We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brooke Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brooke thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Before I opened Brunch I had a full time job and a very successful side job as a wedding planner. I was busy, making a lot of money but was missing every soccer game my daughter had on Saturdays. But I thought it was ok because we were taking vacations, had a nice car and I was not worried about income. One day she pointed out that all I do was work and I was always on the phone or my computer. I was a workaholic and was missing everyday life.
I had a crazy idea to open a restaurant, which would most likely take up more time, but I could make my own schedule and be my own boss.
I would have to max out every credit card and drain my savings and give up my monthly paycheck. But I thought why not, I am not getting any younger and if this. works I could actually end up with more free time and be there everyday for my daughter,
It was a massive risk that would involve support form all of my family and friends. I was basically quitting my job with no guarantee of income and spending every penny I had to open this place.
I was scared, I lost sleep every night, I thought daily “what am I doing?? I have zero experience in this”
But I can now say 5 years later and growing every single year, this was the best risk I have taken. I have been able to take my daughter to school everyday and pick her up, go on field trips, participate in her classroom, and make all her soccer games.
She is now older and can drive herself, but my favorite part is now she works with me at Brunch! We get to spend more time together and she gets to get work experience and see what her mother has built and be a part of it.

Brooke, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started in the wedding world about 13 years ago. I fell in love with everything wedding and had a blast every weekend working and putting together the most important day in many peoples lives. I had never worked in the restaurant industry but thought how hard could it be to open a restaurant and work with the public? I kinda did that already.
it has been a rollercoaster the last 5 years but has been the best ride!
I have fine tuned my menu, my experience for my customers and have a very loyal customer base.
Going through Covid and all of the issues we dealt with for months really made me take a step back and learn that stressing over everything will never help the situation. I actually learned to slow down and really just figure out every problem as it came and just worked through it.
We have built a great team and really have learned to lean on each and the community. We live in a smaller area in California and everyone really supports all the local businesses. It has been great watching everyone succeed and support one another in the community.
I had never planned or even thought about working outside the wedding world, but I have grown to love this side of the hospitality world. I take heyday as it comes and know that everything will work out.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I soon learned that getting a business loan was out of the question. I was told I had to be in business 3-5 years before I would qualify for a business loan or a line of credit. I had no idea how anyone was able to start or open a business. I decided I really wanted to move forward and with the help of mu father, he gave me a ver small amount of funds and then I maxed out every card I had and drained my savings. I was very nervous but knew if I succeeded I could repay everything within a few years.
Without the help of family and a few friends I do not know if I could have opened my business.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

It really started with word of mouth in the community. I worked closely with other businesses and local hotels and Air BNB’s. I pretty much hit the pavement and introduced myself to everyone locally. I did several radio spots and a news segment. I made sure to participate in local fundraisers and be involved with the community. Also staying up on social media has helped. I hired someone to run my social media and stay interactive with my customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: brunchpaso.com
• Instagram: brunch.paso
• Facebook: brunch.pasorobles
• Yelp: brunch-Paso Robles

Image Credits
Sarah Kathleen Photography