Moses Haylome and his mom, Winnie, are the proud owners of Flavor 91 Bistro in Whitehall, one of Columbus’s most diverse, working-class areas. They’re thrilled to be bringing Ohio farm-fresh burgers and salads to a neighborhood they adore. We recently sat down with Moses and Winnie over one of their local, craft beers, and here’s their story…
Why did you decide to start your business? Tell us your backstory!
As a family we always enjoyed eating out, but we could never find a restaurant in our own neighborhood that offered the healthy and organic food we loved. That’s why we decided to create Flavor 91 and base our restaurant on the way we eat. We wanted to source from Ohio farms. We wanted to make food from scratch, such as our soups and sauces. We wanted to be inclusive by adding vegan options. Simply, we wanted the opportunity to nourish our community.
Why do you love doing business here in Whitehall?
We love doing business in Whitehall because it’s an intimate community with access and opportunity. The access starts with our city officials who are easy to reach, who work with us, and who celebrate us at all times. Another reason: our location. Our location gives Flavor 91 access to five surrounding cities: Columbus, Bexley, Blacklick, Gahanna, and Reynoldsburg. Opportunity stems from the potential in Whitehall. Our community loves the idea of thoughtful sourcing; they support our progressive mindset.
What’s the most helpful piece of customer feedback you’ve received?
Ironically, this piece of advice came from a Yelper who came into our restaurant in the first few weeks of opening. She had many years of restaurant experience and casually passed this little nugget when she said, “People remember how you make them feel. Do your best to make each and every person feel cared for and noticed.”
What’s your advice for other business owners or someone who wants to start a small business?
Have a clear understanding of what you want to do, what problem you want to solve, and what need you want to satisfy. Set a goal and have a good solution. Then once business takes off, my biggest advice is to master your own schedule—stay productive but don’t forget to make time for yourself.
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