How I Turned My Coding Skills into a Farm-to-Table Restaurant

As a former product manager at a tech startup, I never imagined I'd one day be running a successful farm-to-table restaurant. Here's how my tech background helped me create a unique dining experience.

The Transition

After years of managing digital products, I was craving something more tangible. I'd always been passionate about food and sustainability, so when an opportunity arose to partner with a local farm, I took the leap.

Tech-Enabled Restaurant Management

My tech background proved invaluable in setting up efficient systems:

• Custom inventory management system that connects directly with local farmers
• Data-driven menu planning based on seasonal availability
• Reservation system that optimizes table turnover
• Analytics to understand customer preferences and reduce food waste

Building Relationships with Farmers

The most rewarding part has been building relationships with local farmers. We work directly with over 20 small farms, providing them with stable income while ensuring our restaurant has the freshest ingredients.

Challenges and Solutions

Running a restaurant is challenging, especially with the thin margins and unpredictability of seasonal ingredients. We've overcome these challenges by:

1. Creating a flexible menu that adapts to what's available
2. Building a strong community of regular customers
3. Using technology to optimize operations and reduce waste
4. Educating staff and customers about seasonal eating

Advice for Tech Professionals

If you're considering a similar path:

• Start by understanding the business fundamentals of restaurants
• Build relationships with local food producers before making the leap
• Look for ways to apply your tech skills to solve industry problems
• Be prepared for physical work and long hours

The transition from tech to restaurants isn't easy, but it's incredibly rewarding. I'm now creating experiences that bring people together around good food while supporting sustainable agriculture.