Hang 10 Poké is a popular restaurant located in downtown Fond du Lac, WI. The owner, who is passionate about creating delicious food and providing excellent customer service, shares some insights into the challenges and joys of running a brick-and-mortar business. In this article, we will explore the owner’s perspective on staffing, expenses, menu development, and the importance of customer satisfaction.
Staffing Challenges and Restrictive Hours
Running a restaurant comes with its fair share of challenges, and one of them is staffing. The owner acknowledges that some days it can be difficult to keep the restaurant fully staffed. As a result, they have implemented more restrictive hours, currently operating from 11 am to 7 pm. While they would like to extend their hours to 11 am to 8 pm in the future, they prioritize the well-being of their team and their own families. The owner believes in being flexible with their team members’ time off requests, as long as they receive sufficient advance notice. This approach helps maintain a positive work-life balance for everyone involved.
Expenses and the Unique Nature of a Brick-and-Mortar Business
Owning a brick-and-mortar business comes with its own set of expenses that can sometimes be overwhelming. The owner emphasizes that people often underestimate the costs associated with running a physical store. Regardless of the sales for the day, there are still expenses such as cleaning supplies, dishwashing, and maintenance that need to be taken care of. These expenses can add up and put a strain on the business.
In contrast, owning a food truck has fewer expenses compared to a brick-and-mortar store. The owner highlights the difference, explaining that regardless of the sales for the day, they still have to clean the store and prepare it for the next day. Despite the challenges, the owner appreciates the opportunity to create a living with their own hands and the freedom to do things their way.
Building Relationships and Customer Service
One of the greatest joys of running Hang 10 Poké is the opportunity to build relationships with customers. The owner values the aspect of customer service and enjoys getting to know the people who come into the restaurant. Over time, customers transition from being just regulars to becoming familiar faces with whom the owner can have a simple exchange of nods and make their order without much conversation. This personal connection with customers is something the owner finds fulfilling.
Creating Unique Recipes and Real-Time Feedback
As a chef, the owner takes pride in creating unique recipes from scratch. They mention that Hang 10 Poké uses very few pre-made products, preferring to make everything in-house. For example, they used to serve a Hawaiian ice tea that came in a packet, but they decided to make it from scratch to improve the quality and address any personal health concerns. The same goes for their milk tea, which used to be made from a powder but is now made with almond milk and their own brown sugar syrup. This commitment to quality and freshness allows the owner to see people’s reactions to their food in real-time. Every chef wants people to enjoy their food, and the owner appreciates the opportunity to receive immediate feedback and engage in conversations with customers.
Supportive Downtown Business Community
Hang 10 Poké is part of a supportive downtown business community in Fond du Lac. The owner mentions that other local businesses, such as The Hive, have been supportive and have even become regular customers. The owner appreciates the organic connections and support that arise from being part of a community where businesses genuinely enjoy each other’s products. They believe in the philosophy of doing what’s best for their own business, which ultimately benefits the entire community.
Future Plans and Expansion
The owner has exciting plans for the future, including expanding their business to include a food trailer. They currently operate a food truck called The Big Blue Yummy, which offers a grilled cheese concept in the fall and caramel apples. The owner is proud of their team at the restaurant, as they have reached a point where they can trust them to handle the day-to-day operations. This allows the owner to focus on other projects, such as the food trailer. They are also considering expanding their presence to Appleton, WI, with the food trailer. While specific details about the expansion are not yet ready to be publicly announced, the owner encourages people to stay tuned for updates on their Facebook page.
Conclusion
Running a brick-and-mortar restaurant like Hang 10 Poké comes with its challenges, from staffing to expenses. However, the owner’s passion for creating delicious food and providing excellent customer service shines through. They take pride in their unique recipes made from scratch and value real-time feedback from customers. The owner is constantly reassessing the menu and is willing to make changes to ensure the highest quality and customer satisfaction. With exciting plans for the future, including the expansion of their business to include a food trailer, Hang 10 Poké continues to innovate and provide a delightful dining experience for its customers.
To stay updated on Hang 10 Poké and their future endeavors, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram at Hang 10 Poké. Make sure to include “Poké” in your search to find their page. Additionally, you can check out their food truck, The Big Blue Yummy, for a variety of delicious offerings
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