Monday, April 15, 2019

Nic’s Organic Fast Food in Chicago


Fundraiser and serial entrepreneur Neal Zeavy serves as the head of development of Nic’s Organic Fast Food, a restaurant that he also co-owns. Neal Zeavy has been instrumental in the restaurant's expansion to several strategic locations in Chicago.

In 2017, the first Nic’s Organic Fast Food opened in Rolling Meadows after receiving certification from Quality Assurance International, an agency accredited by the US Department of Agriculture to verify organic standards of food. Since that time, Nic’s Organic Fast Food has opened two additional locations, one at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg and the other in The Loop in downtown Chicago. The restaurant will open its fourth location soon in Evanston. 

Everything on Nic’s Organic Fast Food menu, from burgers and fries to ice cream, is made from organic ingredients that are sourced locally. Customers can also order online and request delivery through Postmates, Ritual, or Uber Eats. Within the next three years, Nic’s Organic Fast Food plans to open 50 locations in major cities in Arizona, Colorado, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Oregon.

Friday, April 12, 2019

Three Tips for Starting a Business with a Side Hustle


Neal Zeavy is the co-owner of Nic’s Organic Fast Food, a certified-organic restaurant with a drive-through and delivery services in Chicago. Mr. Zeavy also manages Zeavy Development, a commercial real estate firm that acquires and develops properties across the United States. Neal Zeavy enjoys being an entrepreneur and exploring new business opportunities in different industries.

While being a full-time entrepreneur has its perks, not everyone is brave enough to leave their job, risk losing their savings, and start from scratch. A good way to test the waters and see if you have a future in entrepreneurship is by starting a “side hustle,” a (usually) part-time job on the side. Here are three tips for building a successful business from a side hustle:

1. Treat the side hustle as a functioning business.

A side hustle is a business and not a hobby. Even if you have a full-time job, the best way to gain traction on your side hustle is to set specific and measurable goals and create a detailed plan of execution. Set aside a number of hours a day or week to devote your time and energy to the side hustle, and stick to your schedule. 

2. Test the product or service with a small targeted audience.

Find out how a few targeted customers will respond to your product or service before you invest more money, time, and energy into it. Use the customers’ feedback to improve your offering. The sooner you can create a product or service that solves customers’ problems, the better your chance of success.

3. Spend money on resources based on demand.

Hiring people and buying supplies in anticipation of demand can set you back financially. Study the growth of your business and spend money only when you have customers who will pay for the product or service.