Opening Guide Part 2: Sourcing

Vegan East Founder, Sheila Nelson - Part 2

In this conversation, Sheila Nelson discusses the complexities of running a business with her spouse, the importance of communication, and the challenges faced in the restaurant industry. She shares insights on team development, the significance of feedback, and the role of ego in the culinary world. Sheila emphasizes the need for personal fulfillment and balance in life, highlighting the influence of supportive team members on her journey. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of building strong customer relationships, the challenges of maintaining work-life balance in a small business, and the evolving expectations of employees in the modern workforce. Sheila and Reid reflect on their experiences as small business owners, the impact of the pandemic on customer behavior, and the lessons learned from their journey in the vegan bakery industry.

Vegan East Founder, Sheila Nelson - Part 1

In this episode of the Vegan East Podcast, Sheila Nelson shares her journey of founding Vegan East, discussing the evolution from a fun baking hobby to a full-fledged business. She reflects on the challenges of running a bakery, the importance of community representation, and the balance between personal life and entrepreneurship. Sheila also touches on her future plans and the lessons learned throughout her journey.

Opening Guide Part 2: Sourcing

In this episode, Reid Nelson discusses the critical steps in preparing to open a vegan restaurant, focusing on the importance of menu planning and sourcing ingredients. He emphasizes the need for thorough research and supplier relationships to ensure a successful launch and sustainable operations.

Our Biggest Mistakes, Veg Fest 2018

In this conversation, Reid Nelson reflects on his experiences at VegFest, particularly focusing on the 2018 event, which turned out to be a significant learning experience for Vegan East. He discusses the preparation leading up to the event, the mistakes made, and the lessons learned from a disappointing sales outcome. The conversation highlights the challenges of participating in food events and the importance of adaptability in business.

Origin Stories (Late 2017-Early 2018)

In this conversation, Reid Nelson shares the journey of opening a bakery, detailing the challenges and experiences from finding the right location to the opening day. He reflects on the decisions made, the unexpected hurdles faced, and the lessons learned throughout the process.