Meet Rogina Carter of Cafe Blue

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rogina Carter.

Hi Rogina , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2017 I closed a neighborhood bar I owned named Blue Bar. I wanted to continue in the industry, focusing more on food vs alcohol. In 2019, I opened Cafe Blue, wanting to provide home-cooked breakfast and lunch items in under 15 minutes. It became an instant success with the support of area businesses and neighborhood locals. We serve some of the most amazing people who often eat here 2-3 times per week.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have had our share of challenges. A few months after opening, we found ourselves in the middle of a pandemic. Who would have expected that? It did provide an opportunity. While the world was shut down, we continued to fulfill to go orders, which actually put us on the map. We have been rocking and rolling ever since

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cafe Blue?
Cafe Blue specializes in breakfast and lunch items using fresh ingredients cooked to order. A few of our kitchen staples are Shrimp and Grits, Fish and Grits, Chicken Ceasar Wrap, pan-seared salmon over yellow rice, and our fresh 1/2 lb. grilled cheeseburger with fries. I’m most proud it a family run business, including myself and my 2 children. They have been very instrumental in the success of Cafe Blue, helping with day to day operations

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentorship is important in every business, but i went one step further, working in different restaurants, learning the business from back of the house, purchasing food, food prep, and food safety to front of the house, food presentation, and guest relations. We are in a small community, and our guests are our family. Providing excellent food and service to our customers is the best marketing around. They are the ones who spread the word around and consistently return with more friends and family.

Pricing:

• menu items range from $13-$21

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cafeblueaustell.com
• Instagram: @cafe_blue_eastwestshops
• Facebook: @CafeBlueEastWest