It’s now been three months since I made a “crazy” career change and opened my restaurant Plenti. So, here’s an update! The highlights: - Employees: I cannot stress enough what an absolute NIGHTMARE it was trying to find good employees. However, I’m finally at a point where I feel like every one of my employees is an all-star. It’s a special feeling to have people buy-in to your vision, passion, and goals and start to treat customers and the business just like you would. What might be even more special is watching them grow personally and professionally – my two managers have a contagious sense of motivation that has had a ripple effect on the rest of the team and I am extremely proud of that. - Customers: We have a great foundation of “regulars” who the staff and I adore. Our first “customer of the month” came in 16 out of the first 18 days we were open (Branden, a Plenti legend!). I’ve learned that the part I love most about Plenti is the people. Not much brings me more joy than seeing our dining area full, with people talking, laughing, and saying how much they enjoyed the food. There’s a stigma that you must be “crazy” to open a restaurant. I agree for the most part, but I think the one thing all restauranteurs have in common is that they get the same type of excitement and fulfillment from bringing people together to eat and enjoy each other’s company. The struggle: - Work-life-balance: I have had very few days off, and most of my days are long and physically exhausting. Physical exhaustion combined with extreme financial pressure is a recipe for struggle. There’s no doubt that my mental and physical health have taken a hit. To a point where it feels like I forgot why I opened Plenti in the first place. I opened Plenti because I have always lived a very active lifestyle and never felt like I had a place where I could eat every day and feel like it complimented all the activity, while also providing good value and tons of flavor. Plenti is the restaurant I always wished existed but could never find. So, for the next 30 days, I’m going to challenge myself to get back into the reason I started all of this - I’m going try a new activity every day, and either follow that workout or prepare for that workout with a meal from Plenti. Along the way I’ll highlight and support local businesses and all that Jacksonville has to offer. You can keep up with my challenge on our Instagram page @eatplenti. I highly encourage everyone to drop a link in the comments to your favorite local workout spot, I might just check it out! Goals for the next 90 days: - Increase Catering: We now have a consistent process and some VERY happy customers that are ordering every week! Keep us in mind the next time you need an event or meeting catered! - Start Selling Meal Prep: We've been getting a ton of requests for meal prep options. We’re still working out the logistics and creating meals but stay tuned! - Start Selling our Sauces: In-store first and eventually online!
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