#35 - Cable Snipping & Pancake Flipping to Running the Whole Thing - Chris Johnson of Canopy Road Cafe
Jul 2, 2023
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Guest Chris Johnson shares his journey in the restaurant industry and his experiences as a business owner. Topics discussed include working from the floor to management, retrieving cable boxes, challenges of opening a new location, customer retention, creating a sense of family, future plans, valuable insights into the restaurant industry and mindset of a successful entrepreneur.
Overcoming financial burdens and ensuring financial stability are crucial aspects of running a small business.
Building strong relationships with staff and customers is essential for navigating challenging times and fostering a sense of family within a restaurant.
The speaker is open to potential expansion and growth opportunities, considering new locations and potential franchising.
Taking care of mental health, prioritizing self-care, and finding fulfillment in hobbies outside of work are important for managing stress in the restaurant industry.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Running a Small Business
Running a small business comes with several challenges, such as overcoming financial burdens and competing with government handouts. Despite these obstacles, the speaker is committed to ensuring financial stability for themselves, their employees, and their family.
The Impact of the Pandemic on the Business
The pandemic had a significant effect on the restaurant industry, forcing many establishments to scale back or shut down. The speaker was faced with difficult decisions, including reducing staff and giving away excess food. However, as restrictions lifted, customers returned with enthusiasm, and the speaker's strong relationship with their staff and customers helped them navigate through the challenging times.
The Importance of Relationships and Community
The speaker emphasizes the value of strong relationships with their staff and customers. They have gone above and beyond to support their employees during tough times, providing financial assistance and understanding. The speaker also appreciates the community aspect of their business, fostering a sense of family and creating lasting connections through genuine care and support.
Future Plans and Expansion
While the speaker doesn't explicitly mention their future plans, it is evident that they are open to potential expansion and new locations. They have successfully opened multiple restaurants in different areas and have even been approached for franchising opportunities. Their commitment to being financially stable and providing a good life for their family suggests that they may continue to explore growth opportunities.
Canopy Road Cafe: 3 Locations for Delicious Breakfast and Brunch
Canopy Road Cafe is a popular restaurant chain with multiple locations that offer delicious breakfast and brunch options. Their website, canopiroadcafe.com, provides information on all the locations and allows customers to order online. Each location has its own Facebook page where you can find store-specific updates, specials, and contact information. The restaurants also have an app that offers rewards for loyal customers. Canopy Road Cafe aims to provide a unique and enjoyable dining experience for its customers.
Overcoming Anxiety and Building Resilience in Business
In this podcast episode, the guest speaker shares his personal experience of dealing with anxiety and stress in the restaurant business. He talks about how he learned to manage his anxiety and build resilience by taking a step back, prioritizing his mental health, and not letting the stress overwhelm him. He emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding ways to recharge, even in a demanding industry like hospitality. The speaker also discusses the impact of social media on mental health and the need to not let external validation dictate one's self-worth.
Finding Joy in Projects, Music, and Hobbies
The podcast episode explores the guest's interests and hobbies outside of running a restaurant. He shares his passion for reading, particularly novels that transport him to different worlds. He also enjoys tinkering around in his garage, working on DIY projects, and playing the guitar. Music is a significant part of his life, and he finds solace and relaxation in immersing himself in songs and albums. The guest's enthusiasm for these creative outlets underscores the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in activities outside of work.
In this episode of Unholy Union, Lindz and Russ are joined by guest Chris Johnson, who shares his journey in the restaurant industry and his experiences as a business owner. Chris started working in restaurants at a young age, gradually working his way up from the floor to management. He shows a strong work ethic and a desire for growth, both in the industry and personally. Chris also shares an intriguing side gig he had, retrieving cable boxes for customers who hadn't paid their bills. The episode explores the challenges of opening a new location, customer retention, and the importance of creating a sense of family within the restaurant. Chris also discusses his future plans, including franchise options and continuing to promote from within. Listeners can expect valuable insights into the restaurant industry and the mindset of a successful entrepreneur.
