Why cheese?
… cheese is not an easy thing to do well. It is a fresh product. I spent a lot of time traveling in Europe, expanded my knowledge and fondness for cheese. I was explaining to friends that, what Calgary needed, was a really good cheese shop. Friends said, ‘Janice, you are one to do it’, and I did.
I asked Janice her outlook on business in the next 90 days?
… our focus is a day to day one of maintaining our edge, working with my management team – focusing on doing everything we do better, simpler and more effectively.
. . . and over the next 5 years?
… no particular plans to expand, or not to – never say never. Running food service businesses, labour and turnover are challenging factors. I believe the restaurant scene in Calgary will remain strong and vibrant. We are focused right now on more brand-integration, getting better at management of the businesses – systems, process, procedures, better analysis, better support systems.
Why do customers choose you?
… comfort food with a gourmet twist . .
Why FARM?
… I just thought it would be a good idea – founded on the idea of small, comforting and comfortable - local sustainable food. Rooted in my thinking, my involvement in the slow food movement in Calgary.
Why focus on local, sustainable food?
. . . I grew up on a farm – we knew where our food came from. If it goes in me, it is important to be good, clean and fair food. For the restaurant it is difficult to buy everything local year round, but we try very hard to get it right.
What do you worry about, what keeps you up at night?
… I’m not a worrier.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life?
… where I am from (Cape Breton) and my family, sense of community – I have a great father (83) and an amazing mother (78)
You’ve built a clever pairing of businesses, what’s next for you – wine shop, more cheese stores, more restaurants?
… we will continue to do some wine/food pairing events in the restaurant, but no – not a wine store, there are lots of people who do that very well.
Your focus?
. . . I used to travel a lot for fun. Now I travel for love, for family – an off-grid cabin in the woods with my partner, or home to Cape Breton – I’m simplifying my life. I’m not my business – my life is much more than my business, I’ve been paring down, to simplify life. I am passionate and grateful.
What are you reading?
. . . I don’t read books so much – but I read a lot of poetry. Samantha Reynolds (Bent Lilly), Galway Kinneil. I’m a big Seth Godin fan.
Her ride?
. . . BMW X5 .. bought it used from a friend. Otherwise I wouldn’t buy that kind of car, but it was a really good deal, low mileage . . .
P.S. .. thanks Janice, for your time, and for that wedge of Avonlea White Cheddar from P.E.I. .. fabulous!
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