Subscribe and Listen Everywhere:
Vickie Zambrano didn’t plan to open a restaurant. But one charcuterie reel, a pushy friend group, and a few bold decisions later—Curean was born. What started as a quick-service concept spiraled into a full-service Mediterranean hotspot with cocktails, couches, and a whole lot of chaos.
Equal parts introvert and industry badass, Vickie breaks down how she built a culture-driven team, ignored traditional leadership BS, and leaned on her community when everything felt like too much. From printer meltdowns and espresso machine regrets to staff shakeups that unlocked real growth, her story is the entrepreneurial ride no one warns you about—but every founder will recognize.
Say yes first. Figure it out later. And don’t forget to double-check the damn furniture specs.
Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ You don’t have to have a plan—just the guts to say yes.
Vickie never dreamed of owning a restaurant, but bold moves (and a stubborn streak) turned a casual idea into a thriving business. Founders: you don’t need it all figured out—just get started.
2️⃣ Culture is your greatest asset—protect it like hell.
Hiring slow, firing fast, and leading with empathy helped Vickie build a loyal, culture-driven team that shows up when it counts. Respect beats fear every time.
3️⃣ Chaos is inevitable. Isolation is optional.
Printer breaks? Espresso fails? Staff drama? It all happens. What matters is having a ride-or-die community that rallies with you—not around you. Build your support system before you think you’ll need it.
🔗 Learn more about Curean and connect with Vickie with the links below: