Hailey Hernandez knows what it takes to survive and thrive in Tacoma’s restaurant scene. Born and raised in Washington, she worked for years in the restaurant industry before burning out on low wages, toxic environments, and exploitation. In 2022, with only $300 and a $2,400 payday loan, she and her husband Dante launched Sidepiece Kitchen out of a shared commissary space in South Tacoma. What started as a small hustle to pay the bills quickly became one of Tacoma’s most beloved local businesses.

In this candid interview, Hailey shares the highs and lows of opening a restaurant in Tacoma without a business plan, big investors, or corporate backing. She talks about leveraging Instagram to connect directly with Tacoma locals, running successful grassroots fundraisers, and building out their South Tacoma brick-and-mortar location with their own hands. More than just biscuits, Sidepiece Kitchen lives their values: fair pay, health benefits, and community over profit. If you follow them online you know they’re not shy about standing up for what they believe in.

Whether you’re dreaming about how to open a restaurant in Tacoma, Washington, or you just love a good underdog story, Hailey’s journey is a must-listen.

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