We recently connected with Jennifer Teutli and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?
Before 2020 my business was exclusively catering and packaged meals. I had 2 employees and our schedule varied according to events booked. When Covid hit all our business disappeared overnight. The location we were in did not had seating or capacity for delivery/take out etc. My feeling was people were in lock down and the most interesting thing they could do was order out. So we found a new location, and ran a crowdfunding campaign on ifundwomen, explaining our financial situation and the desire to continue to serve our comunity and be a part of our downtown businesses. In a matter of three days we raised 40K+ which allowed us to move forward with our plans. We recognized each and every person who supported us by placing their names on our wall. We are still here 3 years later, and going strong. We are a super local Mexican Food Restaurant and catering business, but are committed to sticking around, and love being an active part of our community.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I moved to New Jersey in 2007 with my husband and 3 kids. I am extremely passionate about Mexico and our traditions, culture and food. After a few years of searching for Authentic Mexican Food I decided to start my own thing, in a very small scale, mainly because I wanted people to taste what Real Mexican Food is like. So I started with a stand at our local farmers market, then rented a kitchen by the day at a local Community Center, then started selling a few things in a couple liquor stores. By then I had my own commercial kitchen and a couple people helping me. I have to say, I was making it up and learning as I went along. I had no experience in running a kitchen, staff, etc. I now have an established small restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating , 2 taco trucks and a mobile Cantina, offer delivery on most platforms, and we offer beautiful setups for catering any kind of special events. I have a full time staff of 8 people and am still learning everyday how to make things better. I love my work, my interaction with customers, being a [art of their special celebrations… I love creating a happy workplace for my employees and am proud of the food we serve everyday.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
Multiple revenue streams, in my opinion, is fundamental for success in a restaurant, especially a small or local establishment. The traditional restaurant business model is not enough anymore. There are so many variables that are beyond our control that can have a negative impact. A good take out platform is crucial. Off site catering has been a huge part of our business and thiss usually turns into repeat customers in one way or another. You can make more in a 2 hour corporate luncheon than being open to the public all day. Differentiating yourself from the rest does not go unnoticed. A nicer setup, an extra service, being flexible, quality and presentation, feeling proud of the service you are offering.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I’ve read them all. I think running a business requires continuous learning and adapting. Being open to change, trying new things, and trusting yourself to figure things out. Getting expert advice from experienced sources is crucial. Focus on what you are good at and get the help you need from specialists. Delegate and spend your time on what you do best. Think outside the box. I am currently working with an amazing consulting firm who is analizing every segment of the business with the goal of optimizing everything from operations, to finances, to marketing in order to have a solid foundation and thus figuring out our growth potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mexicanspice.net
- Instagram: @mexicanspicenj
- Facebook: mexicanspice