“Aye, muy delicioso!”

Koffee Klatch, on Sunshine Strip in Harlingen, has been providing city residents and surrounding communities with “good’ol” home-style cooking since 1953. New owners Oscar and Rosalinda Martinez intend on keeping it that way.

For the last twenty-four years, Mr. Martinez has owned, managed, and worked in restaurants, including his own restaurant in Matamoros, Mexico, managing 10 employees.  After much thought and deliberation, Mr. and Mrs. Martinez were ready to take on a new business venture.

Oscar and Rosalinda sought the assistance of The Small Business Development Center at The University of Texas-Pan American and received guidance from Pablo Calafiore in developing a business plan and financial projections for the Koffee Klatch. 

It was not always easy:  The Martinez family faced some challenges and roadblocks in their path towards business ownership. These, however, were no match for Mr. Martinez’ knowledge and experience in the restaurant business

When asked what advice he would give new restaurant owners, Mr. Martinez responds: “Know the business.” Indeed, his ability to train his employees comes from almost twenty-five years of experience in doing it all – from scrubbing the floors and washing dishes to being head cook.

So what does the future hold for Oscar and Rosalinda Martinez?  With the help of the SBDC they would like to continue to build on their business ownership momentum and success and open another establishment in the Upper Rio Grande Valley. 

Mr. Martinez has some additional words of wisdom for any person planning on starting his own business: “Entrepreneurs need to take advantage of the SBDC and their resource partners.” 

The Koffee Klatch is located at 101 S. 77 Sunshine Strip in Harlingen.  The business phone number is (956) 412-7963.  For further information on the services offered by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), please call the SBDC at (956) 292-7535.