Opening Soon

1. Ask for the education you want.Because you won’t learn unless you reach out and seek mentorship. 2. Value your own time.Ed notes that “for every year you spend in a bad kitchen, you’re wasting your time. There are plenty of good chefs out there.” 3. You have the opportunity to change the industry.The LEE initiative is less about a women’s movement and more about diversifying the restaurant industry. Unlike 20 years ago, individuals entering the industry have the opportunity to impact it for the better. This next generation is all about activism. Nowadays, chef’s are also activists representing a greater narrative or...

1. Be emotionally prepared.If you’re planning on crowdfunding, understand that there are certain pressures that arise from accepting other people’s money. You’re not only opening yourself up to ridicule, but you’re also opening yourself up to people making certain demands because of their contribution. Overall, it is a fulfilling yet intense emotional experience. 2. Build a portfolio.For people to trust you with their money, it’s beneficial to already have an established name and proof of concept. In the era of Instagram, it’s important to share your talents and accomplishments with the public via social media. 3. Take on partners.Be cautious in the partnering...

In this week’s episode of Opening Soon, Camilla Marcus, owner of West-Bourne in SoHo, joins Jenny and Alex in a dynamic discussion of how to fund your project, what potential investors are looking for in your business plan, and sometimes more importantly, what are investors looking for in you? 1. Authenticity is key.As an investor herself, Camilla discusses that she looks for authentic leaders who pursue projects for the right reasons. She looks for passionate, driven individuals that will do whatever it takes to succeed rather than people who try to enter the restaurant industry for vanity reasons. Because restaurant...

Season One is complete! We've compiled a list of a few great resources to help you open your restaurant successfully! If you want to go through the key points of every episode, visit our blog! A very special thank you to each Season One guest for their time and insight - Opening Soon would not have been a success without them! Stay tuned for Season Two after a quick break. For getting the word about your restaurant out:   BentoBox: For beautifully designed, mobile friendly restaurant websites that seamlessly integrate reservation platforms   Heritage Radio Network: The world's pioneer food radio station,...