Black Business Owner Shares Hard-Earned Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

A thriving business doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of determination. Just ask Shervin Bunch, the owner of Chicken N The Bag, a soul food business that has quickly become a staple in Grand Junction, Colorado. For aspiring Black entrepreneurs, his journey offers not only inspiration but also practical advice on how to build a business that lasts.

From Idea to Reality: The Long Road to Launch

Bunch didn’t just wake up one day and decide to open a restaurant. It was a process—a five-year process, to be exact. Getting everything in place before the business could even open its doors required patience and persistence. But once the trailer was ready to roll, the community embraced it in ways even he didn’t expect.

“The support was immediate,” Bunch said. “People came out, helped us, and just gave us an open hand to get started.”

That kind of backing can make all the difference for a new business, especially in a city where diversity isn’t as prominent. Yet, Chicken N The Bag thrived, proving that good food and strong community ties are a winning recipe.

Black entrepreneur food truck Grand Junction Colorado

Community Support: A Two-Way Street

The demand for Bunch’s food grew so quickly that he had to adjust his schedule. What started as a five-day operation turned into a seven-day hustle, thanks to an overwhelming response from local customers.

“The community just kept eating,” he said, laughing. “They wouldn’t stop coming. So now, we’re open seven days a week.”

But Bunch believes that success isn’t just about what you receive—it’s about what you give back. His advice to fellow Black entrepreneurs? Make giving a priority.

  • When businesses contribute to their community, the community reciprocates with support.
  • Offering help with “an open heart” creates lasting customer loyalty.
  • Generosity builds stronger relationships, not just with customers but with other business owners as well.

Bunch lives by this principle. His food truck frequently provides free meals to those in need, ensuring that no one goes hungry on his watch.

The Extra Work It Takes to Succeed

Owning a business isn’t just about opening a shop and waiting for customers. It’s about commitment. And for Black entrepreneurs, the road can sometimes be even steeper.

“You have to work more than just one job,” Bunch explained. “Sometimes, you have to work in the morning at one job and then spend your nights working on your business.”

That’s a reality many business owners face. Hard work isn’t optional—it’s essential. Balancing multiple jobs while building a business isn’t easy, but it’s often necessary to reach the level of success you envision.

Expansion Plans and Future Goals

Bunch isn’t stopping at just one location. His vision extends beyond Grand Junction, with plans to bring Chicken N The Bag to Montrose and Delta in the near future.

“I see the demand, and I want to meet it,” he said. “I want to keep bringing soul food to more places.”

For now, those in Grand Junction can find his food truck at 457 Colorado Ave. But if Bunch’s track record is any indication, it won’t be long before his business becomes a household name in multiple cities.

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