Taking a Leap

A passion for cooking, the resourcefulness to ask for help and seek support, the diligence to learn and work, and some serious goal-setting have made Derrick Moore a successful restaurant owner. Over the past few years, Derrick has grown his business from a basic hot-dog cart to a full-service restaurant with 12 employees and more to come.

Derrick credits much of his success to those surrounding him – Benny Byington, Joey Cassel, the City of Sandusky. It was Benny Byington who helped Derrick open his restaurant by finding a commercial kitchen to lease (the old Tony G’s on Adams St). Then it was Joey Cassel’s video, commissioned by the City of Sandusky which made his business an overnight success. Finally, with advising and grant support from the City of Sandusky, Derrick was recently able to expand to his current location on Warren St.

A Key Network

Friends, family, support is what got Derrick into cooking to start with. He took inspiration from his diverse group of friends - Latin, Korean, German - learned all he could from them and created the fusion style you see at his restaurant today. Even in the early days cooking with friends, Derrick envisioned himself running a small diner. The vision has grown since then, but Derrick notes if you can dream it, you can do it.

That's not to say every opportunity doesn't come with risks. Derrick's made critical decisions to guide his business' direction and notes perseverance is what gets dreams off the ground. Derrick says there are a lot of resources in Erie County (local governments, ECEDC, the Erie County Chamber of Commerce are a few he likes), and small business owners must ask for help, investigate and exhaust all options if following their passion, or as Derrick says, “go out here and get it”. Derricks efforts secured him $27,000 in grants for equipment and signage, and he invested $10,000 of his own money to open the business.

Visibility & Growth

Word of mouth marketing has been a key component to Derrick’s success. But WOM is not just something that happens on its own without any effort. In addition to grocery shopping, managing the finances, cooking at the grill, and other operational responsibilities, Derrick sets time aside every day to work on social media which helps drive his WOM marketing and keep the marketing budget low. His messages focus on family, tradition, and fun – the main perks of good food in Derrick’s opinion.

Derrick attributes much of his success to his customers – locals. Derrick embraces this audience even giving them an opportunity to influence the menu through feedback on social media. He knows that his customer like being paid attention to. Since they support him, he aims to keep them in tune – “they want to know what you’re doing”, he says. Derrick's FaceBook.

Planning Ahead

Finding the right supports, making intentional and creative marketing decisions, and focusing on visibility have proven to be successful for Derrick, but he’s not done yet. He has a clear vision for the future of his restaurant including detailed goals for 2019.

Already at a staff of 12, Derrick is looking to hiring 2-3 more positions in the new year. This will allow him to prioritize customer service, even coming out from behind the grill himself to interact with customers. Patrons have come from as far as Toledo because they’re inspired by his story, and with additional help, Derrick will be able to better serve them. In addition, Derrick is listening to his customers, looking at offering delivery and opening on Tuesdays.

Derrick is a natural dreamer and practiced business man. His extensive experience in manufacturing has applied well to owning a restaurant – accounting for his current success and anticipated future growth. His systems are in place for grocery shopping, inventory, employee management, and he's got clear goals for the new year. We're excited to see what lies ahead for Derrick and always excited for another opportunity to eat his food...

The 12 Days of Development email series recognizes and celebrates another year of progress in Erie County, Ohio. Throughout the month of December, you will receive email spotlights on a company investing, improving and innovating in our community. We can't capture it all, so let us know a neighbor we missed or what activities you've got planned to make the 2019 list! #ErieCounty12Days