The Face Behind the Counter

In a recent interview with a local business owner from Somerville, we discussed the topic of entrepreneurship.  He, who chooses not to be named, has owned a restaurant with his family for more than twenty years. When the question of what entrepreneurship meant to him arose, he commented, “entrepreneurship means to run a business for yourself.”  I asked him the secret to his success and he answered with a smile, saying, “it all started with a plan and taking initiative.” He continued, “if you want to operate your own business, you have to understand the responsibilities it takes to be your own boss; you have to wear all the hats.”

As the conversation continued, we discussed both positive and negative points of running your own business.  The local said that his two favorite things about being an entrepreneur are the independence and knowing that every customer who comes in wants a delicious meal, so he makes it his mission to satisfy every last taste bud.  He said, “I find great joy in having direct contact with customers and being able to fulfill their hunger through a great meal.” Unfortunately, in addition to the best things about owning one’s own business, our local also faces problems or pain points daily.  For example, some difficulties he faces include long, tireless hours and keeping up a schedule. He struggles to manage the volume of business he has with just manpower. The biggest pain point for this entrepreneur is “not being able to spend enough quality time with [his] family outside the restaurant.” He wishes he “could attend more events with them, like sports games and take [his] wife on more dates because she deserves the world.”

In conclusion, the friendly face you see behind the counter works all day, sacrificing so much of his life to ensure that when a customer enters, they leave with a full stomach and a smile on their face, too.