Event Recap: Lessons Learned: Tales from Small Business Owners

The HRN event, Lessons Learned: Tales from Small Business Owners on Tuesday, October 25, was brimming with delicious food by Samesa, tasty drinks, and captivating stories from four storytellers who opened up about the trials and tribulations in the restaurant business.

Sponsored by TD Bank, the event took place at the Tilit NYC Showroom (yes, those apron designers and hosts of Opening Soon). Tilit owners Jenny Goodman and Alex McCrery shared about their own restaurant closure to start off the night.

TD Bank's Steven Garibell spoke of TD Bank's longstanding support of HRN and being a community partner and small business champion.

Host Eli Sussman of HRN’s The Line was the emcee of the evening, also sharing his story and engaging repartee.

The first small business storyteller was Eric Huang of Pecking House, Brooklyn. An Eleven Madison Park alum, the pandemic caused Eric to reexamine his career and business. He found that fried chicken made him rethink everything.

Johnny Spero of Bar Spero in Washington D.C. told the story of finding success with his Georgetown restaurant, Reverie, but then being met with catastrophe when it burned down. He emphasized not giving up on your passion and being sure to stop and feel your feelings.

Yajaira Gonzalez of Pop and Pour in Washington Heights spoke about her business surviving the pandemic. Yajaira said her strength came from her ability to find positives even in the face of challenges. She advised that people should do their research before making decisions, be flexible, understand sacrifices, and use professionals when needed.

Buddy the Bar's Claire Sprouse, owner of the now-closed Hunky Dory in Crown Heights, Brooklyn closed out the evening. She told the crowd that believed that her location and community kept her going while she was in business. The timing of the pandemic and the need to prioritize her personal life helped her make the decision to permanently close the restaurant, however. She said she thinks anyone considering the restaurant industry should take a deep look at what they really want before jumping in.

TD Bank will be providing each storyteller with a one-on-one business consultation. A lucky member of the audience won a business advisory session and lunch with TD Bank NYC Market Leadership and their Economist. Thank you so much to our storytellers, moderators, and hosts for a wonderful, insightful evening.