“If you can’t find a job, create a job.”
Meet local entrepreneur Larry Senna
BuyBlack NB sat down with local entrepreneur Larry Senna to learn about his journey as a business owner. We focused on his role as owner of Cape Cod Lobster Rolls, but Larry also owns Spider Apparel and LS Computers.
You can visit Cape Cod Lobster Rolls at 239 Onset Ave in Onset, and you can check out the menu and order online on their website.
Cape Cod Lobster Rolls is open Wednesday - Saturday from 9:00 - 3:00.
Can you tell us why you were inspired to open Cape Cod Lobster Rolls?
Believe it or not, I was inspired by an episode of Shark Tank. I am an entrepreneur with a few other local businesses. I saw an episode of Shark Tank featuring a seafood restaurant in Maine and I thought it was pretty cool. I figured why not try that right here in Onset?
I never thought about doing a restaurant but I was inspired. I was talking about it to my girlfriend and she said, “Let’s do it!” We opened in 2015.
What is the hardest thing about being a business owner?
I own three businesses and each one has its own challenges. For the restaurant, it’s been maintaining Employees – especially during the pandemic. It’s been really tough. Ordering product is also very difficult now with the pandemic.
What is the best thing about being a business owner?
I love the creativity of it. Everything is up to you, and you get to be creative. But it takes a ton of hard work.
As I mentioned, I own two other businesses that I started long before the restaurant. Those businesses deal with computers and t-shirts and they gave me the flexibility to come and go as I please. When my kids were young, I never missed an outing. I could always stop what I was doing and do what I needed with my kids.
On the restaurant side, there’s no freedom – it’s a lot different. We’re pretty seasonal. When it’s summer, it’s showtime! Once the end of May comes around, we’re there from there until September.
Do you have any recommendations or guidance for people who might want to start their own company?
The one thing I would say is don’t focus on the “what ifs” and the things that could go wrong.
When I first opened up my computer store in Onset, people said, “Why would you do that?” Well, 29 years later, I’m still doing it. Restaurants, t-shirt companies, computer businesses, automechanics -- whatever it is, don’t focus on what could go wrong. Focus on what can go right.
So many people who say you can’t or shouldn’t. If you listen to everyone, you’ll never do it.
I would love to see young people going for what they want. I have a lot of young adults ask me questions about how to start, what to do. Don’t anyone else stop you from building your dreams. It’s going to be extremely hard work; but if you stick to it, you can do it.
My motto as an entrepreneur since 1990: If you can’t find a job, create a job.
Who should visit Cape Cod Lobster rolls?
Locals! We can’t wait to see the locals. Tourists are going to come and spend money during the summer season. We want the locals to come. When I see someone I know, they get extra care and service. The locals come when it’s tough, when it’s the wintertime. They stuck with me when most people are eating somewhere else. We love our locals.
What's your favorite thing on the menu?
Oh, that is tough. The fish tacos and the lobster quesadilla are my personal favorites. Give them a try!