Café Mila

Curtain Call

2009-07-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

Free Cup of Soup with Sandwich Purchase!

2009-06-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Signs of the Times

2009-06-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

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…

Weekly Sandwich Review Board

2009-06-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

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!

A New Addition

2009-06-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

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!

Soft Opening

2009-05-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

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…

Weekly Sandwich Review Board

2009-05-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

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!

Updated Menu

2009-05-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

The menu is still evolving so now I am presenting our update menu #2.

Remember, click the mini menu to see it big!

Pooped!

2009-05-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a week I have had. I flew in Tuesday afternoon, went shopping for essentials, then made sandwiches (and ate them) till 10:30 pm. This was after arriving at the airport at 5:30 am in St. Thomas earlier in the day. I must say, I am glad I'm doing a soft opening with Mom. We have already discovered many of the kinks that our plan had and it is nice to work them out when it is slow instead of for a big grand opening and then failing miserably. It has been a fun week though. I have met some very interesting people. I have a fancy bike with a basket on front. I'm sleeping on a floor. I even went to a Walgreens. I know this seems like not much, but after living on a rock in the middle of the Atlantic for 6+ years, it really is the little things. The hills were a bit steep for bikes in St. Thomas and there are no GIGANTIC pharmacies like Eckerds, CVS, or Walgreens there. The closest thing is the K-Mart pharmacy. Oh, and I bought yogurt for 20 cents! So cheap! Anyway, remember, if you are in the Tampa/St. Pete area and you are going to Caladesi or Honeymoon Island for the day... or driving up to Tarpon... stop in and grab a lunch to go. HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!!!!

Help Arrives!

2009-05-05T05:46:00.001-07:00

Today my help arrives. My daughter Mimi will be here from St. Thomas to assist me with opening the cafe tomorrow Wednesday. I am very pleased that she has taken it upon herself to leave her island, hubby and Floyd to help mother. I know it was not an easy decision to make and I am so proud of her. And thank you Nick for understanding and letting her go, but only for a short time of course. Nick and Floyd (Mimi's dog) will join us soon as well. Nick has been in the restaurant business and is a chef and his creative ideas for specialty foods is infinite. Nick will be in charge of the menu so keep checking our blog for new items. I of course will be learning how to make these delicious sandwiches.

Although I have most of the goods already here I am sure there will be some things I will need. So my poor Mimi after a long day of flying is coming straight to work. We will take inventory and start the slicing, dicing, and setting up for our soft opening tomorrow. That's how it is when you want your business to succeed. No time for slacking. She is determined as her mother and we must start right away. Well I must go now, I have a few things to do before I head to the airport. Stay tuned...

Menu Time!

2009-05-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

Ok ladies and gentlemen... presenting our starter menu. We will update this as the menu changes. It's little now, but the best is yet to come! Click on the image to see it bigger!

Enjoy!

The Day has Come

2009-05-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well well the day that I thought would never get here finally did. On Wednesday May 6 Cafe Mila will open its doors for business. I have to say the most difficult part of it all has been the licensing. Even if you are just changing ownership. It's a slow process. You have to take your food handlers course, get certified, then the inspectors and firemarshalls. The requirements and regulations change frequently and not to mention the fees. Wow!

So my advice to anyone opening a business make sure you have enough capital because it goes quickly. All you are doing is paying out. Then you have to do your comparison shopping. Try to get quality items at a descent price. Negotiating! You have to be good at it. Not one of my strengths. Thank God for Mimi and Nick who will take over on that when they get here. Now the time has come to reap my harvest.

Tomorrow will be a busy day for me. I will be at the Cafe bright and early to start receiving my deliveries. The bread, the cheeses, the Boars Head deli meats, etc etc. Are you hungry yet? Well stop in for one of our delicious sandwiches whenever you are in Dunedin FL. where you will always get quality food served with love and a smile. Til next time...

Time Flies When You Don't Do Much

2009-04-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy past few weeks. Mom has gotten most of her licensing, I have had a mini vacation with my hubby, pretended to pack, created a menu, mom has internet and phone, and a whole heap of other things. I'm exhausted. I still need to pack. I have some painting obligations here I need to fulfill and my flight leaves in like 9 days. I don't know what I am to do. I really need to get on it. I have even announced my mini hiatus on my other blog. I didn't even do my monthly post on 5 Minutes for Going Green. Shame. Yet here I am. And soon in Florida I will be. Ay me. I hope I can bring my doggy! Just to make your mouth salivate in anticipation, I present the menu... later. HAHA. Have a great weekend!

Technology

2009-04-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

Today I finally get the phones installed and internet service at the cafe, So while the phone techs are working on that I have time to sit down and breathe and thank God for all he has done and continues to do. First of all I couldn't do this without his help. He gives me health and strength everyday to continue to pursue my dream and on top of that the brains to understand all that is involved in opening a business.
Let me just say that choosing a phone company was not easy. Its amazing how many new vendors are out there and features and fees they have. With technology rapidly advancing who can keep up? It was not an easy decision to make but finally today I have phone and internet service. The next decision to make which I have been working on is the credit card service. Can't run a business without the POS. Who carries cash around these days? Not many people including myself! Everywhere you go you pull out the plastic. So a business has to keep up with the technology as well. I am still undecided about this one. Any suggestion feel free to comment.
Next week I will be taking my food handlers class which is a four hour class. Meanwhile I am still waiting on my license. So until next time this is Maritza signing off.

