TONY MARRON shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
TONY, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
WE LIVE IN A CULTURE WHERE PRICE DETERMINES IF YOU ARE GONNA EAT THERE. WE USE QUALITY FOOD & INGREDIENTS SO THE COST FACTOR IS ALOT HIGHER. CUSTOMERS THINK ITS JUST A BURGER & FRIES BUT DONT REALIZE WHAT IT COST TO MAKE IT TASTE SO GOOD. I CAN MAKE A CHEAPER BURGER BUT THEN I WOULD HAVE TO EAT IT. MY PHILOSPHY HAS ALWAYS BEEN IF I WONT EAT IT I WONT SERVE IT.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
MY NAME IS TONY MARRON AND IM A LOCAL OWNER OPERATOR IN PORTER TX. I OPERATE UNCLE TONYS CAFE, UNCLE TONYS BURGERS, & UNCLE TONYS FOOD TRUCK IN DEACON BALDYS. I STARTED UNCLE TONYS 15 YEARS AGO BECAUSE I WANTED A RESTAURANT THAT MADE QUALITY FOOD. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO EAT MY FOOD AND SAY THAT WAS REALLY GOOD AND NOT REGRET MY FOOD PURCHASE. WE ARE NOT A HIGH VOLUME RESTAURANTS AND I KEEP MY OVERHEAD LOW SO I CAN FOCUS ON QUALITY & NOT QUANTITY. OUR NEWEST LOCATION IN PORTER FOCUSES ON MORE MADE FROM SCRATCH COOKING, & HOMEMADE DESSERTS.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
GROWING UP WE DIDNT HAVE ALOT OF MONEY MY MOM ALWAYS MADE ME CLEAN HOUSE, WASH CLOTHES, AND HELP HER COOK. (WHICH I HATED. LOL) I TOLD HER I WOULD MAKE SOMEONE A GREAT WIFE ONE DAY. IT WAS HER TECHNIQUES TO MAKE SIMPLE CHEAP FOODS TASTE GOOD. I BECAME A PICKY EATER AT A YOUNG AGE BECAUSE I WANTED GREAT TASTING FOOD AND ALWAYS COMPARED MY MOMS COOKING. NOW THAT IM GROWN I APPLY THE TEACHING OF MY MOM AND HER HARD WORKING ATTITUDE. SHE IS 74 AND STILL HELPS ME AT THE RESTAURANT.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I ALMOST GAVE UP TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. 15 YEARS IN BUSINESS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS DONT HAVE THE BUYING POWER, MARKETING MONEY, AND EMPLOYEES LIKE BIG CORPORATIONS. MY BUSINESS HAS BEEN LIKE A ROLLER COASTER WITH ITS HIGHS & LOWS, MAKE MONEY 1 MONTH AND LOSE DOUBLE NEXT MONTH. YOU HAVE EQUIPMENT BREAKING DOWN, PRICE INCREASES, EMPLOYEES QUITING, BUILDING MAINTENANCE ISSUES. ETC. RELOCATED 4 TIMES DUE TO BUILDING ISSUES. PEOPLE DONT REA;IZE THE COST TO MOVE.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
IM A STAND UP SWEET, LOVING, KIND AND CARING GUY. THE PUBLICS PERCEPTION IS A NO NOSENSE STRAIGHT UP GUY. ILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND UNTIL YOU ARE RUDE OR DISRESPECTFUL TO MY EMPLOYEES, FAMILY OR ME.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I AM A SIMPLE GUY THAT DOESNT CARE ABOUT MONEY OR MATERIAL THINGS. WHEN I DIE I CANT TAKE THEM WITH ME. WHEN IM AT MY CONGREGATION WITH MY SPIRITUAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO ARE MY FAMILY I FEEL AT PEACE.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.UNCLETONYS.BIZ
- Instagram: @uncle_tonys_cafe_in_porter
- Facebook: Uncle Tony’s Cafe in Porter
- Yelp: Uncle Tony’s
