We recently connected with Kenya Simpkins and have shared our conversation below.

Kenya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

One month after opening our second location, Keith Lee, one of the most influential food critics, visited us. At the time, I had no idea who he was. His family came in to dine, and they also ordered some food to-go. After finishing their meal, he joined his family at the table. When they were done eating, Mr. Lee asked if I wanted my review now or later. Still unaware of his identity, I happily said yes. To my surprise, he rated our food a 9.5! That night, our restaurant was all over social media, and my phone started blowing up uncontrollably. Ever since, the dining experience has been different, and things haven’t quite been the same.

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’m Kenya Simpkins, and I’ve always had a passion for food and creating memorable experiences. My journey into the restaurant industry started with a simple love for cooking, and over the years, it grew into a dream to share that love with others. After years of hard work, learning, and perfecting my craft, I was able to open my own restaurant, and it’s been an incredible ride ever since.

At our restaurant, we focus on delivering delicious meals, excellent customer service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We offer a variety of services, from dine-in experiences to take-out and catering for events of all sizes. We also specialize in event planning, helping clients create the perfect occasion whether it’s a family gathering, corporate event, or wedding. Every detail is important to us, and we strive to provide food and service that exceed expectations.

What sets us apart is our commitment to consistency. We’re passionate about delivering the same great meals and customer experience every time. From the quality of our food to the way we engage with our guests, we aim to create a memorable experience that keeps people coming back. We don’t just want to fill a seat; we want to build lasting relationships with our clients, and we do that through genuine care, attention to detail, and a dedication to excellence.

What I’m most proud of is seeing my dream come to life. Every day that we open our doors, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see people enjoying the space we’ve worked so hard to create.

For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that trusting the process is key. There will be challenges, but perseverance is everything. Never give up, because the rewards are worth it. We are here to provide great meals, excellent service, and a place where everyone feels welcome. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re always striving to be better than the day before.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most challenging moments in my journey came shortly after Keith Lee visited our restaurant. We were still a fairly new location, and to be honest, we were underprepared for the sudden wave of attention. His review went viral, and overnight, we were flooded with customers—more than we had ever experienced before.

The issue? We were understaffed. Despite our best efforts, it was tough to keep up with the demand. I’ll be honest, it was a struggle. We had customers who weren’t as understanding as we hoped, and it was hard to keep up with the volume while maintaining our usual high standards of service. There were moments when I wasn’t sure how we were going to get through it.

But we didn’t give up. We knew we had to adapt, and fast. Over the course of a couple of weeks, we worked tirelessly to streamline our processes, hire more team members, and improve our workflow. Slowly, but surely, things started to fall into place. We made the necessary adjustments, and the restaurant began to run smoother. The customers who were initially frustrated saw the improvements, and we regained their trust.

Looking back, that experience taught me the importance of resilience. Sometimes, you’re going to face unexpected challenges, but what matters is how you respond. We could’ve let the pressure get to us, but instead, we focused on solutions, kept pushing forward, and emerged even stronger.

It was a tough lesson, but I’m proud of how we handled it. That experience helped shape our team and solidified our commitment to always striving for better, no matter the circumstances.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

Yes, we’ve found multiple ways to turn our love for food into several avenues of income, allowing us to serve our community in a variety of ways. In addition to our core restaurant, we cater for all kinds of events, from school functions and baby showers to parties and corporate gatherings. This has allowed us to build relationships with local businesses and individuals who need quality food for special occasions.

We’ve also introduced a “grab and go” model, offering our delicious meals at gas stations for those looking for a quick, convenient option. It’s been a great way to reach more customers, particularly those on the go, who still want a fresh, home-cooked meal without having to sit down at the restaurant.

Additionally, we offer an event space for rent. This gives people the opportunity to host their own gatherings in a beautiful, fully equipped venue while we take care of the catering. It’s been an excellent way to diversify our income and make our services more accessible for all kinds of events.

These supplementary revenue streams have not only expanded our reach but also allowed us to share our passion for food in new and exciting ways. It’s been a rewarding journey to see how our business has grown by embracing these different models.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thediningexperiences.com
• Instagram: Thediningexperienceatl
• Facebook: The Dining Experience
• Yelp: The Dining Experience
• Other: TikTok: thediningexperienceatl

Image Credits

Donnie Dcal Calliens