We were lucky to catch up with Dennis Michel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dennis , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a time you helped a customer really get an amazing result through their work with you.
Dating back to my teen/student days I remember how enjoyable the afterschool walk homes amongst group of friends were and that many kids like myself rarely had any money in our pockets to buy food after school. If any kid ever did it was no more than 5-$10. Therefore I created a teen/high school meal for $8 that includes a chicken sandwich w/ fries and a drink. Through this Ritchies has built a great support and love system from the teenager community in San Fernando. Thank you
Dennis , 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 hospitality industry at 16 years of age bussing tables at a Bistro. From there it was off to the races. Blood, sweat, tears brought me the privilege to move up the rankings and the pleasure to work for top tier establishments and chefs from Mastros Steakhouse to Thomas Keller at Bouchon in Beverly Hills. In starting my own business my goal was clear and a standard I grew up by in the industry… “Build guest for Life”. Do right by them and they’ll do right by you. Threat everyone around with respect and never judge a book by its cover. I’ve stayed true to these key points and by the mercy of god I’m here with you today 5 years laters. I’ am thankful for my journey & it’s because of it I have a polished sense/ notion in the industry.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The journey of an entrepreneur is far from easy to say the least and you will be tested frequently which ultimately will decide your fate. I suggest learning and knowing any venture you dive into A-Z because mistakes can be costly and set you back or can end your journey. When I started my business I kept my main income (job) just to have something to fall back on. My business didn’t take off til 2 years after I started it. There’s certain things you’re not told and learn while you’re on the grind.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
For 2 years I was struggling from the time I opened my business. Attracting clientele and putting out a product that stands out amongst the rest of the competition is sincerely the toughest test ever! Coincidentally around COVID I met a gentleman w/ a huge social media presence that told me I had the media I needed just needed exposure and I’ll do great. Be hold I followed a few pointers that same day as I set off to hit my evening route with my food truck and no lie my sales doubled! I started using Instagram ad marketing to my advantage. Since then I’ve never looked back and my sales grew and grew as so did my brands. Biggest advise to anyone starting out the number 1 most important thing in business is the MARKETING. Period!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richieshotchickensfv.com
- Instagram: @ritchieshotchicken
- Facebook: YoloCupz
- Other: Check us out on Google
