Navigating Business Partnerships: My Friend Wants a Slice of My Burger Venture
Starting a business is no small feat, especially when you’ve been passionately planning it on your own for an extended period. Today, I find myself in a rather perplexing situation, and I would appreciate your insights.
For the past year, I have been meticulously developing a smash burger venture with my sister. We are setting up shop in my home yard, situated along a busy road near schools, gyms, and paddle courts—an ideal location for foot traffic. I have dedicated time and resources to acquire everything we need, from the grill to tables and chairs, and I’m fully committed as the head cook. My sister and I are equal partners in this endeavor, sharing the excitement of what we hope will be a thriving business.
Recently, I shared my plans with a friend, who initially responded with skepticism about the challenges ahead. However, within just a couple of days, he expressed a desire to get involved, offering a modest investment of 10,000 PKR (approximately $40). Curiously, he began to act as though he were already a co-founder, making suggestions about pricing, menu items, and even discussing the potential for bike purchases with projected profits.
The complexity arises from his limited availability—he can only assist three days a week—yet he seems confused about how I would handle the rest of the operation. While I value contributions, his overbearing approach feels inappropriate, especially since I have been sole planning for this long.
Although I responded cautiously, indicating we would “work it out,” I’m now grappling with how to address this situation without jeopardizing our friendship. Should I take a firm stance and decline his offer? Have any of you had similar experiences in pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams?
Updates on the Situation
After our initial conversation, my friend continued to request a business percentage and suggested that I consult with my sister before finalizing anything. When I inquired about the unique contributions he could bring to the table, he mentioned ideas like new recipes and milkshakes, claiming that cooking is his forte. However, I’ve already established the core recipes, and aside from his suggestion of shakes, his inputs were not particularly concrete.
I later clarified why I couldn’t consider him a partner with just a 10,000 PKR investment, given that the assets I currently own are valued over 600,000 PKR. His offer would only equate to about 1.
One Comment
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and honest account of your experience. Navigating business partnerships—especially with friends—is often a delicate balancing act. It’s commendable that you’ve dedicated significant time and resources to building your vision. When a friend shows sudden interest, it’s natural to feel flattered but also cautious.
From a broader perspective, clear boundaries and transparent communication are critical early on. It’s important to evaluate the value that a partner truly brings beyond just their monetary contribution. If their expertise or involvement doesn’t align with your current needs or vision, it’s perfectly valid to prioritize your initial plan, especially when your groundwork is so extensive.
Additionally, consider formalizing any partnership with proper agreements to avoid misunderstandings and protect your vision. Trust is essential, but so is clarity—both about roles and expectations. Ultimately, maintaining your focus on the core team—yourself and your sister—seems the safest path at this stage, ensuring your project remains aligned with your original goals.
Wishing you continued success with your burger venture—your dedication is truly inspiring!