Curtain Call

Last call to the bar, Sandwich Bar that is. Unfortunately due to several personal matters, Cafe Mila has had to close its doors permanently. With great sadness and pain we are all trying to move on. This will be my last blog and I want to thank all of you that followed our blog and wished us well. My last advice for those of you thinking about being a business owner which I consider to be very important.

1. Working Capital: before opening to cover your expenses (business and personal) for a year.
2. Support Group: lots of family and friends, never think you can do it alone.
3. Health: you need to be in great health because it will take a toll on you both physically and mentally. If and when health issues arise this is where #2 comes into play. Know for a fact that you can count on them until your health improves.

This is my food to you for thought. Peace & Love
Signing off....Ms. Maritza and her Deli Diaries

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Free Cup of Soup with Sandwich Purchase!

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Signs of the Times

One month in to our soft opening and we have had our share of ups and downs. This is only the beginning. Any start-up business has their share. There is so much to accomplish and it is not easy.

On today’s blog I will write about “Signage” and how important it is to a business.

Our signage, to start off, was done incorrectly and it took more time than what they had promised. How will patrons know where you are? When we are out and about we look for signs not building numbers. Of the many passersby in cars, on bikes, or on foot, only a few realized we were open for business. Those few came in and asked who we are and what we had to offer. Some purchased after looking at our menu, others took menus with them. Of course all asked, “Where is your sign?”

Well, finally, after 3 weeks of a roller coaster ride with the signage company, we got our signs up. The people that do stop in now say, “We saw your sign and wanted to take a look.” So as you can see, Signage is very important. Although business is slow due to the snow-bird season being over, we continue to be hopeful. Dunedin is a seasonal town and during the summer months area businesses all dip in sales and, of course, our economy also has an effect.

During busy season, you must save capital for those slow months. I can’t emphasize it enough; make sure you have working capital so you don’t spend endless nights unable to sleep thinking of the overhead. You need to have it covered until you start making a profit. Today’s advice, Signage is very important and reiterating last blogs advice, working capital! Till next time…

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Weekly Sandwich Review Board

A DIFFERENT WEEK, A DIFFERENT SANDWICH

Sandwich: Gidget Goes to Rome

Contents: Tomatoes, Basil, Mozzarella, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Prepared: Melted hot, right off the press

Experience: The sandwich title says it all. "Gidget Goes to Rome" is your very own Italian experience. This delicious sandwich comes with fresh tomatoes slices, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The sandwich is then pressed, making the bread perfectly crispy and the mozzarella incredibly gooey. The sandwich is then paired with ruffled chips and a pickle spear. This Italian delight will have you yearning for Rome... or maybe just another sandwich!

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A New Addition

We are pleased to add soup to our menu this week. Our first soup is a delicious tomato-basil soup. Cups are $3 and bowls are $4.99. Both are served with a piece of crispy, hot Cuban bread. You can also now get a half a build your own sandwich and a cup of soup for only $5.25! Make sure you come try it!

If soup isn't your thing, remember we do have daily specials and a spread of the day so you can change up your sandwich options. We also have croissants and pastries (selection of pastries varies) available. You can even get your croissants stuffed. You will have to come in to find out what we stuff them with!

Don't forget that we open early so you can provision before your day on the water or come in for a quick breakfast. We have a variety of Boar's Head meats, gourmet cheeses, spreads, and salads available by the pound.

We are open seven days a week and are now easier than ever to find. We finally got our signage up a few days ago so keep your eyes open as you come up ALT-19!

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Soft Opening

These past ten days have been somewhat interesting. On these days I have handed menus to the surrounding businesses, sat out back on the Pinellas Trail giving menus to the people walking by letting them all know that we are now open for business. I also went to our Historic Downtown area— which is not too far— and also passed out menus to the local businesses. I have done mass faxing and Mimi has been putting menus on cars that park in our lot. All part of our marketing.


Every day we have had people coming in to see what we are about. Some have purchased from our menu and others have come to wish us success leaving with a menu in hand. The locals of Dunedin, I must say, are delightful. They like to know your name and for you to know theirs on hopes that you will remember it next time they come in. I really enjoy being part of a community where everybody knows your name. And let me say— they love to converse, and that’s where Mimi is a big attribute apart from other things. Being a bright college student who has spent her last 4 years in the Virgin Islands makes our customers more inquisitive. While Mimi holds a conversation with them about her adventures and knowledge in many topics, I can prepare orders without rush. When orders are ready they leave with a smile on their face and thank Mimi for the conversation and do let us know they will be back. So, needless to say, we do indeed have five regular customers. In the ten days they have each visited us several times. That, of course, is our mission, quality food and a pleasurable visit to keep them coming back.

On another note, we now have a food critic on our blog. Laly is my youngest daughter, also a bright college student, who enjoys trying different foods. On occasion, she will be dropping in to try the items on our menu and will post her honest opinion. You probably might think, since she is part of the family, she will only have good things to say. Not necessarily so. When it comes to food, Laly will give you her most honest opinion. Then, of course, the only true way of finding out is by you stopping in and trying our delicious gourmet sandwiches for yourself. Till next time…

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Weekly Sandwich Review Board

A DIFFERENT WEEK, A DIFFERENT SANDWICH

Sandwich: Sorry Charlie

Contents: Tuna Salad, Muenster Cheese, Rye Bread

Prepared: Hot off the sandwich press, with a side of ruffle chips and a pickle spear

Experience: This is not your average tuna melt. This delicious work of art starts with the owner's secret tuna salad recipe. The tuna salad, which is piled high on fresh rye bread, is then topped with muenster cheese and heated on the sandwich press until lightly crispy. If you're like me, ask for a slice of tomato while your at it. The Sorry Charlie, being my first sandwich at Cafe Mila, left a lasting impression. This fresh, delectable, tasty sandwich will keep any tuna lover coming back for more!

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