I've changed careers twice in life. First, I was an IT geek, climbing the corporate ladder and hating every minute of that rat race. Then I went to a passion in life -- cooking and hospitality. And, now, I am an owner of a successful and growing business. Each time, I lost countless hours of sleep dreaming about all the things that probably would go wrong, about being broke and n my own on the streets, etc, etc, etc. Was each time worth it? Very much so. I learned to trust my instincts. I learned that failing is never failure, as long as it teaches me something. And I learned that my limits are only the ones I allow to be there -- nothing is impossible if I'm willing to learn and I've always been willing and eager to do that.
During the Plague Lockdowns, it became obvious to me that I needed to get Piper's out of the food business. It was tough enough pre-pandemic. But that period of time swept the blanket off all of the systemic troubles and problems in that business. Besides, I was pushing 60 and honestly too old for what is always going to be a young person's game. Anyway, we discontinued our food menu, which accounted for about 60% of our gross sales. I wasn't sure it would work, but we put everything into expanding on our concept, on highlighting our motto "It's time for something different!"
Since then, sales have gone up explosively -- 21% in 2022, 22% in 2023, 45% in 2024, and so far this year 17% with a full quarter left to go. In four years our gross revenues have doubled from 2021. In years prior to that I was content with 10% year-over-year growth. What happened after that decision that cost me many nights' sleep was nothing short of astounding to me. Focus -- even focus that caused us to discard 60% of our revenues before that decision -- was scary but ultimately entirely necessary.
Now to the next big risk -- our move to our new location. In order for this one to make me happy, our gross sales will need to double again, this time in 2-3 years rather than 5 years. Is it possible? I very much think so. We are looking at new revenue streams in the form of expanded hours each day, indoor seating space for year-round comfort, three meeting/party rooms that can double as more indoor seating when needed and, best of all, a very large outdoor space where we can host neighborhood/city get-togethers, movie nights, music local musician nights and such. I think that after we get it all in place, I can double gross sales in a year, but of course I'm not going to bet the farm on that. Ha.
That's what owning a business is all about -- having a vision, taking risks and reaching for something that seems just outside of our grasp. It's always scary, but it's what being an entrepreneur is all about in my book.
Chip A.
Square Expert & Innovator and member of the Square Champions group. (But NOT a Square employee, just a seller like you)
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