Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sue Scherzinger, owner of Gourmet World, located in Sudbury, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a family-owned business catering to European tastes. Our red seal pastry chef (pictured above) creates artistic and delicious cakes and pastries. The deli and cafe offer up fresh meat and cheese, sandwiches, and housemade soups. The aisles feature both imported and local grocery and giftware items. Our customers range from parents looking for the perfect birthday cake to seniors loving a homemade lunch to immigrants missing the European flavours.
Tell us about yourself
My husband and I always loved this store, and when it went up for sale five years ago, we took the leap. Our daughter, Jasmine, is the head pastry chef, and our son, Milo, and his wife, Sharon, run the front of the house. I intended to be just a bit of help but love it so much that I quit my full-time job and now work full time in the shop. I absolutely love it. The customers are fantastic, the days are full, and the endless opportunities.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We've built our reputation for the bakery from a small component of the shop to a thriving book three weeks in advance needed two more bakers bakery. We've brought in younger and more varied customers, many of whom feel at home here. No anonymous chain here!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Hiring good people has been a real challenge. We have some really great people now as part of our team, but it has been very difficult to find part-timers, especially the last two years.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be prepared not to take a wage for up to three years as you get going. If you don't have another source of income or reserves, it's going to be tough. Be flexible, always examining if you can do things better or more profitably. Pivot as needed. Customer service is king. It'll make all the difference.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are super excited about the future and making plans for when things are fully open.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://gourmetworld.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GourmetWorldSudbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gourmetworldsudbury/
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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