We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer & Pete Simpson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer & Pete, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Thanks for having us. Our creativity stems from actively thinking ahead and challenging our own status quo. As a bar and restaurant, we have to find what works, what people like, and what folks will respond to. We love creating new drinks, partnering with local businesses, and bringing different musicians to our venue. Creativity often comes from many avenues. Whether it be a unique infused liquor crafted by our bar manager or an idea for a special event brought to us by a close friend, we keep our minds open to possibilities.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Sure thing. We like to think of our spot, Floyd’s Lounge, as a place where you can simultaneously let your hair down and enjoy a tasteful lounge environment. We are located in Brenham, Texas, which is a growing rural town situated between Austin and Houston. We attract all kinds of “different folks, with different strokes”. We welcome everyone, and folks tend to notice that we have the best service and highest quality cocktails, wine, and beer around.
Our social media accounts also keep it fresh with distinct branding. We are currently expanding on events that we would have never thought of three years ago when we were coming up with our concept. For example, at the end of February, we are hosting a fly-tying course by a local fisherman and fly-tier who has worldwide charter experience. He will teach folks who attend how to tie their own fly, which they then take home. Additionally, a half-priced cocktail awaits the burgeoning fly-master. After all that, we are donating 50% of ticket sales to our local state park to start a fly-fishing introduction course. If you asked us in February 2021 if this is something we would do, we probably would have laughed, but now it seems like it will be a huge hit and something pretty exciting to “mix it up” on a Wednesday night!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
- Attention to Detail. It can seem trivial, but details matter. Especially in a service and experience-based business. You’ve got to get all the details right and if they aren’t right for your customer, learn how to adapt to their needs, while maintaining what you deem important for your brand.
- Hiring for Impact and Experience.
We did not have experience in running a bar or restaurant. If you are breaking into an industry you don’t know, it’s wise to bring someone on board that understands what you are trying to accomplish and what realities you may encounter. We have had several outstanding managers that helped either craft the initial vision for our lounge, or have carried that mantel forward. Having the right PEOPLE matters! - Understanding Our Weaknesses.
See Item 2 above. Understand that you might not know everything. Don’t trudge along through things you may not know. It’s 2024 folks; reach out to the world! Find a mentor! Phone a friend! You are always one or two phone calls or texts away from someone that can help. Also, just thinking through competition as a weakness will help you build your customer base and brand.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
You may laugh (go ahead; it’s funny).
“Running a Bar For Dummies.” Seriously.
We had no idea how the business model would set up, but we knew that would be the first thing to do. We earmarked a lovely historic building and site in need of some good old fashioned TLC. And we knew the kind of vibe and experience we wanted to provide. But…we had no clue about running a bar business. The “For Dummies” books can be quite valuable and have a plethora of information about all kinds of subjects. The book in question, however, helped us build out a fairly accurate picture of revenue and expenses, as well as outline a lot of the pitfalls you might encounter along the way. It was worth every penny, no doubt.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.floydslounge.net
- Instagram: @floydswinelounge
- Facebook: @floydswinelounge
Image Credits
Kayci Zinkgraf
