Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jacqui Cronin, Owner of The Platter Company - Gourmet Market, located in Burlington, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Platter Company Gourmet Market offers small-batch, frozen handcrafted appetizers, prepared meals, side dishes, desserts, and more! Our charcuterie, artisan cheese, and gourmet vegetable platters are beautifully presented on eco-friendly wooden platters.
We also offer a wide variety of specialty food items, entertaining essentials, and a wonderful fine cheese and charcuterie section. Gourmet DIY! Our customers are anyone who loves good food!
Tell us about yourself
I was born a foodie. There's no denying it. In grade school English (a long time ago), we were asked to create a restaurant menu. I got an A (for the first time), and the teacher said see you later for dinner reservations! I had always loved working in the food industry, even when I worked boring office jobs (I had to pay the rent).
It took me a long time to put my passion on paper and go for it. Motivation, for me, is having a true belief in knowing that if you do what you love, you love what you do. It really is that simple.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Good question. Changing lanes (I wanted to say pivot, but..) during Covid. From 2016–2020, my business was solely a catering company. March 2020... well, that was pretty rough, as we all know. But keeping the faith and not giving up (thank you, friends, family, and wine).
I was able to refocus and shift gears, leaning into the new way of offering food. We celebrated our 2-year opening as a gourmet market in October 2022 and received the Burlington Business of Excellence Award from the Mayor, and I could not be prouder.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Feeling the world on your shoulders at times. It all comes down to you, so you better be into what you are doing because you have to work, work, work. I'd have it no other way.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Deciding to start your own business means if you do this, you have only one way of thinking. Positively and forward. Ok, two ways of thinking.
- Keep your competitors on your radar, but don't go down a rabbit hole wondering what they are doing. It wastes time. Work on your business, not theirs.
- Be smart enough to have a business plan, vision, and goals but not dumb enough to think it doesn't take a team to help you get where you want to go.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://theplattercompany.ca/ourmenu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplattercompany/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/platteron
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-cronin-103a01b1/
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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