A day in the life of Shawn Warner, owner of the restaurant, Choices By Shawn

The next time you are looking for a great place to eat, stop by Choices By Shawn, located in the historic Moore house in Fairfax City.  The restaurant’s name reflects Shawn’s belief that “people should have a choice of what they want to eat, some people like to eat healthy and some don’t, some have to eat gluten free, some dairy free and I just thought that Choices fit what I wanted to say.”

When asked if owning Choices is the best job she’s had, the owner, Shawn Warner, answers, “definitely.” 

Shawn’s work on any given day could encompass any part of restaurant work.  She’s done every job in the restaurant.  Here’s how Shawn describes a typical day in her life as the owner of Choices:

I arrive at work at 10:30 Monday through Friday, 8:30 on Saturday and 10:00 on Sunday. I get the restaurant ready for service for the day with the help of one of my servers and one kitchen staff, I do my daily financial report, generally make sure that the restaurant is running smoothly that the customers are happy, help the cook with lunch order if necessary. Order items for the restaurant whether it be food, paper supplies, equipment. Make sure all the equipment is running properly, etc.

Most days, Shawn wakes up happy to go to work.  Like most small business owners, she feels stressed when business is slow. 

Meeting new customers, seeing her regular customers, and hearing positive feedback about Choices comprise the best part of her job.  Paying bills and dealing with staffing issues are the downside of her work.

Just like many modern American workers, Shawn’s job isn’t always a piece of cake.  Shawn doesn’t take a salary because she puts all the money goes back into the business. 

 

HBG:  Do you feel that you are a typical American worker?

Shawn:   I think that anyone who owns a restaurant works a lot of hours, and has a lot of headaches.

But being the owner, gives Shawn a chance to contribute to making the world a better place when she uses the restaurant for charity work.  I know for certain that Shawn makes the lives of those with Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, dairy allergies or those preferring vegetarian fare, better, by offering foods to suit those needs. 

I can say from personal experience that you can’t help but feel good when you bite into a piece of Shawn’s fluffy white coconut cake or sip the butternut squash and apple soup or enjoy a delicious burger or salad – oh, the choices!


For more information about Choices By Shawn, here's the website:
http://choicesbyshawn.com/home/