Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mina Falcone, owner of Café Oranje, located in Hamilton, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Café Oranje, nestled in the heart of Hamilton's International Village, provides a cozy atmosphere that focuses on locally roasted specialty coffee and a warm, friendly community in a contemporary, Euro-styled coffeehouse. We offer a full menu of espresso-based hot and cold drinks & locally blended teas. Our coffee is ethically sourced and locally roasted. We pride ourselves on the diversity of available coffee, believing in the strength of the Hamilton coffee community.
Café Oranje also offers homemade and locally sourced baked goods, quick and tasty breakfast options, freshly made sandwiches, and homemade soups and salads. We also have a selection of both wheat-free and vegan baked treats. As well as baking in-house, we are proud to work with local bakeries and retailers to source our products. Our sandwiches are all hot-pressed and unique - where else can you find Dutch appelstroop paired with double-smoked ham and fresh made-in-Ontario Gouda?
Our customers cover a wide demographic, from mature, retired guests searching for a cozy place to enjoy a specialty coffee and treat to students wanting a change of scenery to work on their studies. We welcome everyone and enjoy engaging with our guests to discover their stories. Our café has become a local stronghold in our community as we approach the end of our 9th year of operation. We have weathered the storms along with our steadfast guests, welcomed many more newcomers, and hope to welcome many more. Our focus on supporting other local businesses, our dedication to our craft, and our friendly service and willingness to engage with and get to know our customers are what sets us apart.
Tell us about yourself
I worked as a Research Assistant at McMaster University for many years. As my retirement approached, I wanted to continue to be active, but I needed a change that involved doing something a little more concrete. I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, so some aspects of operating a small business were not unfamiliar. However, I had never been involved in foodservice. I took the plunge in 2016 and purchased the company as a turn-key from the founding owner. It has been a steep learning curve and a truly wild ride at times, but I enjoy the continuing challenge of learning and adapting to the changes that inevitably come with operating a business. I also truly enjoy serving and getting to know my guests.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been keeping the business operating during the pandemic. Although I was in a unique position to do so and received assistance from the federal and provincial governments, continuing to operate a food service business that wasn't very busy at the start of the pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, the most difficult aspect of running a business is that it's always there. Even when the lights are off, and we're not making delicious drinks and food, there is always a phone call to make, an email to answer, an order to place, supplies to be replenished. It can be relentless, especially during our busiest months. It can be difficult at times to step away from it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up. Perseverance is absolutely mandatory.
- Take time away to unplug, relax, and take care of yourself.
- Find good staff and trust them to do their jobs so you can relinquish a bit of control. It's very difficult to do, as business owners tend to be perfectionists and highly driven, but it will free up time for you to focus on aspects of your business that have fallen through the cracks.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cafeoranje.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafeOranjeHam/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeoranjeham/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cafeoranjeham
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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