Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeron Dotson.
Hi Jeron, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The backstory of The Poke Bowl in Flint, Michigan, centers on two Flint native brothers, Justin Bush who credits their mother, chef icons like “Emeril Lagasse, “anime cartoons”, and local institutions such as the “Regional Skill Center” for aiding, and inspiring his culinary experience. Jeron Dotson, now an entrepreneur and advocate of community and small business, says his entrepreneurial spirit began as early as age seven, after hearing of stories about his dad co-managing/owning a club in Flint,
Michigan around the 1980’s.
We were inspired to bring healthy, fresh, Hawaiian-style cuisine to our hometown (Flint, MI) after a trip to California.
In 2017, we were in Venice Beach, California, shooting a music video for our record label, “Black Gold Media”. On our last day there, we visited a small “hole-in-the-wall” poke restaurant called “The Poke Shack” and were instantly impressed by the fresh, healthy, and flavorful food that was affordable and quick. We realized this was a concept that was missing in the Flint area and decided to bring it back home. After of course getting “hustled” out of our initial investment into the music video.
Upon returning to Flint, we began working to make our vision a reality. The mission was to build a restaurant in Flint with “vibes” similar to that of Detroit and Ann Arbor. We were to create a space that increases the exposure of Hawaiian and Asian culture via anime and cuisine.
Our journey involved significant community and institutional support. We pitched our business idea at a local competition called Flint SOUP, designed to support local entrepreneurs, and won. Three months later we’re also invited to participate in “The Freedom Center of Fenton Michigan’s “Shark Tank small businesses competition.” There we won our second competition in which we were rewarded $1,000 to further support our business venture. That same week (September 2017) we were invited to join a business boot camp hosted by “Michigan Good Food Fund” which put the process of owning a food business into perspective.
Habitat for Humanity Partnership: After winning our first pitch competition via “FlintSOUP” in 2017, our concept caught the attention of Genesee County Habitat for Humanity, which was working on a “work-live” development project on University Avenue. Through brand development and sound community partnerships, we were able to secure one of the spaces, which features a business on the first floor and living space above.
Overcoming Obstacles: The project faced delays, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us to operate with a delivery-only motif, which ultimately diverted us to stocking local grocery stores with “to-go” options for some time, however we used this time to hone ourselves and our product as we pushed back our physical opening for several years.
Grand Opening!
Thus, after years of planning and persistence, The Poke Bowl finally celebrated its grand opening on August 23,2023. Also, being awarded “best small business” in 2021 by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and Michigan Small Business Development Center (respectively).
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 most certainly have had our share of challenges, however we are firm believers of persistence and consistence. From covid 19 to the raising cost of rent, labor, utilities and overall inflation, we’ve faced it all. It definitely was not a simple “point A to B” situation, but that is what sets us apart. We learned the most when we were down and gained invaluable experience as we looked to build up a reputable restaurant.
The mantra “pressure makes diamonds” is our journey of small business experience. It has been rewarding, and enlightening to gain the ability to adapt to an ever changing economic environment, all the while building a respectable brand and immense community support.
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?
I was born and raised in Flint and I’m deeply committed to the city’s economic development and community engagement. Our business is an effort to invest in our hometown and provide healthy food options as an alternative to typical fast food. Education.
I graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in international business while minority in Mandarin Chinese. I also studied in China/Taiwan for a semester, attending National Taiwan University of Education. Originally and still retaining the dream of having an occupation that would allow me enjoy travel to multiple Asian countries, while simultaneously representing the United States in some role.
Advocacy & Public Service: Beyond my work as a restaurateur, I’ve held positions with the Michigan Department of State as an Administrative Assistant and a Collegiate Voter Advisory Task Force Board Member with the Secretary of State. I’ve also served as an office assistant for the Michigan House of Representatives. Other ventures include advocating in Washington D.C. for small business interests, particularly regarding access to credit and payment systems.
I am also a community engagement board member for the Ruth Mott Foundation, Reserve deputy at the Genese County Sheriff’s Office, and a member of the DoorDash’s Restaurant Advisory Council. I remain an overall advocate about the importance of networking, creating, and providing opportunities within the community. Especially those communities known for their overall divestment, and food deserts.
What matters most to you?
Family, community, and spirit. At the end of the day that’s all we have!
Once you’ve built something that takes multiple people to sustain, it becomes clear that we should learn, build, teach. Repeat.
Contact Info:
- Website: Thepokebowlflint.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geronimo_of_flint?igsh=MThqN29vdDliNnBxaw==
