Building a Business with Purpose: How Pivot Cajun Kitchen Grew with Support from the SHSU SBDC

For Shondra Johnson, opening a restaurant was about more than serving great food — it was about doing it the right way. Rooted in her mother’s recipes and a passion for cooking since childhood, Johnson’s vision was to build a business that could grow steadily and sustainably, without shortcuts or unnecessary risk. 

After graduating from Culinary Institute LeNotre, Johnson was ready to take the next step — but she knew launching a business required more than culinary skill. In fall 2024, she connected with Eric Garcia at the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to gain guidance on how to start strong and stay financially grounded. 

“I wanted to be successful, but I also wanted to be smart,” Johnson says. “Eric helped me stay within my means and build something that could grow without getting ahead of itself.” 

Smart Planning, Strong Foundations 

Referred by a friend, Johnson turned to the SBDC for help navigating the early stages of launching a business — from structuring her LLC and evaluating startup costs to managing budget constraints and securing the right location. Garcia helped her build a clear plan that prioritized sustainability and avoided the common mistake of overextending too soon. 

“Eric gave me clarity,” she says. “I knew what steps to take, when to take them and how to stay focused.” 

With SBDC support, Johnson met key legal and operational milestones, including acquiring Montgomery County approvals, a DBA filing and a malt beverage and wine license within six months.

From Concept to Community Favorite 

Within 30 days of connecting with the SBDC, Pivot Cajun Kitchen opened its doors, creating four new jobs and offering a daily brunch menu with a focus on quality, consistency and service. Johnson’s thoughtful approach quickly resonated with the Magnolia community. 

Driven by word of mouth and strong customer experiences, the business earned a 4.9-star Google rating and developed a loyal following. Garcia also helped Johnson enhance her online presence, refine her branding and align her messaging with the professionalism she brought to the kitchen. 

“Customer service is the part of the business I’m most proud of,” Johnson says. “It’s not just about food — it’s about creating an experience that keeps people coming back.” 

Why SBDC Support Matters

For Johnson, the SBDC provided more than logistics — it offered accountability, perspective and honest advice. 

“You think you know the process, but you haven’t thought of everything,” she says. “With the SBDC, I could walk through my plans with someone who wasn’t trying to sell me anything. That kind of support is rare — and it makes a big difference.” 

What’s Next for Pivot Cajun Kitchen? 

With a solid foundation in place, Johnson is now developing a catering menu to meet growing demand and expand her reach. Each new decision is guided by the same discipline and long-term thinking that shaped the business from the start. 

Pivot Cajun Kitchen stands as a clear example of what’s possible when passion, planning and trusted support come together.