Today we’d like to introduce you to Varak Sossikian.
Hi Varak, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began to learn the restaurant business as a regular full-time employee and worked in my parents’ operation firsthand. This was very helpful for me to develop the soft skills necessary for being successful in a food operation. I utilized evenings for taking night classes at my local community college. Eventually, I had saved enough to go to school full-time and earn my degree at CSU Northridge. Meeting and getting to know our regulars set the stage for Father Nature Lavash Bistro; a local community quick-serve restaurant in Pasadena. We specialize in freshly prepared Mediterranean wraps, plates and salads. We are present in our community not just for our amazingly fresh and flavorful foods but how we delight our guests to feel welcome during their experience. In many ways, our guest relations are what kept us around during the most difficult times. We are thankful to our team members and community for their continued support.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggles we faced were not uncommon for any small business; especially restaurants and food facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Every day remained full of uncertainty leaving little room for forecasting. One thing is for certain, our community of team members, guests and essential workers kept our doors open. If not for our local community, we would not be in the position we are in today. We are grateful to all those supporters who let their true colors shine during those tough times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Father Nature Lavash Bistro is a neighborhood quick-serve restaurant in Old Pasadena serving only the finest and freshest quality products. We are passionate about the foods we serve as well as our guest experience. Catering is a large part of our business and we strive to do our best to custom-tailor and accommodate all events. Every guest is treated as an asset to our business because that is what they are. We feel it is our obligation to give our loyal guests exactly what they want because they really deserve it. We truly strive to delight our guests and offer our unique service; we know we owe it to them for making us their first choice. Therefore every wrap, salad or plate is customizable and people receive exactly what they order, this is just as important with online ordering as it is in person.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One of my favorite books is “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahnman.
Also a great book, “The Hospitality Edge” by Michael Fiato is an essential read for restaurant and hotel operators.
Contact Info:
- Website: Fathernaturelavashwraps.weebly.com
- Instagram: @fathernaturebistro
- Other: Father-Nature-Lavash-Bistro.square.site
Image Credits
Fries trifecta (Famous Father Fries, Sweet Potato and Za’atar Fries), Double Hummus Wrap, Grilled Chicken Wrap, IG post of Chicken Caesar Wrap, Lamb Kafta Kebab, Double Pleasure Wrap, Angus Beef Shawarma Plate, Father Nature featured in DineLA
