Rob Fenton, owner of Grow Kitchen in Morecambe and Wrap Ninjas Street Food, highlights the pros and cons of following his dream and opening up two local food businesses…
I believe it’s really important to build sustainability and responsible actions into what we do.
With Grow Kitchen in particular, I want to focus on growing some of our own food, using local growers and suppliers, and be part of a regenerative local food economy (a goal I share with FoodFutures).
I believe eating fresh, locally grown, wholesome food is a joy – and one which should be easier for more people to experience.
I haven’t always been in hospitality.
Much of my career was in office-based roles in charities and universities.
I enjoyed many of these roles, but I wasn’t doing something I was truly passionate about.
So, almost six years ago I decided to follow my biggest passion – food!
It was one of the best decisions of my life.
There have been highs and lows.
I’ve met talented and inspiring business owners, several of whom I’m now happy to call friends, and I’ve learned a huge amount, which has helped me to grow as a person, strengthened my confidence and given me a feeling of purpose.
I’ve been to interesting events – vintage festivals, food festivals, paddleboarding events, weddings, and even a Viking Festival!
I’ve had plenty of laughs and fun and watched staff grow and develop.
But it hasn’t been easy.
I’ve had to work incredibly hard (back-to-back 12-14 hour days are regular), sacrificed time with friends and family, and missed out on hobbies and social events.
There have been tears, angry meltdowns, countless worries and uncertainties.
I’ve burnt-out several times, and lost out on thousands of pounds of revenue due to over-zealous weather reports and cancelled events.
Even considering this, I’d still answer that YES – following your dreams is a good idea!
Small businesses make Lancaster and Morecambe more vibrant and interesting than they would be with just the big chains everywhere.
Small businesses bring colour, creativity and passion to our lives, and I think we need more of that.
If you’ve got an idea or a passion in the back of your mind, find a way to take a couple of small steps towards making it happen.
You won’t regret it.
