Secrets of my success: Andre Blais, the founder of Bodean's BBQ

Andre Blais is the founder of the Bodean's BBQ restaurant chain

Andre Blais22 November 2018

Restaurant entrepreneur Andre Blais talks about opening the Bodean's chain and critics....

What is Bodean’s BBQ?

It is a chain of London restaurants specialising in American-inspired meat dishes. I founded it in 2002.

I am a shareholder alongside the initial angel investors.

What do you do?

My week normally includes meeting property agents about new sites and rent cuts, looking at fresh menu ideas with chefs, talking to suppliers about any ways to reduce costs and catching up with branch managers to discuss how we can improve takings.

What do you enjoy about it?

Getting the first taste of new meals in the kitchen is always a treat. I also love that I have such a hard-working team.

And what don’t you enjoy?

I am always gutted if we get harsh reviews from critics or guests. We discuss the feedback openly and try to improve.

What was your biggest break?

My early childhood was spent in Canada and then the family moved across the border to Detroit.

I trained as a banker but I wanted a change and headed to the UK in 1991 when my brother Denis and his business partner gave me various jobs at the restaurants chain they founded, Belgo.

I did everything from being a bar manager, to helping find new beers to import.

Belgo was sold to entrepreneur and Patisserie Valerie chairman Luke Johnson and it went on to become a listed company in 1999.

I sought other opportunities and wanted to set up independently. My break came in 2002 when I got two private backers to lend me £500,000 to start Bodean’s. I researched BBQ food in the US and convinced the investors that Londoners would love brisket burnt ends and pulled pork.

And biggest setback?

I have had to close underperforming Bodean’s, including one in Muswell Hill, recently.

I have lost money through some expansions by not getting the demographics right. Losing a site is always sad.

How’s your work-life balance?

I have a full-on week but I try to walk my new Cavapoo, called Acer, between a number of property site visits rather than taking the tube which keeps me fit.

I live in West Norwood with my partner, and spend weekends where I can with my three teenage kids from my first marriage. I love playing ice hockey in my spare time.