We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julie Moreno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Julie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
When I opemed Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe, I never thought my restaurant would have such a positive impact on the community. My customers just happen to be the most appreciative and supportive I have ever come across. Walking into work is always uplifting, with the customers being so thankful that we provide safe and delicious gluten free food. Jewel’s has been open for 10 years and we have touched many lives through food. Last year my family got some devastating news and our customers did not hesitate to step in and help. Our son Andrew (11) was diagnosed with end stage renal failure. Our family was tested for a kidney match and we were not the best match. Out of options we turned to our customers and community. Within a few weeks we had over 45 possible donors apply! The hospital said it was the most donors they had ever seen. They found 3 good matches and have narrowed it down to one. We are anxiously waiting for the testing to be all done and for Andrew to receive this life-saving kidney! I hope someday we will find out what customer is giving my family this incredible gift. We are beyond words how much this means to us. About 8 years ago our dishwasher (George) had unexpectedly passed. He was dearly loved by customers and staff. His family had no money for funeral expenses and my customers and staff donated enough money to cover all his expenses and a little extra for his daughter. I don’t know too many jobs that are as rewarding and fulfilling.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
In 2011 my daughter, Sophia, was struggling with severe abdominal pain and we discovered she was intolerant to gluten. I always cooked and baked since I was a kid, so the natural thing was for me to master gluten free in the kitchen. My cupcakes were getting rave reviews and my flour blend could make so many different items that did not taste gluten free. I started selling at farmer’s markets, restaurants and even in gas stations. I hired 2 bakers to bake out of my home under the Cottage Law. I soon outgrew my kitchen and was the highest grossing vendor at the farmer’s market. It was time for a brick and mortar location. Jewel’s Bakery and Cafe was born and is now an essential part of the community.
Any advice for managing a team?
The hardest thing for me when I first opened Jewel’s was managing the staff. Turnover was high and I just assumed that is how restaurant staff is. That is until I realized that Teamwork actually does make the dream work. We do many team building activities and treat our staff like family. Having amazing, happy customers sure helps moral also! Now we have very little turnover and we get applications constantly. Customers feel the great vibes and want to work here. I always offer a free meal for any shift and we even take trips!
Have you ever had to pivot?
Never did I ever think Jewel’s would be so busy, with hour waits on the weekends and even a wait during the week. We are constantly being asked if we will open more locations. For me, running Jewel’s and raising 5 kids is all I could take on. I could not imagine having to manage other locations. But I knew I had to expand and bring safe comfort food to other locations. No one should be afraid to eat! For the past year I have been building the “Whisk & Mingle” franchise, so that I can teach and help others open a proven successful, dedicated gluten-free restaurant and bakery. We are working with franchisees to open more locations in Metro Phoenix and other cities all over the nation. www.whiskandminglefranchise.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Jewelsbakeryandcafe.com
- Instagram: Jewelsgfcafe
- Facebook: Jewelsgfcafe
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/2d2M65bXaY
