“Bienvenue! Bienvenue!” The French salutation may have perplexed a few people who were curious enough to stumble into Quartier Latin Café Friday afternoon, but there was no mistaking Carlos Rosales” enthusiasm as he welcomed newcomers to his latest enterprise — a French-themed coffee shop downtown — slated to open in mid-August.
In a troubled economy, with business owners nationwide choosing to shutter their storefronts, Rosales — and other local entrepreneurs — are persevering.
But Friday, Rosales” greatest challenge was polishing his French repertoire. In 2005, he opened Tampico Bay, a Mexican restaurant a scant three blocks away. Now, he and his sons, Roberto and Christopher Rosales, plan to serve espresso and pastries from the little gray house at 100 11th St. S. near Mississippi University for Women.
Formerly a beauty shop, and before that a bookstore, the location bears the well-worn patina of historic charm which Rosales said he has tried to maintain throughout extensive renovations. He and his sons spent nearly three months uncovering the original hardwood floors, sanding them, staining them, and making them shine. They painted the walls a soft peach color and interspersed greenery and French placards, and paintings, including a large piece in the front room which depicts the original Quartier Latin in Paris during its heyday.
The area, once a popular hangout with students due to its artsy atmosphere and vibrant bistros and cafes, is a prime example of what Rosales sees as being possible in downtown Columbus. He said instead of being worried about competition (several other coffee shops are being considered downtown), he welcomes it.
“Competition is always healthy,” Rosales said as he peered over his coffee cup at a French textbook.
He and barista Selinda Walker met when the two were taking French classes at MUW, and now, they”re enjoying the chance to practice their language skills with one another. When the cafe opens, all employees will speak conversational French, and only French, Italian and Argentinean music will be played.
Hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Rosales said his experience with Tampico Bay was so positive, he feels sure the new business will capture the enthusiasm of not only his loyal customers, but also of local students looking for a place to do their homework, enjoy wireless Internet and relax after class. A patio will offer outside ambiance, and the entire restaurant will be smoke-free.
He admitted that going from a Mexican restaurant to a French coffee shop is a leap, but then, so was his leap from commercial photography and cinematography to restaurateur.
“When you open a business, you”ve always got this fear,” he said. “It”s the unknown. But there”s magic just in trying.”
”A real buzz”
A few blocks away, over on Main Street, Will Reedy is feeling the thrill of excitement as well.
He and his wife, Renee, have operated their photography and videography business out of their home for the past several years, but now they”re moving downstairs from Cafe on Main.
Friday afternoon, he talked as he hung sheetrock. He said though he and Renee stay busy photographing weddings and other events throughout the South, they love the downtown atmosphere and wanted to be part of it.
“For us, there was just a real buzz about downtown,” Reedy said.
The couple envisions not only having photo shoots at the studio, but also opening it up for monthly arts events like singer/songwriter nights and gallery shows.
Like Rosales, Reedy isn”t worried about the economic climate, mainly because he feels business brings business.
“It definitely takes guts (to start a business),” Reedy said. “You have to really know your market and who you are and what you”re good at.”
Adding on
A few doors down, at Huck”s Place, business is so good, they”ve decided to expand the serving space.
Downtown properties owner Chris Chain, who rents to the restaurant, said the owners are planning to open an additional 600 square feet of table space, providing seating for 30 to 40 more people. Expansion renovations began this week and should be complete by the beginning of September.
North Mississippi Computers has also expanded its store size, moving from 101 Gardner Blvd. to a bigger building on 18th Avenue.
Moving out
But for some business owners, the end of summer brings change and a bittersweet goodbye.
Julie Kauffman, owner of Paper Daisy on Main Street, is selling her business after 2 1/2 years. The store, which caters to scrapbook enthusiasts and other crafters, is a good sale for someone wanting to try their hand at owning a business, she said.
“It”s a really great opportunity for someone just starting out who doesn”t want to make a huge investment,” Kauffman said. “It”s a really great starter business, because it”s not going to take all your money.”
Kauffman is selling the business for $13,000. She said scrapbooking, which soared to popularity a few years ago, is on the downswing now, but she still hopes someone will step in to fill the void for avid local fans of the pastime.
“You”ve got to like this industry and devote a little time for it,” Kauffman said. “But it”s not going to take the shirt off your back to get involved.”
Brenda Lathan, vice president of economic development for the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link, said new businesses in the area are a good indicator of the overall economic picture of Columbus.
“We”re actually doing better than most cities and counties in Mississippi,” Lathan said.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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Related Photos
Will Reedy hangs sheetrock Friday afternoon at Renee Reedy Photography & Video in downtown Columbus. Reedy and his wife, Renee, are renovating the space below Cafe on Main to use as a photography studio. Photo by: Carmen K. Sisson
A rental sign hangs in the window of an empty business on Main Street Friday afternoon. Though some storefronts are empty, other businesses are moving downtown, including a photography studio below Cafe on Main and a coffee shop on 11th Street near Mississippi University for Women. Photo by: Carmen K. Sisson
Carlos Rosales tests an espresso machine Friday afternoon at Quartier Latin Café in downtown Columbus. Photo by: Carmen K. Sisson
