Welcome to Episode 8 of Vermontrepreneur, featuring owner/founder power couple Lauren Stevens and Peter Varkonyi!
"Butcher and Pantry second, Brownsville first." Peter and Lauren owe their success, in large part, to this sentiment. In a way, they built their business plan for a combination grocery, butcher, and cafe around the physical space they leased in Brownsville. The town they chose to start their business was more than just a zip code on their financial statements, it was a major stakeholder in their endeavor. From the beginning, Peter and Lauren wanted to do something different. They wanted to provide high quality food to their community, without pretentiousness. And they needed the community to believe in what they were doing if it was ever going to work.
In Episode 8 we hear the tale of two souls destined to create something uniquely them, and whose paths collide at just the right time. Meanwhile, they're lucky enough to have a town that's looking for a couple of dreamers just like them. But if they're going to build what they have in mind without going broke, there's going to be a lot more demolition and hanging sheet rock in their future before they get to butchering pigs and baking pastries.
Peter and Laurens story of starting their business provides a realistic account into what it actually takes to build something from the ground up. We also learn about the challenges, as well as the opportunities, of operating a small, nimble grocery store during a time of global pandemic and international supply chain disruption. If you're looking for inspiration, look no further. Today's show will give you hope that you never know who you might meet tomorrow. Who knows, within a year you might be taking a leap of faith together. Enjoy.