Today we’d like to introduce you to James Paige.
Hi james, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always wanted to become a restaurant manager growing up in Savannah working at a couple of restaurants during high school.After serving 3 years in the Marine Corps,I pursued a restaurant manager career. My training came from managing corporate for 13 years.Because I wanted more and wanted to control my destiny I started Paige Catering Company in 1993 specializing corporate catering.In 1997 a restaurant opportunity came to me by a divine intervention not looking to open a restaurant a couple didn’t want their business anymore so I took over a turn key restaurant and called it The Collard Green Cafe serving soul food.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth ride,it is a a big difference between ownership and managing a business. Restaurant business is already tough because of low margins. I was always under capitalize and a lot unknown mismanagement.What help me along the way was my experience and passion.
We’ve been impressed with Collard Green Cafe , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Collard Green Cafe is a authentic soul food restaurant.Some Southern favorites are fried chicken,catfish,meatloaf fresh Collards macaroni and cheese,sweet potatoes.We brand ourselves as cooking fresh vegetables with a slogan You won’t find a can opener in our Kitchen What separates us from our direct competitors are our hospitality,vibes,decor and of my corporate background.My background I why run a clean professional restaurant
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I don’t capitalize on what I lack, but built on what I do have.Im a no excuse business and always trying to stay on the cutting edge.I make myself competitive among the best in the business doesn’t matter to if you are independent or corporate I’m going after your customer. I never get comfortable always learning how can we do better with the brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://collardgreencafega.com
