Dudley Allen, Tom Klempay and Toron Wilson followed their dream and it landed them in downtown Warsaw.
After working at a restaurant in Mishawaka, the trio knew they wanted to own their own restaurant, run their own way.
That restaurant is 8 WW Cuisines, 115 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, and it opened for business Monday.
A group of seven from that Mishawaka restaurant started but only Allen, Klempay and Wilson were willing to follow through.
After finding some funding, they were able to open a restaurant they've always wanted.
Inspired by an utterly eclectic menu from Allen, who serves as the head chef, 8WW is looking to provide not only a meal but an experience.
Allen learned how to cook when he was 20 years old in his native Nicaragua.
Growing up on the Caribbean side of his homeland, the menu at 8WW is infused with Caribbean flavor.
But like the globe on the sign out front, 8WW is quite worldly.
Items like paella, Cuban skewers and Trinidad shrimp are on the menu as well as enchiladas and burgers.
Ribs and pasta along with jerk steak are on the dinner menu.
Allen said it's important that all the items are prepared naturally.
"Healthy eating is who I am," said Allen.
Allen said by cooking things naturally it brings out the flavors of the food.
Allen also said it was important to make his menu affordable with good portions.
"I want the people of Warsaw to say this is someplace where I can go and I can get my money's worth," said Allen.
Allen said it was also important to hire locally. He said 95 percent of his staff is from the area and all work he gets done he goes through local companies.
"We want to be a part of Warsaw," said Allen.
8WW is open at 11 a.m. everyday and open till 1 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. on the weekends.
Despite the hours, the restaurant, Klempay, said will remain family friendly at all times.
There is even a family-style menu where groups can pick from entrees, sides and rice.
Live music from steel drums to country music will be featured at the restaurant.
After leaving Mishawaka, the trio wanted to create a place that was all things to all people.
"We want this place to feel like a family," said Klempay.
And that includes taking care of their staff.
"From the kitchen, to the employees to the table, we want to make sure the quality is there," said Klempay.
The owners said it was important to create a good staff and treat them well to make the experience better.
"Hospitality is key for us," said Wilson.
The restaurant, located at what was formerly Fusion, also has some outdoor seating for those who'd like to dine outside.
Allen said he follows three rules for his food.
"For me it's all about flavor, taste and presentation," said Allen.
Allen, Klempay and Wilson said they will be highly involved in the day-to-day operations of the business and encourage customers to hold them accountable on the restaurant's experience.
