Amber Thomas started as an intern at Chick-Fil-A about five years ago, has recently become the franchise owner of a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Spring Valley, California, a suburb of San Diego.
“I never thought coming into this parking lot saying like, ‘Hey, one day I’m going to own and operate a Chick-fil-A in this location.’ So, it goes back to making it feel surreal. I’m still trying to register the fact that I’m here, that I’m serving this community,” Thomas told 10News.
Thomas wasn’t planning to start a business and run her own restaurant. However, she is happy her family supported her along her journey.
“She wanted to be a physical therapist and she was adamant about that. She was like, ‘No, mom. I’m not going to be a Chick-fil-A owner,’ and then it just got in her blood. Her sister inspired her to be an owner and it went from there,” Thomas’ mother Monica Hopkins said.
Thomas wants to inspire others that they can achieve their dreams as well.
“I’ve had so many come in and provide support and saying like, ‘Hey, it is great to see someone who looks like me running a restaurant and owning a restaurant in our community,” Thomas said.
Since opening her location Thomas has been very hands-on in operating her own franchise. The owner greets the customers coming in and she also offers words of encouragement to her employees according to Black Business.
“I would just tell her that keep doing what you’re doing, work hard, and you’ll be so proud of yourself later on down the line,” she said.
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Link to original The Black Detour