Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Postlewaite.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been in restaurants and retail basically my whole life. Originally from Kentucky, I started working in family businesses including video rental, specialty gifts, country deli & grocery store, and BBQ restaurant. After four years in the navy, I returned home and purchased my parents rural grocery store. I later went to work for a convenience store chain, ultimately running the chain, before moving to Richmond, Virginia. In Richmond, I met my husband, Zed. We worked together in multiple restaurants before moving to Texas where I worked for another convenience store chain running their branded and proprietary food and beverages as well as developing a bakery and distribution center. Just as the pandemic started, I was offered the opportunity to get back to the east coast running the food and beverage programs for Holmes Oil in Chapel Hill, which sold to Refuel six months after my move. Zed and I had already fallen in love with Pittsboro and didn’t want to make another move. I took the opportunity to join Campbell Oil Company based in Bladen County heading up the restaurant and retail divisions. After three years with Campbell, a new opportunity presented itself and I jumped on it. Zed and I bought Finders and Seekers at the end of 2023, and shortly thereafter had the opportunity to purchase West End Kitchen in September of 2024.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We are a very small restaurant with only 34 seats inside. That limits us to the number folks we can serve. Right now our size limits our growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We offer Brunch five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Our brunch menu includes lots of great breakfast and lunch options.
Dinner is served four evenings a week Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm to 9pm.
There’s something for everyone on our menus. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, kid’s menu, and gluten free (not celiac) items.
Catfish & Grits and Shrimp & Grits are two very popular items that are available on both menus.
Brunch offers two casseroles that are extremely popular. Waffle French Toast Casserole and Breakfast Casserole
Our smash burgers are one of our top items. We offer them with fries at a $5 discount on Wednesdays.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Restaurants are one of the hardest businesses to operate and be successful. Food costs continue to rise. We pay a fair wage for our crew which adds to our overall operating costs. I don’t see economic conditions changing much to the positive any time soon. We are in this business because it’s our passion. We know we aren’t going to get rich.
Pricing:
- Brunch $10 to $20
- Dinner $10 to $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westendpittsboro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west_end_pittsboro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westendpittsboro
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/west-end-kitchen-pittsboro
