Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Wendt.
Hi Candace, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We are Chip and Candi Wendt. Yes, our names really are Chip and Candi and we are in the food business. Corny, but true! We were high school sweethearts and have been happily married for 32 years, but who’s counting?
We started FoodHeads in a small hole-in-the-wall catering kitchen off of west 5th. It is actually still there! Everything around it has changed, but the little kitchen remains standing. We made grab and go sandwiches for local grocery stores and coffee shops, catered for friends and had a burning desire to open up a cafe. Doesn’t everyone? In 1999 we ran across an old house in Gypsy Grove, part of the Heritage neighborhood, that had been home to other businesses but not a restaurant. Yes, hmm… that made things a bit more interesting and a lot more work. These were busy times! We were pregnant with our first and only child, our beautiful Lily, so lack of sleep was definitely a thing and the cafe renovations went slower than anticipated. We learned a lot those first years about being in the restaurant business, most of it the hard way. With the help from a loyal crew, family, friends, faithful customers and God’s bountiful grace, we made it through those very lean times. We are now a lively little neighborhood cafe with a bustling catering business. We were recently honored as one of the top 100 restaurants defining how Austin eats. Who would have thought?
Family, old friends, our customers and good and thoughtfully prepared food are our passions. We feel that community and sharing conversation around the table is what makes life interesting and satisfying!
We look forward to seeing you soon. We will save you a seat!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I truly don’t think that being a small business owner ever comes without struggles! We are a mom and pop shop, so we are hands on. If someone sick, we fill their shift. If something breaks down, we try and fix it first. If a delivery doesn’t arrive, we and go out and find what we need. Basically, that is the daily life of a small business owner.
The last couple of years of been difficult, but in that difficulty we also have had many blessings and have seen our community rally and support us in ways that can only be described as true selfless kind acts. Stuff happens, but we are blessed greatly by those in our lives.
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 think what sets FoodHeads apart from others is our community. We would love to say it is us, but our customers and the people that work with us makes FoodHeads what it is. A great local neighborhood cafe, all the glory goes to God. He has blessed us with an awesome staff, loyal and kind customers and the ability to serve good food in an area we love.
Contact Info:
- Email: eat@foodheads.com
- Website: www.foodheads.com
- Instagram: foodheads
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodHeads
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/foodheads-austin-2?osq=foodheads
