Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jordan, the founder of Bar'kada, a restaurant and bar, in Toronto, Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

Restaurant + Bar. My customers are people looking to try new foods, enjoy good music + good vibes. People who live locally + for a place tourists can come and experience Toronto as well as a place for many of my friends to come enjoy life.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?

I've been a DJ in the city for almost 2 decades + got my first restaurant a decade ago. This one however is my first in the big city of Toronto so I knew it would be tough, but didn't expect something like covid to come along.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

Surviving Covid/Pandemic. To have no dine in for almost a year and try to survive on just delivery/takeout with no grants/subsidies from the government because we are considered a new business was super tough, stressful and draining mentally + financially.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

At the end of the day you care about it the most. If someone calls in sick or doesn't show, you have to do the work. From the little things of cleaning the garbage, to making drinks, to meeting suppliers in the morning to closing the restaurant at 2am. Then doing it all over again.

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

1. Make a plan

2. Set goals

3. Just do it

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Running a business is hard work + long hours which is why many people don't do it. But the reward can definitely trump the regular job because you get to be your own boss. The more work you put in, the more reward/success you will achieve.

Where can people find you online?

https://www.barkadato.com/
https://www.instagram.com/barkadatoronto/?hl=en

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach 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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