The Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs get Firsthand Account of What it Takes to Run Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick hosted the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) students on Tuesday, November 19th at 5pm at their restaurant located at 3219B North Oak Street for a behind the scenes look at what it takes to run a thriving restaurant.
 
Julie North, co-owner of Chicken Salad Chick Valdosta shared with the students how the franchise was started. Her college friend, co-founder Stacy Brown started the business.  She spoke about the roller coaster ride of the highs and lows that affected CSC and can be expected in any new business startup. 
 
Julie stated, “Perseverance is key and you must have a passion for the business!  She went on to say, “You cannot just be in the business for the money, you have to love it, if you want your business to grow.”
 
Julie shared that her employees played a huge part in the overall performance of her store.  Her goal is to make sure they are happy and their work environment is that of family. 
 
“Our company is so excited to have these talented young entrepreneurs visit with us.  YEA! provides a terrific opportunity for the young people in our community,” said Julie.
 
In addition to learning about the company’ day to day operation, Julie and her team guided each student on how to form the perfect scoop! 
 
YEA! provides classroom instructions and also introduces students to all types of businesses through field trips as well as variety of executive leaders through guest lectures and business mentorship.
 
By engaging in this hands-on approach to learning through field trips such as this, students gain a real-world understanding of the dedication it takes to be a business owner.
 
For more information on YEA! contact Betty Morgan, Program Director at the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber 229-247-8100 ext 234.