Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laine Fedrau, co-founder of Vegan Street Inglewood Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Calgary's first 100% plant-based restaurant. With the demand rising for vegan and vegetarian options, we wanted to create a place where people from all dietary preferences could enjoy a special occasion, anniversary, birthday in an intimate, sit-down setting. We cater to those who choose not to eat animal products but also to anyone who appreciates flavour, quality, and unique ways of experiencing similar comforting dishes made entirely from plants.
Tell us about yourself
As two vegans living in a meat-centric city, Darian and I found it difficult to choose places to go out and celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy an evening of wining and dining, like all of our other foodie friends. While a restaurant was always our end goal, we didn't initially have the means to open a brick and mortar. So we started saving for a food truck. When we launched it at Calgary's second vegan food festival, "Vegfest," we knew the demand was there.
After two years of operating the food truck and a farmers market stall in the winters, we were ready to move into Vegan Street Beltline, serving classic comfort food such as burgers, Mac and cheese, and no-fish & chips. Once a year later, we opened Vegan Street Inglewood, with tacos as the main focus and Neopolitan pizzas served upstairs in The Attic- a cozy cocktail and live music venue. Whatever you are craving, you can experience it at any of our 3 locations, with an entirely different vibe at each.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment as business owners has been keeping the restaurants afloat amidst a global pandemic. If we can survive through this, we can make it through anything.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is being able to juggle 1000 tasks per day and attempt to cross more things off your list than you add. You never realize how many aspects of the business there are that need constant attention until you own a restaurant. It is as much about the physical product that we sell as it is about the people that make it what it is. And then you always get a curveball maintenance task, like a burst pipe, to try to knock you off your game. Not today, Satan! What makes it all worth it is having a wicked team of humans that support each other and guests that appreciate everything that you do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be too hard on yourself. Businesses take constant effort, and laying the foundation can sometimes feel unrewarding. But you need that foundation to grow and prosper down the road. If it doesn't take off right away, that's ok! Just believe in yourself and keep working towards your goals!
- Always write down your tasks. They will build up in your head and stress you out. If you can't get to them right away, write them down and forget about them until you have a spare moment.
- Leave time for YOURSELF. You can't pour from an empty cup. Make sure to prioritize your own mental health, and your business will thank you for it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://veganstreet.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veganstreetbeltline
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganstreetbeltline/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/street_vegan
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.