When Zi'on Jones doesn't get something he wants, he doesn't get angry. He gets an idea.
So when the nacho vendor at a carnival at Hamilton Place mall this past April ran out of nachos and Zi'on couldn't get any, the 5-year-old decided to start selling nachos himself.
When Zi'on started kindergarten at Woodmore Elementary this fall, he was already an established businessman. He started selling nachos at local events in July under the name Nacho Son, and his mom, Shea Jennings, said he sells out every time.
"I told him he didn't have to wait until he was grown. You can do whatever you want to do as long as you put your mind to it," said Jennings, aka Nacho Mama.
Zi'on offers a ranges of options: chicken, vegetarian, pulled pork, turkey and - his most recent addition - seafood nachos.
On the days when he sells nachos, Zi'on won't interact with customers until he's sampled the nachos himself, said Jennings.
His 3- and 2-year-old siblings look up to their entrepreneur brother, and often help out when Nacho Son sets up at events, she said.
"They're excited about it," said Jennings. "They like nachos, too!"
She encourages other kids to come out and meet Zi'on so they can see it's possible to achieve their dreams.
Zi'on is always looking for new places and events to sell his nachos, though the business won't be traveling outside Chattanooga until he makes enough money to purchase a food truck, which will cost around $15,000.
"I want to have a lot of money so I can buy a food truck, a trampoline and a pool," Zi'on said.
Hungry locals can help him reach his goal at Nacho Son's next event, a fall festival being held Saturday, Oct. 26 at 3224 Wilcox Blvd.
To find out where he'll be next, follow Nacho Son on Facebook or on Instagram @Nachoson0804.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com