Specialty Food Association’s Post

🌟 From a single food truck to a global sensation, Junghun Song's journey with Cupbop is nothing short of inspirational. Starting in 2013 in Salt Lake City, Junghun faced challenges with introducing a new style of Korean BBQ served in cups. Early rejections didn’t deter him; instead, they fueled his determination to connect with customers uniquely, turning a meal into an engaging experience with his breakdancing and cheerful interaction. 👨🍳 His mantra was simple yet powerful: "The relationship you form with your customer is even more important than the food you create." This philosophy transformed initial skepticism into widespread acceptance, turning first-time customers into loyal fans. Cupbop’s popularity skyrocketed, leading from one food truck to 57 restaurants and an international presence. 🌐 Junghun’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and genuine connection. Whether you're a small business owner or dreaming of starting your own venture, remember that your unique approach can make a profound impact. It’s not just about what you sell, but how you make people feel that sets you apart. 💬 Have you faced similar challenges in your business? How do you connect with your customers to make your brand stand out? Share your stories and let’s inspire each other to think outside the box and create experiences that resonate! #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #CustomerExperience #AskMichaelChandler #BusinessInspiration #ConnectAndConquer

🍷🥂 Did you know that some people have a fear of wine? It's called oenophobia. But hopefully, that's not you! We entrepreneurs and sales professionals understand the importance of celebrating wins, both big and small. And what better way to celebrate than with a glass of your favorite vino? 🌍🍾Today marks Open That Bottle Night, a celebration where wine lovers around the globe uncork those special bottles tucked away in their homes. Whether it's a vintage find or a bottle purchased just this morning, every sip holds the promise of cherished memories and shared moments. This event, pioneered by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, encourages us to reconnect with loved ones over a glass of wine, fostering meaningful connections and creating lasting memories. Reflecting on our entrepreneurial journey, we can draw parallels between the anticipation of opening a cherished bottle and the thrill of achieving our business goals. 🌟 Just as we carefully select the perfect bottle to savor, we meticulously craft our business strategies and sales tactics to achieve success. Entrepreneurship can be all-consuming, but it's crucial to take a break and appreciate the results of our hard work.  Open That Bottle Night serves as a reminder to celebrate not only our professional achievements but also the relationships that enrich our lives. So, raise a glass to your successes, your resilience in the face of challenges, and the bonds we share with our friends and family. As we savor each sip and reminisce about the moments that brought us here, make a toast to the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Cheers to creating memories that transcend time and space, and to building a legacy that inspires generations to come! Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more business strategies, sales insights, and entrepreneurial inspiration! 📊 Let's continue to raise the bar, "uncork" new possibilities, and toast to our collective success. #OpenThatBottleNight #EntrepreneurLife #SalesSuccess #CelebrateWins 

Discovering culinary excellence: The Art of Chicken's journey from family recipes to Chicago favorite I recently had the privilege of exploring The Art of Chicken for our latest Taste20in20 episode. This experience was a masterclass in turning passion into a successful business. Owner Christian Moreno shared his inspiring journey from family traditions to creating a beloved Chicago establishment. We delved into the secret recipes and techniques that make their Latin-inspired chicken truly stand out in a competitive market. It's a testament to how preserving cultural heritage can lead to business innovation. This episode showcases the entrepreneurial spirit driving Chicago's diverse culinary scene. It's stories like these that remind us of the power of family traditions in shaping successful businesses. You can watch the full story on the Taste20in20 YouTube channel. For aspiring restaurateurs and food industry professionals, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a unique brand in a saturated market. #Entrepreneurship #CulinaryBusiness #ChicagoFoodScene #FamilyTraditions #BusinessInnovation

This beverage news is brought to you by Liquid Brands. 👉 liquidbrandsmanagement.com Article from Bevindustry, April 2024 North Coast Brewing Co. (NCBC) is kicking off the spring season with the release of Acme Beer. Acme Beer is brewed as an homage to the original beer produced in 1907, the company says. Once the leading California-grown brand, Acme originally brewed only in San Francisco before expanding in 1935 to a second facility in Los Angeles, it notes. Acme later changed hands and in the late 1980s, it was briefly revived by a microbrewery near Santa Rosa, Calif. #beveragebusiness #startabeverage #beverageindustry #beveragesales #FMCG #CPG #beveragedistribution #RTD #alcoholicbeverage #nonalcoholicbeverage #beverageproduction #functionalbeverage #beverageresearch #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #book #businessidea #newbusiness #businessmotivation #entrepreneurmotivation #businesscasestudy #businessplantemplat

