Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracii Hutsona.
Hi Tracii, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband and I ran hospitality-based businesses for some time, including catering for special events and green rooms. When we noticed laws were changing regarding transient occupancy- a big part of our package- had started to affect our business, we knew it was time for a change. We love cooking and have always wanted to open a restaurant. We started by incorporating breakfast we made at home. The All American (our most popular dish) started in our kitchen at home. When we began tossing around the idea, On a trip with friends in a shared home, the chefs in our group were discussing who would tackle which meal when one of us said they would be the “Breakfast Bitch.” From there, we learned that the (urban) dictionary definition of Breakfast Bitch was someone making others breakfast daily. We immediately started playing with words and coming up with fun menu categories like Main Bitch, Side Bitch, Extra Bitch, Skinny Bitch, and so on.
We are a bi-racial family, always focused on diversity and inclusiveness. And since we knew we were dealing with the B-word, we knew it would be very important to brand our new endeavor with nothing but positivity and love. Our message needed to be clear. I always admired the stories about Rosie the Riveter post-WWII and the empowerment her image still advocates and inspires all genders and races to go for it and demand equality. We modeled our Breakfast Bitch similar to Rosie and vowed to dedicate ourselves to spreading the message of diversity and inclusion. We started with very little when we first opened our doors in San Diego. We pained and prepped and did the work ourselves, with help from friends and family. We expected to be a local mom and op vibe and set our sales goals modestly. What happened next really surprised us! Derrell and I focus on the communities we are in and genuinely try to give the first opportunity to those who have historically been offered the last position in line for the opportunity. We extend this to our staff, vendors, and suppliers.
After COVID hit, San Diego went through all types of changes. We were blessed with the opportunity to open another location where we would have the ability to stay open. When we saw Downtown Phoenix and the developing Roosevelt Row, we fell in love with the community. We opened quickly and kept some of our staff employed by bringing them to Phoenix to train new employees. A couple even decided to stay and are here with us now! We plan to continue growing and building our brand. Look for more restaurants in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area soon.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
Covid. I think it hit the restaurant industry harder than any other. It took a lot of hard work and determination to stay alive through the toughest part, but we did it with the best team of people we could ask for. There have also been some serious challenges dealing with people who do not wish to see others thrive. The negative elements came at me in full force, but all we can do is continue doing our best and conducting ethical business practices.
As you know, we’re big fans of Breakfast Bitch. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Breakfast Bitch is a brunch spot in Phoenix and San Diego. We provide a fun, party-like environment and encourage everyone to express themselves freely. We have a DJ on Sundays and turn up for birthdays, bridal showers, and celebrations every day of the week! One of our mottos at the restaurant is “All Bitches Welcome.”
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Quality for sure. I am a stickler for the best quality food and beverage products. There is no skimping, and I believe our customers appreciate that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eatbreakfastbitch.com
- Instagram: breakfastbitch_az and breakfastbitch_sd
- Facebook: Breakfast Bitch
Image Credits:
OpenTable
