Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jeanclaude Ba.
Hi Jeanclaude, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My name is Jeanclaude ba. I go by Chef Hiro. I started back in 2018 cooking dinners out of my apartment. I worked for the post office and was just trying to figure out a way to start some type of business that would get me out of there. My dinners started getting pretty popular on social media, so I started doing them more and more. Eventually, I saved up enough money and bought a small food truck in 2019. That summer, my popularity grew substantially. I started to sell out every Sunday. That summer ended and that winter I started to plan for next spring but the covid “apocalypse ” hit and shut everything down. Rather than wait it out, I decided to quit my job at the post office and try to find a loophole to open up somehow. I found a bar that had went under and contacted the owner. I rented out the kitchen and parked my food trailer next to the back door. That way, I could cook the food inside and just use the truck to take orders. During the pandemic, my brand quadrupled. That winter, the building was bought by a local franchise, and I had to leave. I spent the next year trying to get loans and grants. I was denied by 13 different banks and finally got 1 to approve a loan for me to open my first brick-and-mortar on Parsons Ave. So far, the brick-and-mortar stores are moving steadily, and I just opened a second location on High Street on New Year’s Day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not, lol. The road has been so difficult. It was never a smooth/easy moment, but it always works out as long as you keep trying. I was denied by 13 different banks and then denied by 15 different properties before finally getting approved for a loan and finally finding a location that would approve the brand taking over.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the first fusion restaurant of its kind. We serve fusion dishes that mix African, Caribbean, Latin, Asian, and American cultures/foods. Of course, all our restaurants are covered in anime, with anime playing on the TVs. I have the only anime restaurant in the country. If you love anime, you’ll love anything our brand does. Our Parsons restaurant hosts numerous anime events, from raves to anime karaoke.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
There are two tips I’d say to anyone starting out with chasing their dream. Firstly, don’t take anything personally; it’s business. Do not get discouraged or emotional when you’re denied a loan, or someone doesn’t see your vision or anything for that matter. It’s not malicious; it’s just business.
Secondly,” just keep swimming.” You are going to go through soooooo much with this dream chase. You may lose friends and even family members… but you have to remember your dream and end goal. Whatever life throws at you, whatever obstacles you face… face them head-on and figure it out… don’t give up. Just keep swimming.
Pricing:
- Jerk tacos 3 for $12 ($10 on Tuesdays)
- $20 luffy pineapple bowls
- 75 cent wings on Wednesdays at our second location
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chefhiro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef.hiro/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/chef.hirocolumbus/
Image Credits
Columbus Dispatch
