Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Parsons.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started working in restaurants as a means to put myself through college. Once I graduated I spent a bit of time in the 9-5 world and realized that I really loved the hospitality industry, I enjoyed the flexible schedule, the energy, & the fact that no day was the same.
My husband & I met at a restaurant in 2005 in Augusta, Georgia. We spent about a decade in the corporate restaurant industry and took advantage of the opportunity to move around and live in a few amazing cities such as Hilton Head, SC, Asheville, NC, & Surf Side Beach SC before settling in
Pawleys Island 5 years ago.
Back in 2022, after a six year stint as the Director of Operations for a local restaurant group, we decided it was time to take a beat and evaluate what I wanted my future to look like. We started a party bus company, LadyDriverz, and I started consulting with entrepreneur’s helping with both re-branding current businesses & start ups. The Bistro was actually a project that I was consulting on. My client was approached with a different opportunity in the middle of negotiations that she became more interested in pursuing. I approached my husband with the opportunity and he told me that I was absolutely crazy!! How could we open a restaurant on a whim? It has definitely had its challenges but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think anyone who owns a restaurant would call it a smooth road. When you’re in the business of people pleasing.there are going to be peaks & valleys. We are located in a gated community so I would say that is probably our biggest obstacle.
As you know, we’re big fans of Belle Isle Bistro. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are located in the beautiful setting of Winyah Bay at Belle Is Marina. Along with being a 5 star rated restaurant we have a beautiful facility for Weddings & Receptions on site.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Please visit us at 1228 Belle Isle Road. You can contact us at 843-359-6490. Email belleislebistro@gmail.com
Weddingsatbelleisle@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.belleislesc.com
- Instagram: @belleislebistro
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/belleislebistrosc
- Other: https://Facebook.com/weddingsatbelleisle
