Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Arsova.
Elena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Astoria is a small family owned cafe/wine bar.
Ever since she was a little girl, my mother has wanted a little cafe. After stumbling on an abandoned old Blimpie’s location in the scenic neighborhood of Addison Circle, my dad decided to push her to fulfill her longtime dream. The location was perfect for a European corner cafe and we could not pass it up. Although initially, the concept was just espresso and wine, it quickly expanded into so much more. We now offer a full bar (not just wine), breakfast all day, hot panini sandwiches, fresh salads, small hors d’oeuvres, and deliciously decadent cakes and cheesecakes. It has become a business that not only mom has a passion for, but also my dad and I.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Owning your own business is never smooth. My family has always been entrepreneurial and we have gone through a number of ventures, but this one, is by far our favorite project. When you love what you do, the struggles are just challenges.
The most recent struggle we had involved the city of Addison. After years of doing business, the new Assistant Director of Development Services for the city came to us and told us that our patio was noncompliant.
When we decided to open Astoria, we went in front of the City Council and presented a (what was back then) a revolutionary idea for Dallas. We wanted a sidewalk cafe with a patio, just like the ones crowding the streets of Europe. The key word is “patio.” At the time when we presented our concept, there were very few patios in Dallas and to many, it seemed weird that people would ever want to sit out in the Texas heat, but we were confident that the shade from the beautiful Addison trees and the authentic urban vibe would draw a very nice crowd. The City Council approved the patio re-zoning of our location and asked us to draw a few tables on our layout to represent a patio.
Well, 9 years later, the new Assistant Director of Development Services, came to us and told us that we have too many tables and chairs and that the drawing he has for our property only had 3 tables and we have way more. The truth is, we had all those tables out from day one. The drawing was just supposed to represent a patio. It was not supposed to have each table and chair drawn out. To make a long story short, we went through hell fighting for our patio back. Our customers got involved, petitions were started, TV reports were broadcasted, and finally with the strong support of the City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission, we reached a settlement.
Although it was one of the most stressful things we have ever had to deal with, it helped us see how loved we are. Our customers showed us remarkable support during this hard time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We often joke that Astoria holds all your guilty pleasures. From authentic Italian espresso blends, to decadent desserts, to an astounding wine, beer, and spirits list, delicious sandwiches, and much more. We have been nominated on numerous occasions as Addison’s “favorite patio” “favorite place to sip wine” “favorite coffeehouse” “favorite place for a first date.” In fact, we have witnessed and helped out with numerous engagement proposals. We often have people on first dates that then continue to visit for years to come on anniversaries. We witnessed couples go from single, to dating, to engaged, to married, to having kids. It so fun to be part of all of that and to now see their children grow.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I was very shy. Astoria has helped me open up. I could walk up to anyone now and introduce myself and start a conversation. I still remember the first day that my parents put me to serve. I was all nerves and I had the kindest first customers. I remember they tipped me really well and I was very shocked because I felt like I did not do a good job at all.
In addition, Astoria has helped me succeed in getting my double major in Business Administration and Finance. Although it was challenging doing both full-time work and school, owning your own business makes you very responsible. You have to have good time management and stay organized to succeed.
I have always been a perfectionist and a people pleaser by nature. Astoria allows me to explore both of those personality traits as a business owner.
Contact Info:
- Address: 15701 Quorum Drive, Addison, TX 75001
- Website: www.astoriacaffe.com
- Phone: (972)239-5853
- Email: astoriacaffe.winebar@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoriacaffe_winebar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoriacaffewinebar
Image Credit:
Rod Lindley
Jubei Mercado
Elena Arsova
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