and the ability to make a profit.
  2. Try developing a business where you are brokering the transaction as supposed to manufacturing or creating something.
  3. Do something you absolutely love because when it gets unbearable, you at least are immersed in your passion.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make sure you did your homework on the viability of your business idea and always be working 3-5 steps ahead to ensure you are never left asking “what just happened.”

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.jredandco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jredandco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jredandco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonrosso

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.