We had the good fortune of connecting with ARLTON CANGELOSI and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ARLTON, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I worked for the USPS for 30 years. Upon approaching retirement, I decided I wanted to open a food truck serving something from my hometown of New Orleans. Being that I had commercial experience making beignets, this was an easy choice on what I wanted to serve.

 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background was in the restaurant industry, starting at the age of 16. I had a good mentor and learned quickly how to be great at what I did. One of my questions to my employees when I was in management was to ask, “Is that the best you can do” after seeing them perform better in the past. Yes, it was rhetorical. Usually, it was the motivation that they needed.
I still use this approach to myself when serving beignets. If they don’t look perfect, I ask myself “Is that the best you can do?” then I will make replacements to serve. Always do your best work.

 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Downtown Apex is known as the destination to bring your guests when they are in town. Shops restaurants dining options all in a quaint little area. Our customers have told us many times, Mr. A’s Beignets is the first stop that we take our out-of-town guests.
I’m proud to compare our small business with Cafe Du’ Monde of New Orleans. When visiting New Orleans Cafe Du’ Monde is usually the first stop.

 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several people that deserve mention to our success. First is my wife. She keeps me doing my best work. Sometimes with being a sounding board to my many ideas. Often filling the roles that go unsung or helping last minute as cashier. The handful of employees are just like family. They are the brand that is Mr. A’s Beignets. Without their attention to detail and willingness to help with whatever the day calls for, we wouldn’t be successful.

 

 

Website: www.SquareDoughnuts.com

Instagram: SquareDoughnuts

Facebook: Mr. A’s Beignets – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550785199916

Image Credits
My photos

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