With spring in the air, startGBC is glad to be promoting local businesses in these uncertain times surrounding Covid-19. This month, we speak to Chef Daniel Janetos, who for a decade trained as a Chef within a two-Michelin star experience. He is a serial entrepreneur and investor. His restaurant in Hamilton is called Born and Raised Restaurant and he also has a meal delivery business called efreshmeals.
After training, he returned to Canada and appeared on Chopped Canada, The Marilyn Denis Show, had regular appearances on CP24, Discovery Channel’s Junk Raiders and The Shopping Channel. He honed in on his passion for business and now owns a small portfolio of restaurants and an e-commerce meal company and spends most of his time investing and running to break Guinness World Records in order to raise money for the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation.
He made the Dean’s List during his Chef Diploma from George Brown College. He also has an Honors B.Comm in Hotel and Food Administration, University of Guelph and he completed the program of Advanced Sommelier, Wine and Spirit Education, in London, England.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
It was fate more than a ‘want’. I was very stubborn and needed to work and learn at my own pace.
Why did you create your business?
I first set out to create a personal brand and achieved a successful lifestyle business. Then I set out to understand business models for scalable models and begun to achieve success by setting up systems. I am currently working to diversify my assets, balance my restaurant, cryptocurrency, real estate and investment portfolio and work towards complete financial and time freedom to live off of a passive income.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
I have many failed business attempts that were important learning lessons. I was able to enjoy an abundance of National television appearances, travel and cook in 13 countries, open more than 10 restaurants and hotels globally and monetize my athletic hobby (running) to start a foundation to give back to the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t start a business without a business model. Businesses are based on cash flow, persistence and being radically open-minded to take calculated risks, learn, adapt and grow.
startGBC Mentors & Advisors
Daniel is part of the startGBC Mentor & Advisor support program, as well as a member of the startGBC Alumni Entrepreneur Showcase
Website and Socials
www.bornandraisedrestaurant.com
www.efreshmeals.ca
Daniel Janetos Instagram
Born and Raised Restaurant Instagram
efreshmeals Instagram
Shaolin Food & Liquor Instagram
James Ville Market Instagram