Meet Andriko Gipson | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andriko Gipson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andriko, how do you think about risk?
I love the risk factor. My entire life has been about taking risks, I just know how to take calculated ones. Whether it involved opening my first apparel businesses at 18 years old and walking away from it all; to move to Houston, a place that was entirely new to me, I was always considering the possibilities of every situation. Even after investing every penny to start my business, I had to think ten steps ahead for everything to eventually fall into place like it was meant to. Despite every trial, I have learned how to move through all of it because of calculated risks.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
This journey has not always been easy, but it has always been worth every step. From moving out here and being homeless to now owning and successfully operating one of the largest growing coney islands in the industry, it has been nothing but a blessing.

One of my biggest lessons has been understanding the importance of giving back. In 2020, we started The Lost Generation, an outreach program to build jobs and provide resources and donations to the community. This nonprofit has positioned Houston’s younger generation to better themselves while being able to look out for one another as they grow up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would hit up The Breakfast Klub in midtown first, followed by Midwest Coney for lunch, and then the Turkey Leg Hut for more great food and amazing vibes, ending the night at Tutti’s Treats for some amazing snowballs. For drinks, The Savoy in Houston’s 3rd ward is a great black, family-owned business that always has chill vibes, while Bar 5015 offers a nice grown and sexy type of vibe. Lost & Found and Prospect Park are both dope hangout spots.

Some other exciting things to check out include the Galleria Food Truck Park at 2829 Chimney Rock Road and shop for jewelry with, Spudd the Jeweler, or buy some cloths from Grade A.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my Midwest Coney Connection team for helping me keep this dream alive. Y’all have been instrumental in making sure that we stay at our best and I couldn’t do any of this without you all. To Chef K, Chef T, Chef Alex, Cam, Mila, Marissa, Patrice, and my Vice President Tony, thank you guys.

To those on my PR team, Savannah Blunt; and our creative content manager and owner of The Fork Queen, Ashley Williams, thank you.

To my family, everything I do is for y’all and our legacy. Ashley, Arianna, Aiden, and Asher, y’all make it all worth while.

Website: https://midwestconeyconnection.com/

Instagram: @midwestconeyconnection

Facebook: Midwest Coney Connection

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/midwest-coney-connection-houston-2

Image Credits
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