We're excited to introduce you to one of our long-time clients - Meet Sophie La Gourmande, a French-inspired café and patisserie located in the Cedar Lee Arts District of Cleveland Heights. Plus, we are an eager customer; hardly an event at BudgetEase is complete without a salad, sandwich or desert from Sophie’s. Since its inception in May 2022, Sophie La Gourmande has been enchanting locals with its neighborhood atmosphere, indulgent pastries, and meticulously crafted lunches. We enjoyed talking with Bob Sferra, the talented chef and owner behind this culinary gem.
Tell Me More About Your Organization.
Initially operating as a caterer and pastry chef, we made a strategic shift in 2018 by acquiring a building to establish our brick-and-mortar concept, Sophie La Gourmande. Following a successful year in operation, we transformed our former catering company, Culinary Occasions, into Sophie Events. Our establishment now comprises Sophie La Gourmande, a Café+Patisserie, complete with a handmade market, alongside catering services provided by Sophie Events. Grounded in farm-to-table principles from the outset, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional products and maintains an unwavering passion for our craft.
What is Your Biggest Challenge?
We are nestled in a beautiful, well-established neighborhood steeped in tradition, we strive to distinguish ourselves as pioneers of innovation. While there are many other food options in the area, we proudly set ourselves apart by offering an experience that is both distinctly seasonal and continuously evolving.
Our dedication to remaining attuned to the natural rhythms and evolving preferences of our community enables us to consistently surprise and delight our customers with fresh, inspired creations. Whether it's our meticulously curated menus or our meticulously planned events, we infuse every facet of our business with a spirit of creativity and authenticity that resonates deeply with our patrons. As guardians of culinary excellence, we eagerly embrace the challenge of exceeding expectations and establishing new benchmarks within our neighborhood. This commitment has earned us a reputation as a destination that celebrates the finest offerings of each season, solidifying our position as a cherished cornerstone of the community.
What Lead you to BudgetEase?
Kathy (President of BudgetEase) and I both participated in a Goldman Sachs program for entrepreneurs, where we had the opportunity to spend significant time together over several weeks. Throughout our interactions, I came to admire Kathy's know-how and her knack for providing valuable insights to fellow business owners. It was evident that she and her team at BudgetEase were the perfect fit for our bookkeeping needs.
Why Do You Find Having Someone Else Do Your Bookkeeping Helpful?
Juggling multiple responsibilities in cooking and catering, I found myself wearing many hats. Despite having a part-time bookkeeper, managing the workload alongside employee headcount and contract workers became increasingly challenging. Recognizing the strain on sustainability, I made the decision to entrust these responsibilities to a team of professionals whom I can rely on with confidence.
