Post – launch reflections of a mac’n’cheese dream

20 Oct Post – launch reflections of a mac’n’cheese dream

It has been almost a full month since transitioning mac-O-licious from Food Truck – to Farmers Market – to Brick and Mortar.  Monday is supposed to be my day off, but I awakened early, and decided to jump out of bed and share.  I have so much to say, but I will try to be brief.

Firstly, I am truly, wonderfully amazed.  I come from Corporate America.  I am a Singer.  I am not a restaurateur.  I know that God has orchestrated all of this because the right people came out of nowhere to help.  Farmers Market and Food Truck Colleagues offered assistance.  Friends that I haven’t spoken with in a while came out to help.  He even caused one of the top restaurateurs in Los Angeles to accidentally turn around in the parking lot and see the sign.  That person and his other business partner have since become my Mentors.  I could go on and on about the miraculous “people” connections.

And when all off the seats are filled, and the line is backed up to the door, and online orders are piling in, I can only apologize for the wait.  But at the same time, look to the sky and say, “THANK YOU!”

I am blessed with an AMAZING team.  Sure we make a few mistakes at times, and hopefully we learn from them.  However, one thing is for sure – this is a passionate group of people who believe in mac-O-licious, and love the customers we serve.  We will get better, but I can’t complain about our launch.  Every mistake was a learning opportunity that we needed to learn now.  I am grateful for everything.

Yesterday, a Farmers Market customer just happened to drive down the street and saw the sign.  He turned around and came in.  We talked for a good hour, as he shared some insights with me.  One thing he said is, “Stop for a minute and just stand and watch everything”.  We stood by the front and I just observed the restaurant:

• as a customer,
• as a leader, and
• as an owner.

It was POWERFUL!  I am so used to running around giving hugs, saying hello, busing tables, and cooking in the back that I failed to take a moment to just stop and allow it to “run” for 60 seconds.

What I realized in that moment was, “No it’s not perfect, but I have the right people, and most of the right processes in place to take this business across the country.  This really CAN be the franchise customers are asking me about!”.  Two places have already requested that we explore a location in their space.  Stay tuned!

I realized that we are truly “just getting started.”  I could actually SEE it.  Thank you Anthony for your miraculous visit, and for inviting me to just “take it in” for a minute!

So a huge thank you to God.  Thank you to the customers who have taken the time to share a kind note, feedback or suggestions. It’s always easy to remember to complain, but so many of you have taken the time to give a compliment.  Feedback is a gift!  We have implemented many changes because of your input!  Finally, thank you

• for coming back with a friend or family member
• for your instagram photos,
• for your Facebook Posts,
• and your Yelp and Facebook Reviews, and
• thank you for following us on Twitter.

I hear the entire Valley Village neighborhood is sharing the news!.

And a resounding thank you to the mac-O-licious team.  You know my vision, and you know my heart for this business.  Your energy, your singing voices, and your smiles, are an extension of my heart.  We are busy because of YOU.  Thanks so much!

If you haven’t visited us yet, we are at 5217 Laurel Canyon Blvd. (Behind Bank of America) in Valley Village.

With #maclove,

Kelly