Wok and Roll: High school senior opens his first business
Entrepreneur William Debeeld and his dad and biggest fan, James Debeeld, at William's new Chinese restaurant in the VFW. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
Not many business owners are going to the Polson High School prom, but William Debeeld is not just any entrepreneur.
The Polson High senior attends school until 1:25 p.m. weekdays, runs home quickly before opening his business, Nicala’s Asian Cuisine by 2 or 2:30 p.m. at the Polson VFW Post 2986’s kitchen.
“I’ve always wanted to start a business and whatnot,” William explained.
His chance came about when the owner of the VFW told him about the kitchen and offered him a good deal on the rent. He jumped at the chance and opened Nicala’s March 4.
“I do whatever needs to be done,” William said, and that includes prep work, cooking, waiting tables, taking orders, packaging food, and cleaning tables.
The joint was jumping on Friday night. A large group of folks were celebrating a birthday and said they “ordered everything and everything was great.” There were also to-go orders, and several couples and singles ordering food.
William’s menu favorites include Beef Lo Mein, Cashew Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken.
The cook has strong family support. His dad, James Debeeld, who has had food-service experience, works at Nicala’s and will continue to until William gets his feet under him. The kitchen crew also includes Mario Casas and Dillon Fritcher.
“We went into this very cheaply,” William said. ”But we made it work with all the support of the community.”
James said business is picking up, and he too appreciates all the Polsonites who’ve supported Nicala’s.
William’s aunt actually owned and operated a business called Nicala’s a few years ago. She didn’t really have a restaurant set up and had a baby so she had to close, William said.
Right now food and supplies need to be picked up in Missoula or Kalispell from U.S. Foods, but William explained they’re arranging for their orders to be delivered to Polson, which will be more convenient and less expensive.
William says he doesn’t plan to attend college. His goals are to expand Nicala’s this summer and maybe open other businesses. But first, on March 16, William danced the night away at the PHS prom.
The phone number for call-in orders is 406-381-1196. Nicala’s does deliver for a $7 charge. Hours are 3-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 3 p.m.to midnight Friday and Saturday.