Wauwatosa Business Spotlight: Cafe Blue takes pleasure in providing simple pleasures

Carly and Casey Yiannackopoulos are just another couple of mom-and-pop entrepreneurs trying to have it all.

Their vision of the good life just happens to include specialty sandwiches, fresh-brewed espresso and giant cookies.

"I love sandwiches, and I love bakery, and I love coffee. So, that's what we're doing," laughed Carly Yiannackopoulos, who opened Cafe Blue last December with her husband, Casey.

That enthusiasm is what Carly hopes will carry them through the growing pains of growing a family business — from feeling out the menu to finding a work-family balance.

"I've talked with other cafe owners who have gone out of business or gotten out of the business, and one of the things they said is that was what they didn't love — the service part of it," Carly explained. "They didn't like the day in and day out, and I really I love it. I really do love making sandwiches and coming up with recipes. And I love making coffee and serving coffee. I love talking to people and hearing what they like."

It's why they've done their best to create a space that encourages people to come in, relax and put their feet up — OK, maybe not the feet part.

"I know a lot of people frown on that, sitting in a coffee shop for hours on end. But that's what I've always done. I've sat there and read a book, studied, met with friends. We encourage people to hang out and read books or play chess or meet with their friends. It's the kind of place where you come and you can sit and stay for a while," Carly said.

It's also a place to check out art from local artists.

"We're both art graduates," Carly said. "Casey studied film. I studied art and painting. But we always had this dream of opening a coffee shop, so we feature art at the shop."

Carly also nurtures her artistic interests in the kitchen.

"I definitely don't want to have a set menu. I like to make what I want to make for the day."

And she's always dreaming up new ideas. The latest? Paninis, like the Twisted Turkey, a turkey and Swiss on rye with Asian slaw, and the Jackhammer, a variation on the Cuban sandwich, with pepper jack cheese and fat pickles slices on a pretzel bun.

It's a form of expression Carly has welcomed, particularly as she navigates the transition from stay-at-home mom to café owner and operator.

"My biggest challenge has been spending time with my son," said Carly, who stayed home with her 3-year-old before the cafe opened. "It's really great, and my son is really excited about Cafe Blue. He loves to come in and see how he can help, but I do miss seeing him day in and day out."

Fortunately, her business partner is also her life partner. Married for 12 years, but together for 15, Carly said they're finding their way together as parentpreneurs.

And they've already tested their ability to work together; the couple worked at a coffee house in Newcastle, while Carly studied abroad in England about five years ago.

It's another reason the Yiannackopouloses were willing to take a chance on a cafe.

"We want to be able to have it all," Carly said. "Have our family and support our family, but do what we love to do and where we love to do it. We're trying to have art and coffee and family every day. So far, so good."

JUST THE FACTS

BUSINESS: Café Blue, 6428 W. North Ave.

WEB: www.cafebluetosa.com

PHONE:(414) 858-8258

CO-OWNERS:Carly and Casey Yiannackopoulos

INCORPORATED:December 2014

TYPE OF BUSINESS: cafe

PEARLS OF WISDOM: "I love getting a muffin. I love getting a coffee. And I love when other people are equally excited about that little thing."