Undergraduate: Olivia’s Year In Enterprise At The Hungry Goat
Olivia Hughes is a BSc Business Management student who is currently working on her own business, The Hungry Goat restaurant in her Year in Enterprise.
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What gave you the idea to start your own business?
I first discovered my interest in the hospitality industry when I got my first job trial in a local coffee shop when I was 17. Although I was not successful in getting the job due to not having previous experience, owning a coffee shop was something I could envision in the future.
During the COVID-19 pandemic my parents were working towards opening a petting farm, Dyan Mill Farm, and I thought that opening a coffee shop would complement my parents' business. I spent lockdown working towards opening my coffee shop and with plenty of hard work and research I opened The Hungry Goat to the public in August 2020 hence why I refer my business to ‘my lockdown project’. With plenty of customer demand to open a kitchen, The Hungry Goat progressed into a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner by September 2021.
How did you start your business?
I conducted extensive research to plan every step required to open The Hungry Goat as a coffee shop when I began. Securing loans was incredibly challenging but necessary to purchase the equipment I needed. Since running a coffee shop involved lower running costs, I reinvested all earnings into the business, which ultimately supported its transformation into a restaurant!
What have been your most rewarding moments?
The Hungry Goat won ‘Best Newcomer’ in the Irish Restaurant Awards & ‘Best Business Start-up' in the Mid Ulster Business Awards in 2022! Since then, we have consistently been nominated & become finalists for many other awards.
What advice would you give to starting entrepreneurs?
My advice is to try your best not to give up and keep constantly pumping hard work into your business! Being a business owner is tough, and it requires facing numerous challenges and making sacrifices. However, it is important to persevere through everything. Running a business has its ups and downs—you'll experience many highs and times when you feel like quitting and closing shop. But remember, pushing through those tough times is key to success!
Talk me through what your usual day-to-day looks like?
I typically start my workday around 9am and set the restaurant up for the day ahead. This involves tasks like setting up the tables, restocking drinks and checking what else needs to be reordered. Then, I dedicate time to do some admin duties such as wages, responding to emails, managing bookings and creating social media posts. Throughout the day, I’m busy serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sometimes I don't finish until as late as 10pm or 11pm before heading home.
What is the hardest part about being an entrepreneur?
One of the toughest challenges I've faced as a young entrepreneur is my age. Being on the younger side of the business world, I often encounter a lack of respect and sometimes even feel looked down on from both customers and older staff members. There have been instances where customers questioned my authority as the owner and requested to speak to someone they deemed more senior. Additionally, I've had experienced staff members try to take too much control over my business and even take credit for my work. However, I'm fortunate to have a fantastic team of staff who have shown me respect and acknowledged my role as the business owner over the past few years.
How does your business look different now compared to when you started out?
The Hungry Goat started out as a coffee shop, only serving hot drinks, desserts & traybakes. Now, The Hungry Goat is a busy 100-seater licensed restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch & dinner!
What is your favourite part about owning your own business?
I'm fortunate to have many loyal customers who visit regularly, and I love chatting with them. Their support gives me reassurance that I’m on the right track and keeps me motivated to keep going!
My team of staff are incredible. I couldn’t ask for better colleagues. We have created a great work environment where we can banter together while still getting the work is done. Recently, I've started receiving recognition for being a young business owner, and I've been grateful for the opportunities that have come my way as a result.
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