Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanihya Odom.
Lanihya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Georgia from California at 18 years old to start my adulthood life. I work at Quiktrip as an Assistant Manager for a little less than five years and during that time I was able to buy my first home in Locust Grove at 20 Years Old. That was a huge milestone for me at that age. It was a three bedroom 2 1/2 Bathroom for $165,000. My time at Quiktrip was coming to an end because I wanted more for myself but I didn’t know what. I became married at 22 and my husband was okay with me going through a career change. I started working for a business in Locust Grove as a General Manager and fell in love with the concept. In a nutshell, my husband and I was offered the opportunity to Own/ Operate a separate location and that is how I became a restaurant owner at 22 Years Old.
(Spudz Mcdonough) offers Signature Potatoes with a variety of Proteins, Toppings, & Sauces for our customers to choose from. We have catered for Large companies providing over 1000 Potatoes and surgery offices for 25 Potatoes. We pride ourselves with amazing customer service and fresh products 6 days a week from 11-8PM.
What I love about potatoes is that it can accommodate almost every dietary need. It is definitely a crowd-pleaser! Someone who is Vegan, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Pescatarian can enjoy a potato from Spudz Mcdonough.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge is being a Top leader at a young age overall. I have struggled with hiring quality people and maintaining a strong staff for an extended period of time. I probably went through at least 30 People this year and a half probably didn’t last more than 30 days. I have learned better-interviewing skills and what it means to be a good leader. It is also important for me to know how to teach everyone I add to my payroll, and that in itself can be challenging at times.
As far as operating the store, maintaining inventory and paperwork that was very easy for me. I was a natural entrepreneur in that aspect. I love marketing and brand building.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Spudz Mcdonough provides quality comfort food in a quick serv setting. We are different from our food options and people. I am most proud of how much our community has supported faithfully and how much we have grown over the year, we have been open. It was a slow start and once the word got out it spread like wildfire. We are becoming more recognized in our community and that is a humble feeling. The brand was also able to give back this year we provided 100 backpacks with school supplies for students in our neighborhood. To be in the position to give back to a community that supports you is also a blessing.
I want people to know supporting Spudz Mcdonough is more than just purchasing a baked potato. I want to grow and give back so much in the future. You are supporting a dream and hard work. Let us cater your next event and you will not be disappointed! Stop by for lunch or dinner and you will have a meal large enough for two servings!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I don’t tell my age to customers or staff! That is probably the most surprising fact. I also phase myself as the manager so being the owner may also be surprising. My husband is 32 years old (He looks younger than me!)
Pricing:
- Menu starts as low as $8 for a Baked Potato
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/spudzmcdonough
- Instagram: @Spudzmcdonough
- Facebook: @spudzmcdonough
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/spudz-mcdonough-mcdonough
