Today we’d like to introduce you to John & Deanna Hubler & Richardson.
Hi John & Deanna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We both grew up in Virginia Beach and were raised by single mothers who taught us the value of hard work, determination, and never giving up. Those lessons have stayed with us throughout our lives and played a big role in getting us where we are today.
I’ve spent the past 33 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, starting as a dishwasher at Ruby Tuesday’s and working my way up to Director of Dining Services at Harbors Edge. Later, I joined Sysco as a food service sales representative, and that’s where our story with Hometown Diner really began. The previous owner was one of my clients and approached me about buying the business.
When I came home and shared the opportunity with my wife, we gave it a lot of thought. She’s always been my biggest supporter. At that time, she was working as a Realtor after spending 18 years at home raising our children. Today, all three are in college, and two of them work at Hometown Diner while attending school locally.
In the end, we decided to leap together. We didn’t just want to own a restaurant; we wanted to create a place where people could gather, feel at home, and become part of a community. Seeing familiar faces walk through our doors, watching friendships grow over breakfast or lunch, and having our own family involved makes it all worthwhile. We’re proud of what we’ve built so far, and we believe we’re just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Daily challenges. Older building, Lack of start up capital. Staffing. Price increases
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
John Hubbler and Deanna grew up in Virginia Beach. John started in the industry at age 16 as a dishwasher for Ruby Tuesday. By 18 was running that kitchen. I then worked with Fuddruckers and worked up to an Assistant GM. Then started as a kitchen manager for a local start-up. By the time we grew that concept to five locations, I was promoted to a General Manager, and then Director of Back of House Development before that concept went out of business due to the recession. I later spent time with Joe’s Crab Shack and McCormick and Schmick as a General Manager. Lastly worked as the Director of Dining at Harbors Edge, a premier retirement community with over 600 residents and 10 dining venues, before going into sales with Sysco of Hampton Roads.
What does success mean to you?
We define success by executing a great product, with a guest- and staff-first environment while creating a profit for the business. Creating happiness through conviviality for our guests while developing the younger generation to have a strong work ethic and great integrity and character.
Pricing:
- $15 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hometowndinerportsmouth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hometown_diner_portsmouth-va?igsh=MWdoZXc4bXJpNTJnNA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GvHVgmB8C/?mibextid=wwXlfr
- Other: https://share.google/EMILFDoe38JtybxWM
