Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Jackson.
Hi Anthony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Tony Jackson. I’m from Atlanta. Schooled here in the Fulton County public school system and a graduate of Morehouse College. So, I guess I’m what some can call a “native son” of ATL. I’m an entrepreneur by every definition, having created in the spaces of real estate, retail, commercial cleaning, and marketing to name a few lol. I have always had the desire to pursue my own dreams. So luckily and organically I fell into this new love of my life, Pat’s Poutine. The Poutine is what we like to call A Tasty Mess! Pat’s Poutine is a boutique eatery founded in 2014 by Canadian and American Food lovers. I learned of the dish in 2011 by family and friends visiting from Ottawa, Canada. Upon visiting Canada, I saw how the dish was incorporated in almost every aspect of social life. From festivals, restaurants, clubs, bars, family functions, and sports events. After tasting the dish, I knew this was something we would love here in the USA. So, I decided to serve the great Canadian Classic poutine under the premise of serving great quality fun food to the public. So, a stop, grab, and go” eatery concept (Pat’s Poutine) that services America with the classic Canadian Poutine was born. The rest is history!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think with every new venture, there are going to be challenges. The first struggle for many entrepreneurs, including myself, was “how can I start this new venture?” and “Where can I get the money and time to start this endeavor?”, As with most, I think this was my initial dilemma. Pat’s Poutine is a “pandemic baby,” so it was truly an uneasy time across the country. But I decided that may be the best time to start, and took a step out on faith and proper planning.
I had to motivate myself, especially even more so because, with this uncertainty, most people thought this was not the time, especially with a product no one has heard of. I had to remind myself every day that I am capable and can do anything I choose. Like I would literally look myself in the mirror and say “T you are so dope, if you want this, it’s yours, so go get it champ!” Yes, it sounds a bit corny, but its literally what I did. I didn’t know how I was going to do it. But I knew I could and that’s all that mattered to me. So, I made myself my own biggest fan of me and Pat’s Poutine Lol. I think the next struggle was finding the right team. You cannot do anything alone despite what some may think. Every strong business has a core team. I looked for creative thinkers, people that “get off” on problem solving, those who are entrepreneurs at heart like me. There will one day be 1,000’s of Pat’s Poutine’s worldwide. I can’t manage this by myself. So, putting together Pat’s team was so imperative. It took both time and a bit of staffing turnaround. But we overcame that obstacle and have started to assemble the right individuals for Pat’s dream team. There will always be new struggles to overcome. We will be ready! One Tasty Mess at A Time lol.
We’ve been impressed with Pat’s Promise, 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?
Pat’s Poutine is a company with a sincere mission outside of serving great food. Yes, serving America great Poutine is at the top of that list, but helping those in need is imperative to our mission as well. So, Pat’s Poutine created #PatsPromise. It is our way of contributing positively to the world at large. Pat’s Poutine promises to give continuous proceeds to programs and initiatives focused on children on the Autisms spectrum. Each month Pat’s Poutine will give a monetary donation to an autism-focused program in need. Along with this monetary donation, Pat’s Poutine will provide paid leave for our employees to participate in these program initiatives. This promise is something personal to me. One of my children was diagnosed autistic at the age of three years old. I remember how it was such a struggle to grasps what the next steps after diagnosis would be, finding support and the right information, finding others who could relate, and determining where I could get basic necessities and facilities suited for a child with autism. I saw there are so many others dealing with these same obstacles. So, I made a promise that Pat’s Poutine would do its part to help others. Our first partners in #PatsPromise are the Joseph Sam’s School and The Book Bank Foundation. Thus far, together we have completed two restoration projects to the Joseph Sam’s School facilities and contributed over 50 paid man-hours to this great cause.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes!!!! We have had many reaffirmations due to the Covid-19 Crisis. One of the major reminders is, “no matter the circumstances, put your mind to something and it can be done” Pat’s Poutine is a “quarantine baby”. The greatest lesson that this pandemic has to teach us is this; We are all connected!! By this health crisis,
by our desire to raise healthy, happy children and by the need for nourishment.
This virus has forced me to refocus my perspective as a citizen of the world, as a food entrepreneur, and as a father. I humbly and enthusiastically accept the challenges that each of these aspects of who I am place before me. My intention, is to
be of service to my family, my community and humanity. Perhaps the greatest legacy would be to inspire others as I have been inspired!
Contact Info:
- Email: patspoutine@gmail.com
- Website: www.patspoutine.com
- Instagram: @pats.poutine
