Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Jones.
Hi Andre, 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?
I’ve always known I wanted to own my own business—working for other people was never a great fit for me, even from a young age. Open Door Valet started to take shape about 11 years ago while I was working for another valet company. I saw it as an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the business, knowing that one day I’d start my own valet service.
One night, while I was valet parking at a restaurant, a guest came in and was impressed with the service I provided. He told me he was opening a restaurant soon and asked if I’d be interested in handling valet for his place. Normally, I’d have passed this along to my employer at the time, but this guest was insistent—it was clear he wanted me to run it.
That night, I went home and got to work on what would become Open Door Valet. The first step was finding someone to help me, and there was only one person who came to mind: Carlos. He was the best valet I’d ever worked with, and I knew I wanted him on board. Together, we jumped in headfirst without fully knowing what we were getting into. Those first few months were tough, but the journey was absolutely worth it.
Our first client was Juniper, and I’m proud to say they’re still with us to this day. What started with one restaurant has grown into a company that now serves over 15 high-end restaurants across the city. Open Door Valet is built on a foundation of exceptional service, hard work, and strong relationships, and I’m excited about where we’re headed next.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—building and growing a business comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles we’ve faced is employee retention. Valet work is typically seen as a short-term job, often for college students or young professionals, so most employees stay with us for 2-3 years at most. This constant turnover can be tough because employees are truly the backbone of our company, and maintaining a solid team is critical.
Despite these challenges, one thing has always remained consistent at Open Door Valet: our commitment to exceptional service. No matter the changes or obstacles, providing top-tier service has been the foundation of our success and something we take immense pride in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Open Door Valet, we specialize in creating the best possible experience for guests before they even step foot inside the restaurant. For many people, dining at these high-end establishments is a special occasion—whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday, or something they’ve saved up for over months. We take pride in setting the tone for their evening, ensuring that their experience starts with exceptional service from the moment they arrive.
What sets us apart from other valet companies? Well, to truly understand, you’ll have to visit one of the restaurants we serve and see for yourself. Trust me, the difference is noticeable from the moment you pull up.
What’s next?
We’re steadily growing and expanding into new markets, including plans to move into other cities. One of our major goals is to enter the garage and hotel valet spaces, which will open up new opportunities for growth and innovation. These are exciting changes, and we’re looking forward to taking Open Door Valet to the next level while continuing to provide the exceptional service we’re known for
Contact Info:
- Website: https://parkwithopendoor.com/
- Instagram: @opendoorparking
Screenshot
Image Credits
Brent from round rock studio @roundrock.studio
