On today’s episode of #localbites we’re talking to Michael Pustai, owner of Hops Kitchen. 

Michael has a unique business plan and partners with breweries in Virginia. Hops Kitchen has 

been growing continuously for the past 10 years and isn’t slowing down any time soon! 

Website: https://www.hops-kitchen.com/

[00:00] Show intro 

[00:37] What Michael was doing before Hops Kitchen 

[02:03] Moving to entrepreneurship 

[03:28] Going through the emotions 

[04:10] The first few years of business

[07:01] Opening a new location when everyone was shutting down

[09:03] Why building a brand is important to Michael

[11:29] Through the pandemic: the ups and downs

[14:07] How Hops Kitchen does efficiency 

[16:14] Where the passion comes from 

[18:03] The importance of being in the community 

[19:14] Advice for someone who wants to start a restaurant

[21:32] Wrap up