lunch break llc logo in white block letters on a black and green background

Lunch Break LLC is the new restaurant on the block in Hopewell and owner Dixie O’Hare describes it as “a new concept for corporate lunches, social events, staff appreciation and many other settings where uniform boxed lunches are needed to feed small and large groups.” 

O’Hare is no stranger to food service as she grew up in the business around her mother (who also owned food service businesses) and she was the previous owner of Homemade to Go, a carry-out business that eventually grew to being a dine-in restaurant. She was considering opening a food service business before COVID hit but said the timing wasn’t right.

Lunch Break LLC opened its doors in July and so far there’s been a great response from customers (the only negative being that they aren’t a dine-in restaurant). O’Hare and her daughter, Kieran, (who is also the general manager) work on the menu together, which changes weekly except for a few consistent staples.

Read on for more about the menu, O’Hare’s goals for the business and more.

1. What has been your best seller so far? What would you recommend and why?

Banana pudding and chicken salad are probably our biggest sellers. The personal charcuterie and personal salad bar boxed lunches are an original idea of ours that has been very popular. We are so happy that our customer base has picked up on the concept.

I’d like to get people hooked on our house-made Bleu Cheese & Ranch salad dressings. I am known for my soups, and my daughter/general manager, Kieran, is known for her chocolate chip cookies and baked goods.

2. What goals do you have for the business?

I’d like to keep our business plan simple to allow us to offer the highest quality product to our customers.

3. Why did you choose Hopewell for the location? What has been the response from other business owners? 

We looked at other buildings in several other local cities/counties, but selected our current location because we liked the building and it came with most of the equipment we needed to get started. Location is not as important for us as it would be for a dine-in restaurant.

Everyone has been so supportive. We are grateful.

4. What was the greatest challenge you faced while starting Lunch Break LLC?  Do you have any advice for those looking to start a business?

I worked full time up until two weeks before we opened, so we scrambled a good bit to get opened on time, but everything came together thanks to all four of my daughters who truly pulled it together and made it happen. I couldn’t do this without them.

It’s expensive, it takes a lot of work, but it is gratifying.

5. Who was your first sale/customer? Has there been a customer/sale that has had an impact on you?

My partner’s sister and brother-in-law, Cecile & George Pierson. 

Advansix was a goal of mine, and they contacted us the very first week with repeat business since then. Also, the local school systems have been wonderful customers.

6. What is the most rewarding part of owning Lunch Break LLC?

Anyone in the food service business has to have a passion for food and cooking or there’s no way they can be happy doing this work. Having people enjoy our food is the most rewarding part.

7. Is there anything else you want us to know about Lunch Break LLC?

Check us out at our website: LunchBreakLLC.square.site

Email us at: [email protected]

Call us at: 804-452-6737

On Facebook: Lunch Break LLC

On Instagram: lunchbreakva

Lunch Break LLC is located at 106 S 15th Ave, Hopewell, Virginia 23860 and open Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm.