CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
M&R Cafe Southern Cuisine
From Takeout to Table: M&R Café’s Bold Move with BBIF’s Support
Nestled in the heart of Tampa, Florida, M&R Café Southern Cuisine is a family-owned treasure renowned for its comforting Southern charm. Under the leadership of Maria Rumlin, an executive chef with over 25 years of culinary expertise, the café is committed to enhancing its ambiance and ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable dining experience, all while continuing to provide exceptional catering services.
DEMOGRAPHIC
Food & Beverage
LOCATION
Tampa, FL
LOAN PROGRAM
Micro-loan
THE CHALLENGE
When Growth Outpaces Space: A Turning Point for M&R Café
M&R Café had successfully operated as both a catering service and a takeout destination, but Maria Rumlin’s vision extended beyond the counter. With plans to create a full-service dining experience, the café took a bold step—transforming its space to accommodate up to 30 seated guests. This shift led to a noticeable increase in sales, but it also brought heightened demand and rising costs of goods sold. To sustain the momentum and complete the transition, M&R Café required immediate investment in infrastructure and kitchen equipment. Growth was within reach—but financial support was essential to make it a reality.
THE SOLUTION
Fueling a Culinary Comeback: How BBIF Helped Fund the Vision
Maria first learned about BBIF at a local business networking event for small enterprises. Drawn to their reputation for helping entrepreneurs grow, she decided to explore a loan opportunity—and it proved to be a game-changer. With BBIF’s support, Maria secured funding to bring her full-service dining vision to life. The funding supported her businesses renovations to elevate the café’s atmosphere, the purchase of kitchen appliances to boost efficiency, and working capital to ease day-to-day operations.
The impact was immediate. The renovations gave M&R Café a fresh, inviting look that welcomed guests to linger and enjoy. New appliances streamlined the kitchen, speeding up service and improving food quality. And with working capital in place, Maria had the breathing room to focus on what she does best—creating memorable dining experiences, one plate at a time.
TBA
Maria Rumlin
Executive Chef
THE IMPACT
A Recipe for Growth: Bigger Space, Better Service, and Stronger Community
Receiving the loan has been transformative for M&R Café. With renovations completed and new appliances installed, Maria has already seen a noticeable increase in customer satisfaction and foot traffic. The refreshed, welcoming atmosphere has elevated the dining experience and strengthened customer loyalty. Since the updates, the café has experienced a 25% boost in sales, along with a growing catering business thanks to improved visibility and reputation.
This milestone marks a major step forward in bringing Maria Rumlin’s vision for M&R Café Southern Cuisine to life. With a more efficient kitchen, a warm dine-in setting, and the financial flexibility to support daily operations, Maria is now fully focused on creating memorable experiences for every guest. Her journey is a powerful example of how passion, perseverance, and the right support can take a small business to the next level.
