Columbia Café, is celebrating three years in business in Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood.
“It took a lot of diligence & perseverance,” said Matthew Linn, Owner, who forged ahead with his own money after being turned down by bank after bank. The restaurant employs 20 part-time and full-time employees. The restaurant features fine dining and a bar in a casual atmosphere. is in a former residence that had been vacant for 18 months. Part of Linn’s diligence was making several trips to the LSUS Small Business Development Center, where he worked on cash flow projections before opening.
As it turned out, his operating expenses, particularly employee wages, have far exceeded what he anticipated but, fortunately, sales have been higher also. Now, Linn reviews his business plan” in my head everyday” and tries to make more formal revisions regularly with the help of a restaurant business counselor.
The restaurant features culinary school-trained chefs preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live music also is available every night, and the restaurant caters. Columbia Café’s location in a neighborhood bistro atmosphere halfway between LSU Health Sciences Center and Centenary College, attracts an eclectic mix of customers who enjoy fine dining and a bar in a casual atmosphere. Website: www.columbiacafe.com
Business: fine dining restaurant, bar, catering business
SBDC assistance provided: business plan development, cash flow projections
Success: Employs 20 full and part time; celebrating three years in business
Client Quote: “(The SBDC) is a place to go where they give you an encouraging word.” |
Matthew Linn , Owner of 'Columbia Cafe' of Shreveport, LA |