Today’s show is an exemplary story about cafe ownership. Topping off their business is their decision to add a subscription plan—made possible with downtime in the pandemic.
Considering being a cafe owner? Wonder how people choose, start and create a cafe? How do you write a cafe’s business plan? This episode captures those points, with a compelling story from two dedicated and involved owner-operators of Baby’s on Fire in Baltimore historic Mt Vernon neighborhood.
Owners Shirlé and David Koslowski named their cafe after a Brian Eno song from 1970. In 1992 these two met and fell in love while playing in bands. David’s band was Liquor Bike and Shirlé’s was Women of Destruction (Baltimore's first Riot Girl band). Their journey was an unlikely starting place for cafe ownership…or maybe not…
Their love and appreciate of music is a perfect starting place for building a community. David grounds their faithful customers in music! Come in, listen, and sift through a vast array of vinyl. Yes, you can buy a record or two. More importantly, and one of the notable reasons for having them on Holy Guacamole was to discuss their subscription business. Subscriptions for vinyl. Don't live locally? Don’t worry, David and their team created a monthly record club.
Shirlé has great skill that serve the business too. She is a talented chef. She honed her culinary skills during those year of playing in her band. You’ll hear the variety. Shirlé’s menu at Baby’s on Fire is much more nuanced and creative than any average cafe. In fact, Baby’s on Fire is one of Baltimore’s few places for an amazing breakfast burrito. They have a full espresso bar, formed from their relationship with Open Sea Coffee. Open Seas Coffee owners are a great fit for Baby’s on Fire because of their mission to see coffee communities empowered and thriving.
This show is a real treat. Full of stories or places, vinyl, music and a wonderfully tight knit team.
Enjoy listening.
Here is their website: Baby's on Fire
Support one of Baltimore’s local cafe. You don’t need to be local to support them—join their monthly vinyl subscription.