As an accidental restaurateur stepping into one of the most challenging industries, I've had a front-row seat to the struggles and triumphs of the industry. This year has been especially heartbreaking—on our street alone, four restaurants shuttered their doors.
I stood alongside some of these owners on their final days, as they selflessly donated their unsold and unused inventory to us—our tiny hole-in-the-wall spot, the smallest on the block. We shared both tears and jokes.
They assumed we’d be the first to shut our doors because we were nobodies—no celebrity chef, no flashy signage, no industry track record, just a small, unassuming restaurant.
Their generosity was more than an act of kindness; it was a testament to the community spirit that makes this industry so special. Many of these owners were first-generation immigrants, dreamers who opened their doors as far back as the early 2010s. Hearing their origin stories, filled with hope and grit, was both humbling and inspiring.
2024 has been a tough year for so many of us. As a fellow entrepreneur, I’m still navigating the storm, holding on to the belief that resilience paired with kindness can carry us forward.
I hope this article serves as a reminder of the transformative power of compassion—how small acts of kindness can restore humanity, bring hope, and spark joy just when it's needed most.
At DHD Consulting and WorkOnward (Techstars '23) Your Job, on the Map., we're committed to making hiring human again. With Your Job, on the Map, we're building tools that connect and empower small businesses and local communities.
If you're in NYC this week, I’d love for you to visit Mista Oh NYC at 41 West 24th Street, on the corner of 24th and 6th Avenue in Flatiron. Let’s share a meal and encourage one another on the resilience of small businesses together.
www.mrmistaohnyc.com
