It was 2008 and the United States economy was crashing—but that didn’t stop Jeff Tonidandel (MGT ’02) and his wife, Jamie, from following their passion for restaurant development and hospitality.
After spending years working intense, demanding jobs, the Tonidandels packed their bags for Europe and traveled nine months to do some deep soul searching, discovering what they really wanted to do with their lives.
“We loved our lifestyle, but it wasn’t sustainable,” Tonidandel said. “We jumped in and haven’t looked back.”
It was 2008 and the United States economy was crashing, but that Restaurants are typically vulnerable to closings in strained economic times, but in 2008 the real estate market in Charlotte offered an opportunity to purchase property at affordable rates. Soon the Tonidandels, who have three daughters, opened the doors to their first restaurant, Crêpe Cellar, in the eclectic North Davidson neighborhood of Charlotte, N.C.
“I really put my degree to work,” Tonidandel said. “I had my eyes set on doing something different and that’s the kind of innovative thinking Weatherhead instills in you.”
Today, the Tonidandel-Brown restaurant group employs over 230 people and continues to carve out storied spaces in historic communities in and around Charlotte, while offering employees a chance to hone their crafts and build their careers.
Tonidandel gives credit to Weatherhead for helping him navigate business operations and a distinguished brand.
“I got my undergraduate degree in liberal arts from Davidson College, but learning about and reading Nietzsche didn’t provide me with the skills I needed for the real world,” he said.
His education in entrepreneurship and finance fully prepared him for business negotiations with banking institutions in Charlotte, a significant financial center in the U.S.
“Having that kind of exposure to advanced leadership and management training, meant that I brought more value to the table,” he said. “I felt confident.”
It also helped his business and family weather the turbulent times of Covid-19.
“We learned new lessons every single day,” he said. “My advice to Weatherhead students is to learn from the downturns and stay true to their dreams.”