The Sunflower Café is a family-owned business in Ottawa that serves Mediterranean breakfast and brunch items. It was started in 2004 and changed ownership in 2009, taking on a new focus under Nadia Berni's management. Berni was motivated to start her own business so she could be her own boss and participate in the food industry. Running the café requires dedication of her time and energy as sole proprietor, with responsibilities like food preparation, accounting, and market research. Berni hopes to someday expand the café into a franchise or chain of Moroccan restaurants.
2. Introduction to the business Family Owned business When It was started? What does the business do? What was the motivation to start a business? What did it take to start the business? What are the responsibilities associated? What are the future goals? www.sunflowercafe.ca & 613-288 2439
3. Started in 2004 by Alina Hellmann Originally was named Sandy Hill Café Served Mediterranean-style breakfast with a combination of assorted bread rolls, muffins , pastries, and freshly brewed coffee in enormous mugs Taken over by Nadia Berni in December 2009 and the operations started under new management with new ideas. History and Background
4. Eggs, muffins, croissants Cookies, pastries, sandwiches Pies (quiches) for brunch comes with salad with homemade dressings Homemade breads. Organic Coffee With various flavors All kinds of tarts Famous Moroccan dishes e.g.: Tajine, Couscous, Bastila Breakfast & Brunch
5. Motivation to Compete! Be your Own boss Be a part of the competition & the challenges in F&B industry Come out of the boring & monotonous government job to get associated with a vibrant industry Dynamic personality & loves changes in life Strong belief in Moroccan culture about the importance of food
6. Sacrifices & Compromises Research analysis of the market Dedicated immense amount of time & energy Tough balance between family ( two kids) & work Moved from Toronto to Ottawa Quit previous job & did cope up with the opportunity cost involved Stuck to the decision of owning & running a business
7. Duties & Responsibilities Sole Proprietorship Berni is accountable for the preparation of the breakfast & Brunch Laayar, her husband serves the customers and enhances the business by socializing with people Berni supervises Sunflower Café’s accounts. Berni researches the market and the competition to constantly upgrade her business according to the market needs
8. CompetitionRisks & Aspiration Biggest competitors : Shawarma, Tim Hortons, and Bridgehead Financial risks involved The business at breakeven To balance business & family gets daunting Grow It as a franchise Own a chain of Moroccan restaurants in the Future