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Chatting with Just For You Owner – Arienne Landry

Recently, I had the chance to sit down with NAWBO-SF’s new policy chair Arienne Landry. Arienne is a small business owner in San Francisco who owns Just For You Café.

How did you get into business?

I purchased Just For You Cafe nineteen years ago with a business partner, Julie Campbell. I eventually bought out her portion of the business. The restaurant was then located on eighteenth street on Potrero Hill. We kept the original menu but expanded on it. It was a tiny place, what people in New Orleans call a “shotgun” (because of the length and width ratio). During the dot com era we were basically pushed out because of high rent. In 2002 I was able to move the location to where it is now, on 22nd St. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with an emphasis on Southern and American style cooking. Some of our specialties include; New Orleans style doughnuts called Beignets, New Mexico (Hatch) green chili huevos rancheros, grits, creole crab cakes and awesome Reuben sandwiches. We have an extensive menu with daily pasta and fresh fish specials. We try to use as much organic produce and locally made meat products as cost allows and our eggs are produced locally in Petaluma. All of our food is prepared in house from scratch, with the exception of chili con carne, Acme rye bread and Royal bakery French rolls.

Why did you want to get into business for yourself?

I went into business for myself because I think that I am an entrepreneur to the core. I like risk taking, I get bored easily, and in this type of business there is never a dull moment. The responsibility is intense, but I like calling the shots.

What is your biggest challenge?

I think the biggest challenge of all business owners is managing people. Since I am not a natural leader this has been my most difficult challenge.

What is the greatest reward?

All of the amazing people that I have met over the years and continue to meet everyday in the restaurant. And providing employment to many people who might have had to settle for menial jobs with lesser pay.

Do you belong to business organizations?

I have participated in the Renaissance Center and belong the National Restaurant Assoc., Potrero Hill Merchants Assoc., National Association of Women Business Owners of which I am the Public Policy Chair, Small Business California and Public Policy Institute of California.

Do your employees have a nickname for you?

To my face, they call me Mommie!

What challenges do you face doing business in SF?

The challenges of doing business in S.F. are almost insurmountable and too numerous to list. I think most small businesses in San Francisco are really struggling with the frequency and costs of laws and regulations.  San Francisco is one the most expensive cities, in the country in which to do business. I often wonder how long I can continue here. Many other business owners that I speak to say the same thing. San Francisco doesn’t want franchises, yet it does nothing to promote or help small businesses to thrive.

Do you have a role model?

My most important role model was my father. I learned my values, ethics and perseverance from him.

What piece of advice would you offer a newby restaurateur?

Find a mentor and learn everything you can about food and how a professional kitchen works. Focus on the Food. This is your product and it’s one the basic necessities of life. People bring a lot of emotion in with them when they eat, actually expectation, and your number one goal is to try to match or exceed those expectations.

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Tags: Arienne Landry, ational Restaurant Assoc., Business, challenges of doing business in SF, entrepreneur, Just For You, National Association of Women Business Owners, NAWBO, Potrero Hill Merchants Assoc., Public Policy Institute of California., San Francisco, Small Business California, small business owner, What challenges do you face doing business in SF?