Highwayman Restaurant Founder Michael Hopper shares how Futurpreneur supported his business growth
What’s the secret to running one of Halifax’s most beloved restaurants, receiving national recognition in Air Canada’s EnRoute Magazine, and making it through a global pandemic and stormy economy? Young entrepreneur Michael Hopper will tell you—it’s not giving up.
Thanks to pop culture and popular series like “The Bear” there are many misconceptions about running a restaurant and what goes on behind the scenes in the kitchen. Many have aspired to one day open their own restaurant or bar, and some have been successful, while many others have tried, failed, and don’t want to talk about it.
“You’re managing a team and you know—you have a lot of employees with their own aspirations of opening their own bar. It’s not for everyone.”
For Michael, co-owner of Highwayman Restaurant & Bar in Halifax, Nova Scotia, giving up was never an option. Even when a global pandemic hit in 2020 and forced every restaurant in the HRM to shut their doors, they were quick to come up with a solution.
“When we had to close the dining room and bar, we quickly pivoted to offer takeout. My business partner, Adam and I, not only ran the business but we managed the takeout, we cooked the food, we delivered the food. We learned how to bake bread and like everyone else in 2020—dove into sourdough. We made money and we were able to continue to pay our rent the entire time. It’s a true testament to not sitting around and waiting for someone to solve the problem for you. That’s entrepreneurship.”
But Michael added, you can’t do it alone. “We wouldn’t be here without Futurpreneur. It’s hard to open a business when you don’t have a ton of money. Futurpreneur doesn’t just help you out financially—they put you through the paces, and they push you to really learn about your business. We all daydream and create businesses in our head, but Futurpreneur actually makes you look into if it will work. And that makes a huge difference in the outcome of your business.”
Futurpreneur is a national, non-profit organization that provides loans with mentorship and resources to diverse entrepreneurs, ages 18-39, who are looking to start, buy or grow their businesses in Canada. The organization helps diverse young founders reach their startup goals and provide bilingual (English and French) supports and resources to empower business owners on their entrepreneurial journeys.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “If you want to start a business, do the work. Ask questions to people whose opinions you respect. Don’t pretend to know everything. Surround yourself with like-minded, motivated people. There will be plenty of tough moments in between the good moments. Keep your nose down as long as you can and don’t quit.”
Learn how Futurpreneur can help you start, buy, or grow a business, anywhere in Canada. Join Michael and find out about Futurpreneur’s loan (up to $75,000), mentorship, and resources. Get started at:
