What Small Business Owners Say - Part 4

Click here for Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

In Part 4 of our What Small Business Owners Say series, we continue our interview with Katie Rowan, the owner of Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen* in North East, PA.

Kristine: What are some of the ways you use to keep customers happy and coming back?

Katie: I try to be there to answer questions. I teach cooking classes so get more of a chance to do this. I also just try to make tasty, consistent food that isn't expensive.

Kristine: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting his or her own business?

Katie: It's a lot of work for very little money (probably none) the first couple years. You can't get discouraged. You also have to adapt to changing markets and take it one step at a time. Better to start small and do it right.

Kristine: Any other comments or bits of advice?

Katie: BUY LOCAL!! It's the only way that you can support the economy. Where and how you spend your money is how you change the world.

Thanks to Katie for her advice and insights.

*Fresh Picked Vegetarian Delicatessen, inside Mary's Select Foods, is located at 22 South Lake St., North East, PA 16428 Phone:(814)725-5227. Made to Order 11-3 Sunday through Friday, Grab and Go during Mary's hours (Sat-Tues 9-5; Wed-Fri 11-7). Fresh Picked Deli's fabulous menu features 7 layer burritos, portabella cheezsteaks, hummus avocado wraps and much more. Fresh Picked strives to use local and organic foods and is always making healthy food that tastes GOOD!