Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Howard.
Hi Karen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In February 2016, my son, nephew, a friend of the family and myself were looking at various eating places in the area and found very few with a focus on health and wellness. I have always been “health conscious” because both of my parents died of cancer, and because so many people of color have issues with blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, I was led on a mission to make sure my family, friends and people in my community would have healthier options at an affordable price.
With a background in education and years of experience in the corporate sector, I not only wanted to teach and reach people to give them better choices but provide an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued. Working as a Human Resources professional, I saw the good, bad and ugly sides of how employees had been treated – especially people of color.
After much research and due diligence, April 26, 2017, we opened The Vine Cafe and Market. After recently celebrating five years in business, I am proud that our mission still remains the same – to give people a healthier choice by providing high-quality food and beverages delivered with unparalleled hospitality in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge that I have encountered running the restaurant was staying afloat during COVID. I took advantage of the PPP but had to close our dining area and “ramp up” our take-out service. It took much prayer and several creative ideas to keep employees motivated while their hours were being reduced and revenue was shrinking.
Although COVID appears to be diminishing its effects on us, I am still challenged by inflation, staffing and cash flow setbacks.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been blessed in my life with a beautiful family, great friends, and an amazing career. I have had the opportunity to teach high school and middle school students English and Literature. I’ve worked for telecommunications companies as a technical editor, recruiter and human resources professional
Personally, I am proud of the achievements made by my husband and sons. Professionally, I am most proud of the many “thank yous” I’ve received from parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles for teaching, recruiting and hiring their youth.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry moving in two directions: first, a more health-conscious approach – plant-based, vegan, keto, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc., secondly fast food, GMOs, processed chemically injected products.
The farming industry will expand with the desire to grow naturally grown fruits and vegetables. The more educated the consumer is about healthy options, the better chance he/she will have of living a healthier more active lifestyle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thevinecafemarket.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevinecafeandmarket/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevinecafeandmarket/
