Michael Clements’ first taste of the hospitality industry came over 20 years ago when he lent a hand to the team at a burger bar. After gaining experience working in other food and drink environments, he always came back to the vision of one day owning his own truck. Eventually, an opportunity came up to buy the van he bought donuts from as a teenager and the rest, as they say, is history.
Thanks for chatting to us Michael! So, what’s the best thing about working for yourself?
Being the one to make decisions, and only having myself to blame when things go wrong. When it’s good it’s awesome, I do appreciate not having anyone to answer too when it goes wrong. Having a coffee machine on tap is also a major plus!?
How do you come up with new donut toppings?
I’m lucky enough to have an innovative partner who helps me come up with new donut toppings, but you can’t beat the classic sugar donut.
What’s your favourite thing on your menu?
Homemade salted caramel sauce that we use on our Freddo donuts.
Why did you join NCASS?
Paperwork, I hate doing paperwork! NCASS makes the due diligence and daily paperwork easy.
What’s your motto?
There’s nothing dinky about our donuts!
What’s your vision for your business?
To continue to grow and succeed.
What do you love about the hospitality industry?
Mobile catering gives you the opportunity to attend many different events, getting to experience a variety of days from little local fun days, vintage car meets or festivals. There’s something for everyone.
What are the biggest hurdles you’ve overcome?
Having generators stolen out of my van in the early years of trading. It was a brand new LPG belonging to friends that I’d borrowed for firework events. It was a struggle to overcome.
What do you think the biggest challenges for the industry are at the moment?
Cost of living crisis, increased costs and the fear of putting prices up to compensate this at the risk of losing sales.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting up?
Find a pitch before spending any money, it’s not as easy as you think. Trading in general costs more than you think. Listen to the experts. Do your research. If the event sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Have fun with it.
What other indie businesses that inspire you?
Skullduggery Desert Illusions. Steph makes some amazing masterpieces that taste amazing!
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