Dominican Republic Forum

mirandakate
Joined 2015
Posts: 7

9 years ago

Opening co-op restaurant in DR

9 years ago

Hi friends,

My best friend and I are moving to the DR in January '18. To prepare for our arrival, we are visiting as many times as possible prior to moving and exploring as much of the island as possible (we've already been a handful of times). We will be fostering connections and networking. When we arrive in 2018, we plan to spend 4-8months expanding our basic knowledge of Spanish and Kreyol to be as fluent as possible to prepare us for being owner/operators: we both have lots and lots and lots of experience in hospitality and have decided to open a restaurant/bar/boutique hotel in the DR (whatever we feel fits, open to the opportunities that arise and confident we can run whatever comes our way). We wish to run our restaurant as a co-op. Hiring locals, perhaps working to provide hospitality education with hands on, paid learning and job opportunities. We'd ultimately like to own a family of restaurants that those who work with us can become shareholders/partners of. Giving them an opportunity to be small business owners. We are in this to make a profit: we do not believe in charity. We believe in business, and in sharing the wealth.

MY QUESTION TO YOU IS: have you heard of anything in the hospitality industry in DR/Haiti that operates along these lines? That has a socially responsible way of going about business? Obviously, many places hire locals. But job advancement/opportunities to learn/opportunities to become part-owner/partnering with local charities or orphanages to provide life skills and job training to those interested etc...

When we visit in April 2015 I would love to visit any existing properties that value this and meet the owners. We're also going to put the idea out there to some close contacts we have that do humanitarian work in the DR/Haiti, as well as our friends local to the island to hear if we are on the right track. Is this something that is needed, wanted etc.

I have a background in non-profit, social enterprises and hospitality. This was one idea on how I can combine these passions and the privilege that I have of living in Canada and being able to afford to open a restaurant.

Thanks for reading & contributing!

Cheers,
Miranda

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