This year we kicked off our Severing Ties Series Spotlights! These spotlights are a chance for you to nominate someone you know who has “severed ties” in their life in a significant way.
We recently received a nomination for a new local food truck in the Sioux Falls area. (Seriously, the food truck scene here in Sioux Falls is 🔥🔥🔥. )
Hearing about Renee’s story made us want to learn more, and we can’t wait to share it with you! So without further ado, please enjoy this story about taking a risk and pursuing a passion—exactly what Severance Brewing Co. is all about…
My name is Renee Standish and I own Kota Café. I live here in Sioux Falls with my Fiancé, four children (two girls and two boys), two dogs and two cats. Not only do we have the food truck up and running, we also have apartment rentals, Airbnb's and he is also building a twin home here in Sioux Falls. We are kind of busy.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a restaurant. You know those cafes you see in small towns where everything seems to be made from scratch with love? That is my dream! In this day and age, it is so expensive to get into that type of business and a lot of them don't make it past the first year.
Pursuing a Dream
We have had the idea of starting a truck for a couple of years (we meaning Travis and I) and decided it would be a great economical way to see if we could make it work. If I am successful on a truck, I could possibly be successful in a restaurant as well. Once I jumped on board with the food truck idea and knowing I would still be making my food from scratch, it was game on! I started looking for a truck and brainstorming what I would serve on it.
I bought my truck the beginning of April, had my son the end of April and took that time off to get all licenses that were required, get the truck set how I wanted it, develop my menu and give it a trial run.
At this point, I fully intended to go back to the 8-5, until I started working the truck in the real world. The amount of support and positive feedback I have received is unbelievable!
I always thought my food was good, but I am a little biased! After just six weeks of being up and running and to see some of the same faces show up at the truck, more than once and where ever I am located, tells me it might not be half bad.
Ditching the 8-5
With all that being said, I knew I couldn't commit to a full time job outside of our life, and do anything justice. I decided to focus my energy on my family and what I need to do for them. Go big or go home! I gave up a salary, benefits, health insurance and air conditioning, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The true joy I feel when I am cooking someone dinner or frying those fries, even when it is 100 degrees in the truck, is now something I wouldn't trade for the world!
I have never been happier! I know in my heart I am doing what I am supposed to be doing and I hope my children see me following my dreams and never hesitate to follow theirs!
Have you or someone you know recently severed ties in a big way? Click below to learn more and submit a nomination!
