Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abhi Thane, Co-Founder of Thane's Table, located in Arvada, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Thane's Table is a gaming tavern for tabletop gaming of all kinds, including board games, role-playing games, and group trivia events! The gaming community in Colorado is one of the most enthusiastic. Thane's Table aims to provide the perfect ambiance and amenities for gamers in all genres. We have a full bar and kitchen serving cocktails, beer, flatbreads, soups, and much more! My favorite Indian book is called Madhushala, which translates to 'Meadery.' The book is a compilation of beautiful poems about the author's love for mead - and Thane's Table is my ode to anyone looking for their Madhushala.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in India and am a mechanical engineer by profession. I've always been fond of board games, and in late 2021, I decided to quit my job and build Thane's Table with the goal of creating a welcoming bar for gaming enthusiasts like myself. Growing up, I used to make curry pizzas, and having a unique flatbread menu was a must for me in the tavern. With years of project management experience behind me, I took on the role of being the general contractor for my own project and worked as the labor for the tenant finish work. I built two private game rooms, a kitchen, and a bar. I also built 15 custom gaming tables for the tavern to include all the features for gameplay while enjoying food and drinks with friends! This whole process took about 9 months of labor. I truly enjoyed managing my own project in every aspect, and it gives me great happiness to see all the patrons enjoying themselves in my tavern every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think being able to manage this project within budget (thanks to my 6-year-old niece pitching in her tooth fairy money!), taking on construction management, and finishing the extensive tenant finish work in just 9 months with the help of dozens of volunteers from the local gaming community - are my biggest accomplishments! Thane's Table is a bar built by the community for the community, and it gives me great happiness.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I do think all businesses, especially new ones, face unique financial challenges and the need for constant nurturing by the owners. Having my family's support and the love from the community has been very helpful in maneuvering through these initial phases. The business is like a baby, though, and it is very satisfying to watch it become self-sustaining and independent!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The 3 top things that helped me in my journey are:
- A strong financial plan for the business which does include my personal essential requirements and some flexibility in the budget to be prepared for the unknowns.
- A strong business plan which allowed me to stay on track, even now!
- Setting achievable goals every day. My happiness and my business's success are interdependent, there's always more to do today, but I need to cherish today as well!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thanestable.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThanesTable/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanestable/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThanesTable
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thanestable/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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