MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MONTHLY INTERVIEW WITH VAL

EXCLUSIVE!!!!
“Member Spotlight Interview with Val Hunt & Alejandra Cadena, of Pacific Breeze Cafe”

Val: When did you start working in this field?

Alejandra: I basically grew up in this business. I started as a hostess when I was eight years old at Maya restaurant, which used to be at the Santa Maria Airport. I would work after school and on weekends. Maya is one of our family’s chains of restaurants, serving Mexican food. We currently have two Maya restaurants, one in Pismo Beach and one in Santa Maria.

Val: Tell me about your family. Were they at all involved in helping you with opening up the restaurant?

Alejandra: My grandparents came to Santa Barbara in the early 1960’s from Aguascalientes, in Mexico. They wanted an opportunity to pursue the “American Dream”. Our entire family is involved in the restaurant business, which includes Las Casuelas, Chino’s, Maya, and Mexicali Rose. Each of these restaurants is located on the Central Coast. My father does all of the business side of restaurants, such as leases and finances. My mother has, on occasion, helped out in some of the restaurants. My sister Teresa came up with the concept and design for the restaurant. My brother Miguel handles the technical aspects, such as marketing, and creating the menus. I am currently running Pacific Breeze Café and was involved in the initial decorating. My brother Frank owns and operates Maya in Pismo Beach, and has helped in the development of the menus.

Val: What do you love about your job/this business?

Alejandra: It is in my blood. I love to work with people. I love taking care of people, and creating a unique eating experience for someone. I have the opportunity to be very creative in this business. I have a knack for management, and I work well with people, including behind the scenes.

Val: What are some of the challenges you face in running your own business?

Alejandra: Visibility is our greatest challenge. Nipomo is very spread-out and there is not a lot of traffic. Our location is also kind of hidden. Once we get people in the door, they tend to come back and become regulars. About half of our clientele are regulars and the other half are new customers. Getting people in the door is the biggest obstacle. We are planning on expanding the restaurant by adding a patio in front of the building, so we can be seen from the street. We are planning this expansion for sometime this summer.

Val: Where did you come up with the name Pacific Breeze Café?

Alejandra: All of the kids wanted the concept to reflect a “beachy” and “fresh” theme. Pacific Breeze Café had the best ring to it, and we (me, my sister and two brothers) all agreed to it.

Val: What advice can you give someone who wants to start their own restaurant?

Alejandra: Create a vision first, and most importantly, DREAM BIG! What would your ideal restaurant be like? What would it feel, look, or smell like? What kind of experience would you provide for the customers? Next you would break it down to practical steps. List your goals step-by-step, such as coming up with a business plan. Remember, you don’t need anything to dream, not even money.

Val: Briefly describe your restaurant, hours, etc… and what you offer. Basically, why would someone want to come eat at Pacific Breeze Café and come back again?

Pacific Breeze Café 277 Tefft Street, Suite AB Nipomo, CA 93444 805-929-1722

We are open Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

We offer an American Breakfast, ½ Lb. Angus Burgers, Wraps, Salads, and signature Mexican dishes, such as our award winning Menudo. We also have the BEST homemade potato chips, using a special family recipe.

Our food is cooked in Zero Transfat oil, for a healthy option.

We offer a casual, comfortable, and inviting dining environment. We like to get to know our Pacific Breeze Café guests not only by name, but by what they like to eat. We really get to know our guests and make them feel “at home” here.