Cafe’ Nard: is a bakery, cafe, and restaurant offering the finest Italian food in Harlem!

I was born in Milan, Italy in April of 1977 to Eritrean parents, who immigrated there in the 70’s. Growing up in Milan in the 80’s and 90’s between two cultures Eritrean (East African) and Italian allowed me to develop a very eclectic taste in food and then moving to and living in NYC, the Big Apple just amplified it. Aside from being in the hospitality/food business, I am a fashion designer, and I always have had a very strong passion and hobbies in the arts, in all its forms.

I have been living in New York City for the past sixteen years. During those years, I worked in hospitality in the city, in different places and roles. Once, I was offered the job to open a business for someone else, in nearby Columbus Circle, which I accepted and completed successfully. There I learned if I could do it for someone else then I could do it for myself. Hospitality has been my bread and butter, but it also taught me that I am good at entertaining and understanding people’s needs. Some would say “a people person”! It also allowed me to develop my passion for food which started when I was child. My parents are both great cooks in both Italian and Eritrean cuisine. In New York, I was also able to taste food from other cultures making also my culinary taste very eclectic. For all these years, I mainly lived Harlem, which became my home. I always loved the neighborhood and appreciated its architectural beauty. Here, now, in my neighborhood, I am ready to create something of my own, shaping it to be welcoming and unique.

I’ll open my business as a cafe and offer the best of my experiences to cater to my community with the best of quality of products and services.

For about a year I have been in the start-up process, to open a gourmet café. Café’ Nard will offer to its clientele (which will primarily be university’s students, young professionals and people who live or work in the area) Italian cafeteria, fine teas and baked pastries baked daily for breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch, and tapas with wine and beer for dinner.

After nine years of experience in New York city in the fine and casual dining industry, in various positions, and after successful opening a cafe with a concept similar to mine for someone else, I felt it was the right time to move forward. I would like to achieve financial success and prove to myself that I am the entrepreneur, others believe I am!

I have accomplished a lot on my own in the past year. While still working as a full time employee, I have found the right location for the concept, I have initiated the process of securing potential investors, and have done so by reaching only into my personal savings to recruit the business’ finances. Someone once told me jokingly “don’t ask for a loan at a bank, unless you are rich!” I thought it was funny then, I realized that it wasn’t a joke! This process has been very discouraging at times, but I kept thinking, training and overcoming all the obstacles I’ve faced.

This opportunity will help me build a solid and long lasting business which is my ultimate goal. Once Café Nard is up and running new challenges and more responsibility will be knockings at my door and I, with your support, will be ready to face it all!

This loan it’s very important for my business. It will help me to acquire some of the most expensive and fundamental equipments for my Cafe.

$3,000 will buy a new baking oven
$1,500 will buy a new refrigerator
$2,500 will buy a new coffee machine
$3,000 will buy a new POS system

This money will give me the chance to be financially independent using my experience and knowledge. The success of this business will be part of my own contribution to the neighborhood that has been my home far from home.
This loan is very important to me. It will give me the opportunity to reach financial stability.