An interview with Brent + Jen Parsons of Parsons Cafe + Catering.
Describe your business.
Parsons Cafe & Catering is a family-owned restaurant serving comfort food made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Breakfast and lunch served daily! We not only take pride in our food, but we take great pride in our service to you, our customers. Expect to be promptly seated, drinks never empty, and always waited on with a smile.
What brought you to the region?
We wanted to have a better life for ourselves and our kids. After researching the area and also having been here a few times in the past, we decided it was the best place to achieve this.
What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business?
There are so many great businesses out in this area. It is a very welcoming community where everyone seems to know everyone. That’s one of the reasons why we felt our business could be successful.
What was the hardest thing about starting a business?
The biggest challenge we found was learning about all of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities. The daily cost of doing business and how much you have to give to the government.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area?
Do your research on the area and know what your customer and client base is–what do they want and need? You can’t always come in with a big city mindset, like Toronto for example, and think it will work in this area the same way.
What surprised you about starting a business in a smaller community?
The fact that everyone is very welcoming and accommodating. People in the area and our industry are always willing to give us advice and support.
Describe your perfect day off.
Not cooking! Ha! A perfect day off is relaxing with our twin boys and our dogs. Or just the two of us having a date day and exploring all the wineries that the County has to offer, and then some.
What’s your secret to surviving winter?
Really watch your spending and try your best to stick to your budget.
If you were to have one word tattooed on you, what would it be?
Brent: Patience / Jen: Gratitude
Check back with us as we discover more BoQ Young Entrepreneurs.
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