We recently connected with Raymone Williams and have shared our conversation below.

Raymone , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

Backstory of the Issue: Before the pandemic, my restaurant, Tastee Spoon, had been thriving. However, the sudden onset of COVID-19 and the consequent restrictions brought an unforeseen halt to operations.

Circumstances and Immediate Impact:
The closure due to COVID-19 restrictions was a shock. It brought a level of uncertainty I had never experienced before. The restaurant, which had been a bustling hub of activity and a source of livelihood, suddenly stood empty. This moment was not just a financial setback but also an emotional blow. The sense of loss was profound, as if a vital part of my life and identity had been stripped away overnight.

Emotional State:
At that moment, the feeling was a mix of disbelief and helplessness. It was challenging to assign words to match the feelings and emotions I was experiencing. There was a deep concern for the future of my business, my employees, and how we would all navigate this uncharted territory.

Resolution Strategies:
In dealing with this crisis, my faith played a crucial role. I leaned heavily on my belief in a higher power to see me through these tough times. This belief was a source of strength and resilience, helping me to stay hopeful despite the challenges.

Moreover, I began to strategize on how to adapt to the new normal. This included re-evaluating the business model, considering alternative methods of service like takeout or delivery, and exploring ways to reduce expenses while maintaining quality service.

Moving Forward:
Though the pandemic was a harsh blow, it also served as a catalyst for rethinking and reshaping the business. Tastee Spoon eventually reopened, not just as a quick-service spot but as an inviting space that reflected an improved version of its past self. This experience, while fraught with difficulties, taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

In summary, the unexpected closure of the restaurant due to COVID-19 was a significant problem that tested my resolve, creativity, and leadership. Through faith, strategic thinking, and a focus on adaptation, I was able to navigate these troubled waters and emerge with a stronger, more resilient business model.

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?

About Me and My Journey into the Industry: I’m not a professionally trained chef, but my love for good food and cooking led me to the restaurant industry. My entry into this field began with the desire to create a business that would support my family financially. This journey started in Downtown Atlanta on Mitchell Street with a soul food restaurant that had its unique twist. Although it began as a family venture, it evolved into a more individual endeavor over time.

The Nature of My Business:
My restaurant, Tastee Spoon, offers a unique dining experience, blending traditional Caribbean food with a distinctive flair. The menu is rich in Jamaican cuisine, bringing authentic flavors and a homely feel to every dish we serve. We’ve had several locations, including a food truck and outlet in the mall, each symbolizing a different phase in our growth.

Solving Problems for Clients:
At Tastee Spoon, we focus on more than just serving food. We strive to create an environment where customers feel like family. Our goal is to make each visit memorable, ensuring that our customers feel welcomed and valued. We pride ourselves on knowing our regulars’ favorite dishes and names, creating a sense of community and belonging.

What Sets Us Apart:
What makes Tastee Spoon unique is our commitment to authenticity and the personal touch we bring to our service. We aim to provide more than just a meal; we offer an experience that reminds our customers of home. Our adaptability, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, also sets us apart. We have continuously evolved and adapted to ensure the sustainability and growth of our business.

What I am Most Proud Of:
I am immensely proud of how we’ve managed to grow and evolve through various challenges, including surviving and adapting during the pandemic. Each opening of a new location has been a testament to our resilience and dedication. I am also proud of the way we’ve managed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in our restaurant, making every customer feel like part of the Tastee Spoon family.

Message to Potential Clients/Followers/Fans:
To our potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at Tastee Spoon, you’re not just a customer; you’re family. Our dedication to providing authentic, soul-warming Jamaican cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere is unwavering. We invite you to experience the unique blend of flavors and the warmth of our community at Tastee Spoon, where every dish is prepared with love and every visit is a memorable experience.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Early Days: In the beginning, my social media presence was minimal. I understood the importance of these platforms in connecting with customers and promoting my business, but I lacked a strategic approach. That’s when I decided to collaborate with Levelup Social Marketing.

Partnering with Levelup Social Marketing:
Levelup Social Marketing was instrumental in transforming my social media strategy. Their team began with a thorough analysis of my target market, understanding the unique preferences and behaviors of my potential customers. They conducted market research, analyzed competitor strategies, and identified key areas where my brand could stand out.

Developing a Customized Strategy:
Levelup Social crafted a bespoke social media strategy tailored to my restaurant’s identity and goals. They focused on showcasing the unique aspects of Tastee Spoon, such as our authentic Jamaican cuisine with a twist and the warm, family-like atmosphere of our restaurant.

Content Creation and Engagement:
A significant part of the strategy involved creating engaging content that resonated with our audience. This included behind-the-scenes looks at the restaurant, showcasing our popular dishes, and sharing customer testimonials. Levelup Social also emphasized the importance of interaction, encouraging us to actively engage with our followers through comments, messages, and sharing customers’ posts.

Consistency and Adaptability:
One key advice from Levelup Social was the importance of consistency in posting but also being adaptable. We learned to regularly update our social media pages while also being flexible enough to respond to current trends and customer feedback.

Leveraging Analytics:
Levelup Social made extensive use of analytics to track the performance of our social media campaigns. This data-driven approach allowed us to understand what worked best and continuously refine our strategy.

Results and Growth:
As a result of these concerted efforts, we witnessed a significant growth in our social media following. Our platforms became a vibrant community of engaged customers who not only visited our restaurant but also actively participated in our online conversations.

Advice for Those Starting to Build Their Social Media Presence:
Understand Your Audience: Know who your customers are and what they enjoy. Tailor your content to meet their interests and preferences.
Engage Authentically: Social media is a two-way conversation. Engage with your followers genuinely and regularly.
Consistency is Key: Regularly post content but also be ready to adapt to new trends or feedback.
Leverage Expertise: Don’t hesitate to collaborate with experts like Levelup Social. Their insights and strategies can accelerate your growth.

Use Analytics: Track your performance and use the insights to refine your strategy.

Conclusion:
Building a social media presence is an ongoing journey that requires understanding your audience, engaging authentically, and being consistent in your efforts. With the right strategy and support, like that from Levelup Social Marketing, it’s possible to create a thriving online community that supports and enhances your business.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Engaging Content: By sharing appealing content like behind-the-scenes looks, showcasing popular dishes, and sharing customer testimonials, the restaurant has attracted a broader audience on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Targeted Strategy: Collaborating with Levelup Social Marketing to develop a targeted strategy has helped in reaching out to the ideal customer base, ensuring that the marketing efforts resonate with the right audience.

Community Engagement: Regular interaction with followers and creating a sense of community online has likely turned many followers into customers.

Word-of-Mouth Referrals:
Customer Satisfaction: Providing a unique dining experience and exceptional service often leads to customers recommending the restaurant to their friends and family.

Memorable Experiences: Creating memorable experiences for customers, such as knowing their names and favorite dishes, encourages them to share their positive experiences with others.

Combined Approach:
The synergy of a strong social media strategy, along with organic word-of-mouth referrals, has likely been the most effective in attracting new customers. While social media helps in reaching a wider audience and building brand awareness, the personal touches and high-quality service offered at Tastee Spoon encourage customers to share their experiences, further amplifying the restaurant’s reach.

In summary, a well-rounded approach that includes both digital marketing and excellent customer service is often the best source of new customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tasteespoon.com
• Instagram: @tasteespoon
• Facebook: Tastee Spoon
• TIKTOK: @tasteespoon

Image Credits
images: Levelup Social Marketing