If milk gets bad, it becomes yoghurt. Yoghurt is more valuable than milk. If it gets even worse, it turns to cheese. Cheese is more valuable than both yoghurt and milk. And if grape juice turns sour, it transforms into wine, which is even more expensive than grape juice. You are not bad because you made mistakes. Mistakes are the experiences that make you more valuable as a person. Christopher Columbus made a navigational error that made him discover America. Alexander Fleming’s mistake led him to invent Penicillin. Don’t let your mistakes get you down. It is not practice that makes perfect. It is mistakes we learn from that makes perfect! Don't be scared of mistakes more bigger steps ahead just keep going.... #EntrepreneurshipJourney #StartupLife #BusinessOwner #TechEntrepreneur #FounderStory #BusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurialMindset #WomenEntrepreneurs #SocialEntrepreneurship

The talent and beer special at THOM on Tuesdays is so good it got the attention of the mayor himself. Being involved in the Food & Beverage business is fascinating. The lessons come daily, there are so many variables to manage, adapt to, and learn from. I’ve taken so much from these experiences and applied them across my businesses. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned: always be PREPARED. You never know who’s going to walk through the door, and every day brings a new opportunity. As the saying goes: “Fail to prepare = prepare to fail." Welcome Home ⚡️⚡️⚡️ #FoodAndBeverage #BusinessLessons #AlwaysBePrepared #Opportunities #Entrepreneurship #Hospitality #GrowthMindset

From Small Beginnings to Market Expansion: Lessons in Scaling with Quality

This beverage news is brought to you by Liquid Brands. 👉 liquidbrandsmanagement.com Article from Bevindustry, April 2024 North Coast Brewing Co. (NCBC) is kicking off the spring season with the release of Acme Beer. Acme Beer is brewed as an homage to the original beer produced in 1907, the company says. Once the leading California-grown brand, Acme originally brewed only in San Francisco before expanding in 1935 to a second facility in Los Angeles, it notes. Acme later changed hands and in the late 1980s, it was briefly revived by a microbrewery near Santa Rosa, Calif. #beveragebusiness #startabeverage #beverageindustry #beveragesales #FMCG #CPG #beveragedistribution #RTD #alcoholicbeverage #nonalcoholicbeverage #beverageproduction #functionalbeverage #beverageresearch #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #book #businessidea #newbusiness #businessmotivation #entrepreneurmotivation #businesscasestudy #businessplantemplat

Starting a new business often means beginning with limited hours and refining our processes before going full tilt. At Drifter Brew Co., we took this approach, starting small to ensure every sip, bite, and slice met our high standards of quality and authenticity. Initially, our limited hours allowed us to perfect our craft, iron out any kinks, and gather invaluable feedback from our Drifter crew. This phase was crucial in building a solid foundation and understanding the unique preferences of our community. 🍺🔥🍕 However, expanding our hours and capturing more of the market presented its own set of challenges. Scaling up meant more than just extending our opening hours. It required a careful balance of maintaining the quality and experience our customers love while managing increased demand and operational complexities. One of the key lessons we learned was the importance of flexibility and adaptability. As we expanded, we continually adjusted our processes, from brewing and BBQ techniques to customer service protocols, ensuring we stayed true to our values of simplicity, positivity, and authenticity. The journey has been demanding, but it's also been incredibly rewarding. By staying present, hustling, and leaning into our community-centric approach, we’ve managed to grow while maintaining the essence of what makes Drifter Brew Co. special. To all the budding entrepreneurs out there, remember: starting small and perfecting your process can set the stage for sustainable growth. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and keep striving for excellence. #NewBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Community #QualityOverQuantity #CraftBeer #BBQ #Pizza

🌟 Stand Out in the Market: A Lesson from Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa 🌶️🥭 Imagine your business as a dish at the world's grandest potluck. What would make everyone flock to yours? Let's take a leaf out of the culinary book with the Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa recipe. This dish isn't just a meal; it's a statement. It marries bold, traditional jerk spices with the sweet, refreshing zest of mango salsa — an unexpected combination that delights and surprises. Why not apply this recipe's philosophy to your brand identity? 🚀 In a sea of competitors, it’s your unique blend of ingredients — your value propositions, the stories you tell, and the branding strategies you employ — that will set your business apart. Think of your brand as a dish that only you can serve. What's your "mango salsa" that will make the market's taste buds dance? This approach isn't just about being different; it's about being authentically, memorably YOU. It’s about creating offerings so enticing that they capture not just the attention but the imagination of your target audience. 🔍 So, dear entrepreneurs, what's your recipe for success? Share your unique blend that makes your business the talk of the market potluck! #BusinessInnovation #BrandIdentity #Entrepreneurship #UniqueValue #StorytellingInBusiness