Organization: Basco Grill
Owner: Natacha Krum
Website: www.bascogrill.com
How did your business get started?
I have worked in the restaurant business my entire life and have worked every position imaginable; except for having my own. When my previous location of employment was sold, I was presented with the opportunity to start something for myself. The Bay Lunch in Eastham had recently sold, and I took it upon myself to make the best of this. I started working on renovating the building, making it resemble the environment I grew up in, as well as creating a new menu, all in late 2019. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, I did not let this stop me and my team, we were able to safely open up with a few adaptations to do so. It was a risk, but now here we are almost three years later, so I guess you could say it was worth the risk!
Tell us about yourself.
I am originally from the Basque region of France, which answers the commonly asked question of “Why is the restaurant called Basco Grill?” – a little nickname for the place I am from! I moved back to the United States in 1999 where I worked in a number of restaurants around Cape Cod. I live here with my husband and two children who have all been nothing but supportive of me pursuing this career.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in food, my cravings are what inspire me the most. Of course I have the set menu of items that remains the same, but I find I am able to be creative in my specials. When I see or try something new, I become inspired and see if I can make my own twist on it; like many of my constant menu items, but my specials are more evolving with my taste.
What do you love about your business?
My favorite thing about working in the restaurant business is that there is always something to do. I spend the bulk of my time creating recipes, cooking, ordering and prepping food, but there are times where I have to run and go bag food, or answer the phone and take orders. I like to say that there is always something, whether it be the good or bad. This business keeps me on my toes!
What are some ways that you promote your business?
“Bouche à oreille”as they would say in France. I rely on the word of mouth from the locals, they are the ones who are eating my food and they will speak the truth! If I hear something negative I will trust their word and make the changes necessary. The feedback of the locals and my customers is crucial to how I run my business, I could not do it without them. The community built by our small town has allowed me to conduct my business in this way where I can count on their words!
Do you have any advice for other business owners?
My one word of advice would be to know how to work all positions at whatever type of business you decide to open. You never know when something will go astray in your original plan, you have to be able to adapt and react accordingly. Be prepared for anything and everything to be thrown your way, and good luck!