The WHY from Pam, owner of Popover

Finding My Passion in the Restaurant Industry

Getting into this business is really hard, but it's a passion. I love being in the restaurant industry. I started in it when I was younger, then moved into real estate, but eventually found my way back after my divorce. I opened a bar, which I ran for four years. It was a crazy experience—I had no idea what I was doing. On the outside, it looked super successful, but on the inside, I lost a lot of money. Despite that, I’d do it again because I learned so much.

The Journey to Popover

After I closed the bar, I swore I’d never be in the restaurant business again. But then, just four months later, I opened Popover—thanks to a friend who convinced me. And, surprisingly, it became wildly successful. We had to figure out who we were and what we were doing at first, but we stuck with it once we found our lane with breakfast and lunch. We tried dinner and other things but realized our strength was in breakfast and lunch. Our core mission became ensuring that anyone, regardless of food restrictions, could eat at our restaurant.

Weathering the Storm: COVID-19

Even when COVID hit, we managed to do well—our numbers kept going up through 2020, 2021, and 2022. That’s when I knew it was time to open a second location. I dreamt of being down by the water, having a boat someday, and enjoying life a bit more. But I’m also aware that I signed up for this life. I joke with my friends that I’m like Taylor Swift—not complaining about the long hours because I knew what I was getting into.

Balancing Work and Life

Some days, I look out the window and wish I were at the beach or hanging out with friends, but I wanted this badly. I know that by next year, things will be running more smoothly. Right now, I work about 50 hours a week, which isn’t terrible compared to other restaurant owners and chefs who put in even longer hours. We’re only open from 8 to 3, so I can manage, though I’m involved every day in some capacity.

Constantly Learning and Growing

When I do take a day off, I find myself thinking about what I can learn about the business, whether through a coaching call or listening to a podcast. It’s hard to shut off because the business never stops—it’s like a 10-day week. But despite the challenges, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve never been one for office jobs, and I only had one for a year right out of college. I’ve always been my own boss, and I can't imagine working for someone else. Maybe that’s why I’m still single—I just can’t take orders from others!