Amos Zereoue: From Football to Fusion

Courtesy of Adam Bourcier

After growing up in Long Island, Amos Zereoue went on to play football at West Virginia University.  After a successful run with the Mountaineers he enjoyed an amazing career with the NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Having retired in 2005, Amos now owns the West African/French Fusion restaurant that shares his last name, Zereoue’s, in New York City.  Patrons enjoy good food, often cooked by Amos himself some days, and great atmosphere at this eatery in the Big Apple.

I had the privilege of learning more about Amos and his success recently when he agreed to talk to me about his experiences, both in football and business.

Jessica: Tell me about your most rewarding moment as a football player.

Amos: That’s hard to answer – so I’m gonna give you a couple of rewarding moments. My first ever college game – to be a relatively unknown player and to have made such an impact was a huge thing for me.  I remember in that first game – it was against PITT, they handed the ball off to me – and I was off, something like 69 or 70 yard touchdown run – that was so amazing – and the best part was that it was fun.  Obviously signing my contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers was a dream come true, I was having fun and getting paid for it – like a kid in a candy store.

J: What would you say is your greatest business success so far?

A: By far the ability to open a restaurant in the food and culture capital of the world has been one of the hardest things to do.  I’m still learning it everyday, but it’s a new challenge, so at least I’m learning. I’ve always enjoyed cooking – I used to cook for teammates all the time – and now I cook in the greatest city and I give them a food they aren’t entirely used to.  It’s all about new experiences.

J: Are there any traits required of both being a football player and being a restaurant owner?

A: First and foremost you need backing.  It’s sad, but so much depends on either your ability to have money or get money (either from banks or friends/investors).  Then you just need to have patience and persevere at it.  The early years are usually pretty bad, but it’s not a sprint, you’re in it for the long haul.

J: What advice can you offer aspiring entrepreneurs?

A: Never give up.  If you have an idea run with it until you can’t run with it anymore. Think of it as photography – you’ll take hundreds of photos, but maybe only 2 or 3 come out perfect – that’s how business is – just keep creating those ideas, fleshing them out, see what works
and what doesn’t and then keep going.

J: How do you balance your business and your personal life?

A: That’s probably the biggest challenge – because your business life becomes your personal life and vice versa.  You have to set priorities, be able to not take things too personal, and just move on.  Take the card your dealt and just play.

J: What’s the one thing you have yet to do that you’d like to do the most?
A: That’s the simplest question out of all of these – travel the world!

Do you live in or plan to visit New York City?  Stop by Zereoue’s at 13 East 37th Street and enjoy some West African/French Fusion fare and who knows, Amos might end up creating the meal for you himself!