It's My Dream to Open a Restaurant, So Why is it Giving Me Nightmares?
Presented by Society Insurance
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By Joshua Walbolt
Since the first time I created a dish from scratch, I fell in love with cooking. When I realized I could make people happy with food, I knew what I wanted to do. I knew my calling.
Us creative people are always on the edge to innovate and create with our hands. As cooks, we love the instant gratification we get from fabricating beautiful produce, transforming ingredients, applying heat, creating chemical reactions, and playing God as we create new life while also taking it with our hands. There is something addictive about cooking in restaurants. The organized chaos in the kitchens, the banter between coworkers, and the unified goal and teamwork from the front and back of the house.
When I first learned I had the skill to cook, I wanted to open a restaurant to feed people and train and mentor the next generation of chefs. Now, with a restaurant offer on the table, this dream of mine is giving me nightmares.
2020 was a year to pivot. When we were quarantined I flipped the switch. “I will finally do things my way. I will finally focus 100% on building up my brand,” I told myself.
Over the span of six months, I went from one stream of income to six. Well, to be honest not really streams, more like six puddles. We (my wife and I ) started attending local farmer’s markets and the community had so much love for us. They loved our food! It’s an exciting but exhausting thing to show up every week to set up and break down. Rain or shine we are out there in our little tent. I can easily work 16 hours a day before sitting down.
We were approached by a city councilman, he introduced me to a guy who had a beautiful, brand new apartment complex being built with a corner store for a restaurant. “We have two offers for this place, but the owner saw your stuff and he would like to get you in here,” the guy said to me.
In every other scenario, I would take it. After multiple meetings with him and contractors, I came to my senses and realized that a restaurant for me right now is a bad romance. I am making money six different ways doing all the things I love and I can do it from anywhere and switch it up anytime. After being in this position I realized something about myself. No matter what dream I have, I will make it come true.
Things happen over time that can change your perspective on life and your dreams, that’s part of life. With focus and grit, you can make any of your dreams come true. Just make sure that the dream doesn’t give you nightmares.
Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Society Insurance has been a leading niche insurance carrier since 1915. As a mutual insurance company, Society focuses on the small details that make a big difference to its policyholders while offering top-notch insurance coverage, service and competitive pricing to businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Colorado, Georgia and soon Texas.
Father, husband, chef, startup-preneur. I am a professionally trained chef with experiences in all different kinds of restaurants from 3 Michelin stars to Disney resorts. I have been recognized as top 10 young chefs in the U.S by San Pellegrino and awarded rising star chef in Minnesota. I am the owner of Lovefoodmore, LLC where we specialize in creating food related content as well as host pop ups and do private dining events. I am also the founder of Baby Daddys Hot Sauce where we create Asian inspired hot sauces that are focused on the perfect balance of flavors.
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