Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Savrin
Hi Vicky, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When we (Vicky and Phil Savrin) met, Vicky was working in IT and Phil was a partner at a law firm. Vicky had always had a passion for food, and baking in particular. Vicky is originally from the Philippines and developed a cooking skills early on from her grandmother. As an adult Vicky spent considerable time in India and South America before eventually moving to the United States. Shortly after meeting Phil the couple traveled extensively in different parts of the world including Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Through these experiences Vicky came to understand the significance of food and different cuisines in giving communities a unique identity.
With Phil’s encouragement Vicky left her job in IT and started developing a customer base through catering jobs and selling at farmers markets. With an increased demand for production the next step was to have a space of her own. Vicky’s dream became a reality in March 2023 when Cafe Rivkah opened providing breakfast and lunch fare along with a full service bakery. Vicky is the creative force behind the eclectic menu which can be best described in the cafe’s slogan, “Your Neighborhood Cafe with a Mediterranean Flair.” And while Phil continues to work full-time at his law firm he assists with the business side of the cafe and can be seen on weekends tending to customers and otherwise assisting with the operation. It is truly a joint effort by this entrepreneurial couple.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, with many struggles along the way. It took several years to find the “right” location and on the “right” terms with many fits and starts along the way. The investment it takes to open a cafe and the risks of operating any eating establishment were factors to consider. Particularly because Phil is a successful lawyer in his own right, the couple did not need to open a cafe to sustain their livelihood. It was instead a choice they made to fulfill Vicky’s dream and for the couple to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure together. And in truth struggles continue, although of a different kind, after opening the business. Among other things, the increasing costs of goods and labor can put a strain on making ends meet while at the same time keeping and attracting customers with an exciting menu and at reasonable prices. We are continually evaluating the menu items, catering options, and even operating hours to keep the business in a growth mode that appeals to the community and is economically sound.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a small, family-owned business that has been in business for about a year and a half. We come from different backgrounds as Vicky grew up in the Philippines and Phil is from Brooklyn, NY. We have honored each other’s cultures in both forging a life together and eventually in opening Cafe Rivkah. Vicky is the creative force behind the recipes many of which she has developed while living and/or traveling in different parts of the world. Our cafe is unique in having an on-site bakery where all the breads are prepared for the breakfast and lunch offerings, in addition to a full bakery offering gourmet items. We call the cafe “Your Neighborhood Cafe with a Mediterranean Flair” because it is a fusion of cuisines. Breakfast items range from Egg Shakshuka (Israeli) to Adjaruli Kachapuri (Country of Georgia), in addition to bagels, omelettes, frittattas, and croissant waffles. Some of our lunch offerings include such items as Beef Shwarma, Chicken Tawook (Lebanese), and Chicken Schnitzel, with fresh soups made daily. We are also known for our extensive coffee offerings (both hot and cold) as well as our specialty donuts with such flavors as dulce du leche, creme brulee, and marscapone. We listen carefully to our customers and strive to meet their desires!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Opening a business of any type is risky, perhaps no more so than in the food industry. The biggest risk has been (and is) a financial one because there is never a guarantee that there will be a return on the very significant investment that we have made to open and operate the cafe. It is also a venture that requires exceedingly long hours that can take a toll on one’s time and put a strain on any personal relationships. But whether it is reasonable to take any risk is relative to the benefits that can be achieved and the goals you are seeking. For us, the opportunity to help realize Vicky’s dream and the positive feedback that we receive from our customers and the community go a long way to making the risk worth the effort. Running any business is not for the faint of heart!
Pricing:
- We strive to keep prices reasonable taking into account increasing costs of goods and labor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caferivkah.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caferivkah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caferivkah/
- Twitter: https://x.com/rivkah_j
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-rivkah-marietta
