SmartBiz’s employees have worked hard to qualify thousands of small business for forgiven funds. Small businesses are the backbone to the American economy, and when they flourish it is a win-win for all.
Danny V., a member of the SmartBiz team, shared an email sent by an accountant on behalf The Happy Cooking Hospitality Group.
Please take with you a large amount of pride and satisfaction this evening. Your efforts are responsible for the following that happened just moments ago:
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- 18 amazing employees escaped with a life-saving bullet. This Friday, no one will be laid off because the PPP loan money is coming!
- These 18 people are 17 different families. Over 50 men, woman and children are able to maintain their primary source of income despite a pandemic.
- A business that has been thriving since 2010 is now able make it work and keep its door open.
SmartBiz spoke with the owner of Happy Cooking Hospitality Group in order to find out more about his entrepreneurial experience and future plans.
Gabriel Stulman has been dubbed a foodie. “I love cooking and eating. “When I was 17 I began traveling for food.” says he. My parents encouraged me to mow lawns or rake up leaves, or shovel driveways to earn money so I could buy what I wanted. This mentality evolved from wanting a Nintendo to wanting to backpack through Europe and South America as a 23-year-old.
He worked in the restaurant industry for many years, including bussing tables and waiting on customers. As he moved around from restaurant to restaurant, he had strong opinions on what worked and didn’t.
“There was always something about the restaurants I worked in that I liked and disliked. One restaurant may have an amazing interior, but terrible food. One place might serve great food, but have a bad vibe. “When I opened my first restaurant, I took inspiration from many sources.”
Gabriel raised money to fund his first venture through the sale of equity. I sold equity, hired silent investors and traded shares for capital. “People who believed in my dream took a leap of faith along with me.”
Happy Cooking LLC began in 2009 as a small corner restaurant in New York City’s West Village. Gabriel owns now four New York restaurants. Joseph Leonard is a French-style American Bistro named after both of his grandfathers. The Pommes Frites is a must try. Jeffrey’s Grocery is a seafood and oyster bar located across the street. The Fairfax Tavern & Bar, a gastropub is located across the street. A fourth restaurant is in hibernation. Gabriel says that “The Jones is closed since the last five month but we are planning to reopen it in April.”
Restaurants have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. Gabriel says that the worst part of this was the lack of legal knowledge about opening safely. I agree that human life should be a priority. The landlords need to collect their rent. How can you pay for a place you are not allowed to use?
SmartBiz Loans was contacted by Gabriel and his accountant to help them process their PPP application. “I am grateful for the loan I was granted and the support SmartBiz provided me.”
Gabriel has found a balance between work and life since the pandemic. He laughs. “I married beyond my station. My wife is wonderful and I have two kids, aged 9 and 3. I am very lucky.
Check out Gabriel’s TED Talk from 2014 to learn more about his unique approach and entrepreneurial spirit.
