The Entrepreneur Experiment EE423 - From 25-Seater Café to National Brand: The Gourmet Food Parlour Story
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Jun 12, 2025 Lorraine Heskin, founder of Gourmet Food Parlour, reflects on her entrepreneurial journey from a humble 25-seater café to a thriving national brand. She candidly shares the challenges of starting without investors and emphasizes the power of community support and strong team dynamics. Lorraine discusses the importance of strategic branding, customer relationships, and the vital role of personal values in business. Her insights into balancing personal well-being with growth highlight the human side of entrepreneurship, inspiring aspiring business owners to trust their instincts.
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Start Smart with Brand & Location
- Prioritize building a strong brand centered on your values and unique vision.\n- Choose locations strategically considering budget and customer demographics, even if off-main street.
Hire for Culture and Lead
- Hire people who naturally fit your brand culture to reduce training needs.\n- Lead by example to inspire genuine customer care and team pride.
Elite Sports Catering Evolution
- Winning the contract to cater for Dublin GA was a game changer.\n- They upgraded sports catering to include real plates, buffets, and personal service for athletes.
