Teyoche Smith, founder of Bite by Bite & Co., has successfully built a profitable kitchen island business in Richmond, Virginia. What started with a simple mission to share great charcuterie has now grown into a thriving operation that employs a dedicated team, operates from a full commercial kitchen, and offers a variety of gourmet charcuterie boxes.
Smith, along with her sister-in-law, launched this remarkable business in May 2022, initially creating charcuterie spreads for family events and then expanding to selling boxes filled with a selection of gourmet foods. Their dedication initially saw them sell 25 boxes in just two days, eventually growing to 50 boxes the following week despite supply challenges caused by the pandemic.
Their passion for gourmet food, commitment to quality and support from their local community have transformed their small kitchen operation into a thriving gourmet food business. In just a few months they have garnered local media attention and a loyal customer base, and in the future they plan to experiment with innovative flavours, diversify their product line and expand geographically.
Smith's journey is a powerful testament to the power of passion, consistently delivering a high-quality product, and valuing the support of local communities.
Turning a kitchen hobby into a successful charcuterie business
Smith perfectly balanced the business while also working as a project manager at Capital One, bringing in $84,000 in revenue within seven months. This success prompted Smith to quit his job and focus full time on Bite by Bite & Co., further expanding the business with his own storefront in Richmond and a professional kitchen in Atlanta.
The following year they recorded an astounding revenue of $379,000, which they attributed in large part to Smith's unique service and commitment to nurturing and helping others. Smith also has plans to expand further, with two new franchises due to launch this year.
Despite this success, Smith points out the challenges of starting a business, citing early branding issues that led to litigation. Smith advises new entrepreneurs to fully understand finances and taxes and even consider seeking professional advice. He emphasizes the importance of a strong team, the ability to adapt and an ongoing understanding of the market, and believes these elements, along with unwavering passion and tenacity, are the ultimate roadmap to entrepreneurial success.