The Waiting Process

2009-04-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well I have vendors all set up waiting for the green light to deliver my supplies, but alas I must sit and wait patiently while the licensing process goes through. My daughter and cousins also wait patiently for the green light to deliver the great news to other family members and friends that I have finally opened my cafe, my dream. But while I wait I also continue to study about the state laws and food handling process to avoid contamination. There is a lot to learn but I enjoy learning and more so to run a successful cafe. I hope the waiting process is not too much longer as I am anxious to open.

Thanks to Alvin & Alan

2009-04-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to post but have been very busy as you can read in the previous posts. But since I now have a moment let me thank two very important people in my life that have been involved in the remodeling redecorating per se of the cafe.
My wonderful cousin Alvin Vazquez who is an interior designer in Atlanta and his wonderful partner Alan Williams who besides having great skills in construction and only does it as a hobby is also a CPA in Atlanta. They drove all the way from Atlanta just to help me with the inside of the cafe. They worked very hard for 3 full days and then returned to Atlanta. I am so lucky to have these two wonderful gentlemen in my life. They have also been supportive of my dream and when I was weak they were there for me to lean on. I love you both very much and will see you soon,.

Reply to Macte Virtute

2009-04-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

Well thank you my daughter, and yes although I am doing all the running around like crazy and dealing with vendors etc. it is a good stress, because at the end of all this will be my beginning of "my I take your order?" and service with a smile. And daughter what you are doing is just as important. You are creative in the field that I may not be, "technology" so don't sell yourself short.
We are in this together and make a great team and lets not forget our future partner who will be in charge of the "Kitchen" yeah! Mr. Nick Zambrano, we welcome you with open arms. Look out Dunedin, FL cause the best cafe/deli shop is about to open!

Macte Virtute!

2009-04-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, I know this is not the place for a lesson in the dead language of Latin, but here we are nonetheless.The title of my post is a common toast that means "go on and prosper. " I thought it fitting since dear Mother has her keys, has some help, and is really just waiting for her licensing to go through. Not much I can do from 2,000+ miles away, but offer moral support and point her in the right direction with things when she gets overwhelmed. I will help soon, but for now I am the finder of information, designer of logos, and writer of menus.

My mother, on the other hand, is the voice. She is the one meeting these suppliers while the list I gave her is in her hands. She has got to be exhausted. I mean, sure, I can come up with a list of product we need and give her the laws for the state, but she is networking, cleaning, calling, filing paperwork, and pretty much doing the leg work. I am proud of you, Mom! For that, I propose a toast.

Macte Virtute!
Go On and Prosper!

Welcome!

2009-03-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting around to posting my first blog on my page. If you have read the previous blog posted by my daughter you have an idea of what we are excited about. I am Ms. Maritza future entrepreneur and as of March 31 I will own my very first coffee shop. When I was younger I always dreamt of owning a small soda, ice cream, coffee shop, well you get my drift. But as time went by other thoughts inundated my mind, like getting married, having children, buying a house, a dog etc etc. The all American dream. Some of it did happen and I have the fruits to prove it. After waking up from the wonderful dream I realized I need to hurry up and open up my coffee shop before I become older and then I will want to retire not ever fulfilling my dream.

So I gave up working for others and have pursued my new American dream. A lot of friends and family think I am crazy that in a time when our country is in the economic crisis that it’s in, I want to pursue what they call a “pipe dream”. Well being the determined, independent woman that I am, they just motivated me more to pursue not a pipe dream, but my dream. I want to thank my wonderful daughter Mimi who has been so supportive since it was only a dream in my heart, for her pep talks and encouraging words and many other reasons. And because of our determination and efforts I will soon open Café Mila in the area of Delightful Dunedin, Florida.
So here you have a little insight about me. Keep coming back to our blog so you can see what I go through on my exciting new venture. I have plenty more to write but I must get going right now since I am in the process of moving in to my new apartment as a resident of Dunedin. So much to do before the Grand Opening! Wish me luck

Introduction Time! (Part 1: Mimi)

2009-03-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! For my first post I wanted to let everyone know who I was and what part I play in this madness. My name is Mimi and I am also the author of another blog known as Potspoon! and no it is not a cooking blog. I am a science junkie and that is the purpose of Potspoon!... teaching people about silly science things.

On here though, I am Ms. Maritza's oldest daughter and best friend (I hope, because she is mine). This blog is a diary, a journey if you will, with a mother daughter team and the trials and tribulations that entail opening a business during some economic tough times. The site also has a calendar on the right so that you can keep up with what is going on with the business and any special events that are going on.

Why would we put ourselves through this? Well, it's one part dream and one part insanity to start. In the entrepreneurial spirit of the American Dream, Mom wants to work for herself. She also enjoys making people smile with her hospitality. Food service seemed a logical choice. In food service, one can make an environment free from prejudice, animosity, and dishes. A deli in particular is a great gathering place and setting for good eats and a local vibe. You can chill and enjoy the grub or take it to go with no questions asked. Did I mention no dishes? Well, none on the customers' part anyway...

I digress, this is supposed to be my intro, not a business intro.

As the eldest of the children, I feel like I need to support my mother in any decision she may make. She has supported me in the past and continues to do so even though I am (WAY) out of the house so it's only fair. I also have the amazing luck of being married to someone who knows a lot about the ins and outs of food service so I'm an asset to her in that respect.

On a more personal side:
I am a science geek, video game junkie, wildlife lover, wannabe wildlife film maker, butterfly farmer, guitarist, snowboarding, book-loving, artist, punk-rock hippy. I don't even think this sums it up, but you get the point.

Hopefully I will see more of you and even though it will be mostly mom posting, don't be too surprised to see an absurd amount of posting from me. See ya around!