Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Edwin Lurduy, owner of Mecatos Bakery & Cafe, located in Orlando, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mecatos Cafe in Orlando creates an inviting environment where a great cup of coffee can be accompanied by delicious Colombian-based baked goods, hot bites, and desserts. We serve the City of Orlando with four locations, Downtown, Lake Underhill, and Lake Nona. Bringing delicious and highly sought-after pastries, baked and fried foods typical of Colombia to a relaxed, modern, and sleek setting.
Our empanadas, Pan De Bono, and Arepas Rellenas combined with one of our exquisite coffee drinks, hot chocolate, or fruit smoothies, our goal is to create a brand recognized for its dedication to providing our customers with a unique experience every single time they try an item on our menu.
Tell us about yourself
My passion for Colombian-based foods is translated into Mecatos Bakery & Cafe. I tested the theory for years that there was a large market for these types of products as long as they were presented in the correct manner, meaning an inviting environment, comfortable, spacious, and open to all.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Developing this concept from the ground up and seeing how, over the years, it is coming together so well to create this amazing gathering place where not only is our customer base growing so rapidly but at the same time changing the lives of all of our team members who have worked so hard to get us here.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As with everything in life, nothing comes easy, and to be successful, you must be ready to put in a lot of work and know how to handle challenges that come along the way. One of the hardest things I face as a business owner is the responsibility of having a large team. We need to make sure we have a great environment for our staff and that we provide them with the best conditions related to human resources.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan, plan, and plan - You cannot do enough research, test, and prepare enough.
- Love and believe in what you do - If it's only motivated by money or another factor like it, the fun will fade very quickly. If you truly enjoy your project, then you will invest so much more on a daily basis to make it successful.
- Stay informed and always look to improve your business. You have to always be a step ahead of your competitors.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I would just like to share how happy I am to have embarked on this journey. Mecatos Bakery & Cafe is just starting, and the possibilities are endless. The idea of one day being nationwide and worldwide is incredibly exciting and personally rewarding.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mecatoscafe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mecatoscafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mecatoscafe/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MecatosCafe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mecatos-bakery-&-cafe/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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