We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Bone recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment

Investing in ourselves and everyone we work with is by far the most important investment we will make at Macon Bagels. Burnout is all too common in the restaurant industry and that has only become more clear with the Covid19 pandemic, where restaurant workers were given very little protection or support. We basically wanted to provide what we didn’t have during our own careers in the service industry: financial stability, supportive management, and a schedule that allows for life outside of work.

Lauren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My background has always been in the service industry, from working in coffee shops, waiting tables, or various customer service jobs. I always had a love of baking which, when I quit my desk job during the pandemic, became my full-time profession. My work experience in various places not only gave me the knowledge I needed to start my own venture, but informed the kind of boss I wanted to be. I think I am most proud of the atmosphere we were able to create not only for our customers but for our employees as well. Eliminating unnecessary hierarchies and interacting with everyone with our genuine personality was essential to building our company’s character.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Overwork. When the shop first opened there was more work than there were hours in the day. I think Patrick and I both have a tendency to shove reality aside to get a job done and that is not a sustainable long term pattern. It was (and still is) a balance but I think we are both lucky to be there to hold each other accountable.

How did you build your audience on social media?

This is definitely a fun one! I think one of the greatest takeaways from starting our own business is that we get to be our own bosses. We told ourselves that if we were going to spend all of our time doing this, then we can at least make it fun. Although neither of us have professional social media experience, I think it has been a huge asset to our success. On the tangible side, taking good photos, responding to messages, and posting regularly have helped grow our social media pages. However, I think the real magic is on the intangible side. We moved to Macon not knowing anybody so the shop is how we have made all of our friends. I (Patrick) grew up going to a deli where everyone knew everyone and that is something I strive for at Macon Bagels. Our social media has always been unapologetically “us”… lighthearted and fun (and maybe sometimes a little tacky haha).

Contact Info:

• Website: maconbagels.com
• Instagram: @maconbagels
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maconbagels
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Mike Young Photography