5 Lessons I’ve Learned Onboarding 8 Restaurants (and counting) to CARI: From Dorm Hangouts to Off-Campus Favorites ??
Building something meaningful is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it. Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of onboarding eight incredible restaurants onto CARI, our startup that connects college students to the campus food in the most convenient, affordable, and reliable way. Here’s what I’ve learned:
?? 1. Go Above and Beyond – Always.
Onboarding is more than ticking off checkboxes; it’s about building relationships. Whether it’s personally walking a restaurant through our dashboard or listening to their unique challenges, showing up makes all the difference. We have made countless UI and functionality adjustments for restaurants the day after they mentioned a small preference. This shows true care and investment in the team of restaurants we support. Spending hours to be there for launch nights and dedication to streamlining operations is what has helped us grow and foster great relationships.
?? 2. Clear Communication is Key.
Small business owners juggle a lot. Making sure CARI fits into their workflow required me to tailor our messaging, simplify the process, and ensure we were creating value, not more work. Every restaurant owner has their own unique challenges and priorities. Many student restauranteurs were drawn to the optimization, stream lined ordering, and analytics offered through CARI, while other restaurants prioritized reach and profit. It's imperative to listen and adapt to every customer's unique needs.
?? 3. Feedback is a Gift – Use It.
Every restaurant taught me something new, from menu integration quirks to payment flow optimizations. Listening to feedback, even when it’s critical, has made CARI stronger.
?? 4. Small Details Have Big Impacts.
It’s the little things: a follow-up email, remembering their busiest hours, or adjusting features based on a single request. These details build trust and long-term partnerships.
?? 5. Perseverance Pays Off.
From dorm-room brainstorming sessions to walking into local spots and pitching face-to-face, persistence was everything. Not every “yes” came easily, but each one reinforced why we started CARI.
A huge thank you to the restaurants who believed in us – your partnership means everything. Send me a message if you would like to bring CARI to your restaurant or college.
#CARI #Delivery #College #startupjourney #entrepreneurship #innovation #startupstories
