Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jean-François Rondeau, founder of Café Passion, located in Saint-Lambert, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Café Passion is a landmark in Saint-Lambert! Established almost 40 years ago, first as a European-style coffee shop when thinkers and poets gather to change the world, it has grown into a full-service restaurant with the best brunch in town on the weekends!
Tell us about yourself
Coffee runs in my blood. I've been a coffee roaster for almost ten years, and when I first stepped into Café Passion a couple of years back, I knew this was a match made in heaven! I purchased the restaurant in December of 2019, and it's been a love story ever since :)
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So far, getting through the three waves of COVID-19. It's been tough, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel (finally!) With the reopening set for February 7th, we're super stoked to put this pandemic behind us once and for all.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say the fact that you are always ON. Even in my sleep, I keep my phone next to me. I have five businesses now, so anything can happen at any time. There's no vacation. But, the flip side is that I consider my business not as a workplace but as a playground!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1) Plan well, but don't dwell on it.
2) Make sure you're passionate about your project.
3) Just do it.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Good luck to everyone out there. If you're passionate, having your own business is the best!
Where can people find you and your business?
http://instagram.com/cafepassionbistro/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfrondeau/
https://www.facebook.com/CafePassion/
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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