This past Friday, Jade Newman and Jessica Robinson opened the doors to The Business Bar. The Business Bar is an eclectic restaurant that incorporates the usual restaurant dining experience with workstations as well. This idea came about when Newman and Robinson were looking for the perfect business and food spot in New Orleans and could not find one. The Business Bar will provide the perfect atmosphere for professionals and students from all levels to work with an atmosphere worthy of staying after 5.
We had a chance to catch up with Jade and Jessica and learn more behind the vision and inspiration for The Business Bar.
What are the goals you both have for The Business Bar?
The Business Bar was truly a plan God had for our life that we didn’t see coming. It’s amazing how the vision appeared somewhat out of the blue and quickly manifested into what we’ve created. We have huge goals for The Business Bar; both short and long term. We’ve already had our lawyer prepare Franchise Agreements as we’ve decided to turn The Business Bar into a franchise being that the concept is something that can be beneficial in so many areas. We’re also looking into our second location as we speak. I’m planning to move to Georgia this summer where I’ll be looking to open the second location of The Business Bar.
What are your thoughts on business etiquette and dining?
Our thoughts on Business Etiquette and Dining all go hand in hand with our Core Values. We believe that recognition; making sure we greet and acknowledge the people we interact with in business as well as the customers we will serve within our restaurant is a non-negotiable. We also believe that respecting and responding to our customers’ needs is what sets us apart. We’re Businesswomen first so we truly understand the need of our target customers. We understand the environment needed to thrive.
How has your faith played a part in the start of your business?
Our faith is what keeps us going. Our faith is the only reason we’re where we are today. The idea of opening a restaurant in the city of New Orleans during the pandemic was insane to everyone we mentioned the idea to. Pretty much everyone we communicated with were concerned about the “what if’s”, but we don’t get caught up in what could happen. We’ve persevered through so much throughout our careers and we know that it was God and God alone that got us through. Whenever the spirit of fear comes upon us for any reason, we intentionally take a moment to reflect on the valleys we’ve already overcome with our faith alone. Faith is the foundation of The Business Bar.
What is your favorite dish & cocktail on the menu? What inspired it?
My favorite dish on the Menu is without a doubt the “Southern Girl Means Business Lamb Chops”. The lamb chops are grilled and seasoned with garlic butter and served with a side of fried brussel sprouts. My favorite cocktail on the Menu is the “Cash Flow Cosmo”, which is a refreshing Watermelon Martini – It’s delicious. The Business Bar can be classified as an American Gourmet Eatery with menu items designed for the Businessperson on the go. Our items are Take Out friendly, but their also gourmet items; worthy of a sit-down experience. The lamb chops dish was inspired with the idea in mind of having at least one exclusive – amazing dish that would create the Five Star Dining Experience and The Cash Flow Cosmo was inspired by The Brand with the refreshing watermelon and Cash Flow is the goal in Business. We all know – If it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense. That’s our Brand Motto.
What impact has this process had on you both?
This process has impacted us in so many ways as we’ve worked day in and day out to make sure we set everything up the right way. We work hard for everything so the pressure that comes along with that is nothing new to be totally honest, but it’s the results that make all of our hard work worth it. I was sick for almost two weeks straight, but it was crunch time and as hard as it was for me to work; I pushed through because I believe in following through in everything I set out for. We feed off of each other with everything. We truly believe this process triple confirmed the strength of collaboration, which is what we represent as a unit.
What should people take away after attending your restaurant?
Our customers can expect the Ultimate – Restaurant, Bar and Workstation Experience. The atmosphere was intentionally created to cultivate an open mind for all of our customers. We want everyone to enjoy every aspect of The Brand. The atmosphere, the food, the drinks and the energy should without a doubt have everyone feeling empowered, open minded and ready to confidently accomplish anything.
What are two big things you look forward to with the restaurant?
We look forward to multiplication of The Business Bar and most importantly; a Brand that will give so many other people the push they need to step out on their dreams.
The Business Bar is a game changer for the professional and casual world with a good mix of the two. The delicious menu items are crafted by Chef Lawrence Armour & Jessica Robinson’s Justini Cocktails took on the role of the in-house mixologist to craft the perfect cocktails!
Be sure to visit The Business Bar’s website: https://www.thebusinessbarnola.com and follow them on social media @TheBusinessBar !
Image Credit: Joli Renee Photography
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