AUGUST 21, 2026
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Local business owners serve their community
E
ast County is home
part of these communities. With
to a number of small
that familiarity comes dedication
businesses owned and
and passion for serving their
operated by those who live in the area. Unlike big-box stores and chain restaurants, these local entrepreneurs know their communities because they are
neighbors. Poke Hana is new to Brentwood, having just celebrated its first anniversary on Aug. 14. According to owner Luis Wu Wu, his inspiration for establishing his restaurant came from the
idea that it would broaden the variety of culinary options in the area. Their specialty, poke bowls, are a traditional Hawaiian dish made of cubed raw fish and other toppings served on a bed or rice or greens. What is his restaurant best known for? Wuwu answers with a single word. “Freshness, “ he says. While Wu Wu says that the
biggest challenge he’s faced was the preparation for opening and the anticipation that went with it, the experience has been rewarding and see Local page 13
ON THE COVER: Luis Wu Wu- Poke Hana (left) and Chris Romero- The Holy Smoker (right). See ads on page 13
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AUGUST 21, 2026
5 tips to consider before starting a start-up
B
uilding a small business from scratch can be an exciting endeavor that poses some
significant challenges. With the right resources and support, entrepreneurs can turn their dreams into successful businesses. According to Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada, there were 1.2 million small businesses in Canada in 2019. Add that to the roughly 33 million small businesses in the United States, and it’s clear to see how small businesses dominate the economic landscape. The Small Business Administration identifies small businesses as those having fewer than 500 employees. The process of starting a small business varies depending on the industry, location and other factors, but here’s a generalized look at the steps to be expected early on. 1. Figure out your idea and research it Coming up with a successful idea is one of the first steps to take when starting a business. It’s possible to take an existing type of business and customize it for a given community, or to create something new and innovative.
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Starting a business can be a worthwhile undertaking, especially when entrepreneurs consider a variety of factors before getting started. After the idea is put on paper, research the potential competition and decide if the business will have a competitive advantage to survive. Market research is crucial. 2. Write a business plan A business plan helps formalize the ideas of the business and lists the necessary steps to take. By thinking through the
process methodically, a potential business owner can figure out where problems may turn up and where to devote the most attention to help make the business profitable. It also helps if one thinks through how he or she will secure the capital for starting the company. 3. Choose the right time Prospective business owners need to
assess whether the time is right for starting a business. While there may never be a perfect time, it’s best to engage when there are fewer obstacles in the way. You want to devote full attention to the business. If that’s not possible, then it’s likely best to delay. Times when starting a business may not be ideal include when battling an illness, during a family move or right after the death of a loved one. Economic factors beyond your control, such as a downturn or recession, also may affect the potential success of a business venture. 4. Pick a business structure Involving a business attorney in this process would be in a person’s best interests. A business can be legally structured in certain ways, and how it is structured will affect registration requirements as well has how much a business owner pays in taxes. The structure also can affect personal liability. Speaking with a lawyer will highlight the pros and cons of structuring and help a person make the best decision possible. 5. Speak to other business owners A potential entrepreneur can pick the brains of small business owners to figure out what worked and what didn’t when they were first starting out. This can help entrepreneurs avoid certain pitfalls and uncover proven paths to success. – Metro Creative
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Local from page 11 has allowed him to meet “amazing people from this community.” Poke Hana is at 2440 Sand Creek Road in Brentwood. For more information, including their menu, visit https://bit.ly/4xQxLHg Unlike the raw meat offered at Poke Hana, the Holy Smoker is a business that’s all about barbecuing and cooking meat in a variety of ways. Although owner Chris Romero first established The Holy Smoker about 10 years ago, he has been in the culinary industry for 38 years, even working with famed Cajun chef Paul Prudhomme of K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen. Two and a half years ago, Romero retired from his day job working with sheet metal and took his culinary ambitions “to the next level,” making his mobile barbeque and catering business his full-time job. Like Wu Wu, Romero prides himself on the quality of his ingredients. “We buy only top-quality meats – we don’t scrimp,” he explains. “Everything is cooked with patience. No shortcuts.” Romero reiterates the importance of customer service, working with a team that’s “real” from the moment a customer picks up the phone and prioritizing friendliness and efficiency. “We want you to feel our love,” he says. While the rising costs of food are a challenge for restaurateurs, the ability to give back and serve the community remains rewarding, Romero says.
Mobile Smoker BBQ and Catering Services FULL CUSTOM MENUS AVAILABLE ONLINE!
“So many rewarding moments, but I would have to say the most rewarding is the charity work we are able to do,” he theholysmokerbbq.com explains. “Churches, schools, and numerous fundraising events with and for nonprofit groups.” For more information about The Holy Smoker, including its menu, visit https:// www.theholysmokerbbq.com/.
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