VALDOSTA — Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy and everyone does it a little differently. Some open online stores, while others open brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Some go all in and invest their lives into a new venture, while others start a new business as something to do on the side. Regardless of the type, entrepreneurs help drive the local economy.

Starting at the age of 15, Ali Ali, owner of M & M Crab House, knew what he wanted to be when he grew up: He wanted to own a crab house.

It took some time, but in February 2006, Ali landed a job working at a family-owned crab house in Jacksonville, Fla., called Zebo’s Crab Shack.

In 2013, he moved to Tallahassee, Fla., to work at another family-owned restaurant: CK Crab House.

Ali ended up in Valdosta after CK Crab House expanded to Thomasville. He decided it was time to open his restaurant.

After getting lost on his way to Moody Air Force Base, he happened across the original location for M & M Crab House on Bemiss Road.

He liked the location and saw there was a high-traffic count on the road.

When he was opening the business, Ali described it like gambling saying the location had had hosted several businesses through the years and his friends warned him it may not be a good location.

Three years later, the business is still up and running and Ali opened a second store in downtown around March this year.

Ali said he goes to Florida twice a week to buy and catch fresh product for his store.

For residents looking to start a new business, Ali recommends doing something you know and have experienced.

“If you have experience with something, get right to it,” he said. “If you don’t have experience, don’t do it, because you’ll lose.”

The store is located near Moody Air Force Base at 4670 Bemiss Road and is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (229) 333-0003.

The store located downtown is at 736 E. Hill Ave. and is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (229) 474-4300. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.