I enjoy sharing stories of businesses that have seen great success through the right mentorship and advice – and through my partnership with Singleton Council to deliver the Singleton Business Builder Program, there’s been many. 

A great example is a Texan BBQ restaurant located at Summerville Wines in Broke, NSW, called Smokin Hot ‘n Saucy Barbecue. Through undertaking the program, the owners were able to rethink their offering and pivot to survive. 

SERVING FOOD IN RESTRICTIVE TIMES 

Like many small businesses, the restaurant owners had been finding the past couple of years difficult. COVID and other conditions meant they were very focused on staying profitable, with the key concern being the ability to serve food.

They were doing their best with what they had but were keen for fresh ideas to turn things around. After struggling to find the answers online, they put their hand up when they saw the Singleton Business Builder Program being promoted.

THE BREAKTHROUGH THEY NEEDED

The program provided them with support and advice and connected them with expert mentors. It also put them in the same place as other local SMEs struggling with similar issues, which made them realise they weren’t alone.

Ultimately, it made them stop, think, and step outside their business. It led them to ask themselves, “Okay, we’re selling food, but what else can we do?”, “How can we keep making sales when the market isn’t making it easy?”

A SHIFT TO SELLING ONLINE PRODUCTS 

The solution that became evident to them was to focus more on selling their line of existing sauces and rubs. These were something people could buy online from home, making the business less dependent on foot traffic in the restaurant.

As a result of this refocus and pivot and the ongoing positivity and support of the program, Smokin Hot ‘n Saucy Barbecue recently won Australian Sauce of the Year and the second-best restaurant of the year. They’ve also won awards for several other rubs and sauces.

Sometimes as a business owner, you can feel out on your own and at a dead end for ideas. This recent example proves just what the power of the right support, advice and coaching can do.

Support local: Smokin’ Hot N Saucy

Are you a business owner looking for advice, ideas and ongoing support?

Get in touch today to find out more, or book in for a free 60-minute Discovery Session.