Andrea Borgen, 28

Barcito, a downtown gastropub inspired by the corner bars of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a focus on craft cocktails, shared plates, and hospitality.

Employees: 11

Financials: $750,000 in revenue.

What led you to start your own business?

I’d been working in restaurant management for several years. Hillstone Restaurant Group really taught me how to run a systematized and efficient restaurant, whereas Union Square Hospitality Group really focused on employee culture and ensuring that same hospitality manifested itself in the guest experience. I paired these skills with a desire to bring an approachable neighborhood restaurant with an emphasis on Argentine hospitality to Los Angeles.

Where did you get the startup money?

Most of the capital was funded by a (Small Business Administration) loan, but I also raised a small amount of private investment from friends and family.

What’s been the biggest challenge?

We’re in a growing neighborhood, which has changed multiple times since we opened our doors in September 2015.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

This is something I quickly learned working for USHG, but has become even further ingrained since opening my own concept: Put people first. Investing in employees is the single most effective way to ensure you see a return on your dollar. We eliminated tipping this time last year to provide stability to our wait staff, higher wages for our kitchen, health insurance for everyone, and more opportunities for continued development and growth.

Has your youth led to any awkward situations, such as when you supervise older employees?

I was the G.M. of a Danny Meyer restaurant at the age of 23, so I had to get over that, quick. Yes, definitely encountered some more challenging employees, but I strongly believe that the best leaders earn (not demand) the respect of those around them, regardless of the age difference.

Would you start another company?

In a heartbeat.

Could you ever work for someone else?

Absolutely. I’m certainly at a point where I have to feel incredibly vested in the vision, and feel like my values align with that of the founders of the company, and would settle for nothing less.

What do you do to unwind?

Drink. (Kidding. Kind of.) I try to stay as active as possible, so try to get out and go hiking, biking, surfing, scuba diving, rock climbing.

– Caroline Anderson