By Jordan Bankston, The Monitor Digital
Serial entrepreneur Senayt Fekadu isn’t afraid of opening restaurants in the inner city neighborhoods of Cleveland. Six years ago, she opted to open The Crispy Chick, in a food desert surrounded by a cemetery and a few other restaurants.
However, when Fekadu saw the location, she said she knew she could make a positive impact in the community.
“It was mission based for me. It’s not necessarily just a business, because I could have opened this anywhere, and I think we would have done really well. But I chose this location in particular to really inspire people, kids and businesses,” Fekadu said.
The Crispy Chick specializes in their deep fried chicken fingers, sandwiches and wraps, served alongside crinkle‑cut fries, garlic‑butter toast, coleslaw and a signature housemade sauce. They also offer a kid’s menu and large order specials.
Fekadu was never a big fan of how most inner city establishments were handled, which drove her to strive high and block usual stereotypes. For example, Fekadu gives out her own cell phone number to all customers to encourage feedback, good or bad.
“I was always frustrated with restaurants in inner city neighborhoods, how the food quality is not great and the customer service is even worse. The appearance of the buildings are not that wonderful, like the few we see around,” said Fekadu, who owned a Little Ceasers for 10 years in an under-privileged neighborhood.
The Eritrea immigrant knew she had a bigger purpose than just making money when it came to owning a business.
“I had two missions, one was to provide high quality food to our community and two is to inspire kids in our community,” Fekuda said.
Being one of the few establishments to give back to the community, Fekadu is living up to those missions and expectations.
When customers walk in, they’ll see local teenagers and young adults working with a smile on their face. Fekadu also has a mentoring program where she teaches minority youth about work and interaction etiquette.
“I want them to know that every small action really matters, and there is nothing that can beat work ethic,” she said.
Fekadu tries to leave a lasting impact on her employees, which some called monumental to their growth.
Davonte Jackson, The Crispy Chick store manager who’s been with the company for four years, said the one of the main themes he’s learned from Fekadu is “never give up.”
“This is the longest job I’ve had because of how much Senayt shows us how important it is to have dedication. Because of that, I’ve been able to move up in the company,” Jackson said.
Fekadu said she looks to expand and build a franchise, as her next location will be on the west side on Pearl Road. Her main piece of advice for other entrepreneurs and people looking to start their own business is similar to what she tells the youth.
“If you truly believe in your idea along with the mission and yourself as well as your product you provide,” Fekadu said. “It will always work out. It is just sticking through it and not giving up.”
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