Why I Closed the Doors of My Business

Starting a business is an exhilarating journey. You dream big, invest your time and energy, and envision success. But what happens when that dream begins to take a different turn? Today, I’m sharing a story I never thought I’d tell—the closure of one of my restaurants. My hope is that this insight helps others recognize the signs, make informed decisions, and understand that sometimes, letting go is the best path forward.

The Beginnings of Brunch Brookfield

I opened my first restaurant in 2016, driven by a love for systems, processes, and the ability to create something scalable. Brunch Brookfield came to life in 2018 with excitement, optimism, and a carefully built company culture that had been so successful in our first location. It was more than just great food and operations—it was about an experience, a vibe, and a community.

I even relocated to the neighborhood near the restaurant, unknowingly tying my personal life to the business in ways I never expected. At first, everything seemed perfect. The location, the atmosphere, the initial success—it all pointed to a thriving business. But in the background, challenges were beginning to form.

The Warning Signs

Fast forward to 2022, and I started seeing the cracks. The business numbers, while solid in the beginning, were shifting. Leadership changed. The team culture that was once so strong began to weaken. I wasn’t feeling the same passion or energy when I walked into the store.

When a business owner stops feeling inspired by their own creation, it’s a major red flag.

The Role of Leadership in Business Success

I’ve always believed that leadership is the key to any successful business. A strong leader pours into their people, sets the tone, and creates an environment where employees thrive. But with Brookfield, leadership inconsistencies led to a culture shift. Managers came and went, and it became clear that something was missing.

As I expanded my business portfolio—franchising, real estate, and other ventures—I became less involved in the day-to-day operations. And while delegation is essential in scaling a business, an absence of strong leadership left a void that wasn’t easy to fill.

The Breaking Point

By 2023, I faced a crossroads: either step back in and give the store my full attention or move on. The reality was, I no longer had the bandwidth. My other businesses required my time and focus, and Brunch Brookfield was no longer aligned with my long-term goals.

I spent six months coming to terms with the decision. I explored hiring an operating partner, appointing a general manager—but deep down, I knew it was time to let go.

The Mental and Physical Toll

Running a business isn’t just about financial success—it impacts your well-being, too. The stress, anxiety, and constant feeling of being on edge started taking a toll on my health.

I found myself waking up with dread. My energy was drained. My white blood cell count was dangerously low. My body was telling me what my mind already knew—I couldn’t do this anymore.

Life is too short to run a business that makes you sick.

The Process of Letting Go

Once I made the decision to sell, the next challenge was actually selling the restaurant. The process took over a year. I met with multiple brokers, faced roadblocks, and experienced moments of frustration. But eventually, the right buyers came along—people who had their own vision for the space, ready to build something new.

And when the sale finally went through, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

Lessons Learned

Here’s what I want every business owner to take away from this experience:

1. Track Your Numbers Weekly – Your business success (or decline) often shows up in the numbers before you feel it emotionally. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

2. Recognize the Signs of Burnout – If your business is causing constant stress, anxiety, and physical symptoms, it’s time to evaluate your next steps.

3. Leadership is Everything – A business cannot thrive without strong leadership. Ensure you have the right people in place before stepping away.

4. It’s Okay to Let Go – Closing a business or selling it doesn’t mean failure. It means you’re choosing to align your life with what truly serves you.

Moving Forward

Brunch Brookfield gave me so much—it kept my brand alive through tough times, provided countless cherished memories, and taught me invaluable lessons. I’m grateful for every moment, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

If you’re in a similar situation, know this: businesses, relationships, and seasons in life all come to an end. What matters is what you take away from them and how you move forward.

And most importantly—never stay in a situation that no longer serves you. Make the bold decision to step into what’s next.