Village Business Profile: bb café

bb café 27 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands Homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and paninis, along with a full breakfast daily. Michael Baker, a Newton resident, established the restaurant in 1984.  He has 30 employees.

What motivated you to get into business? I have always been a “food guy”, but earlier in my career, I worked in manufacturing and did a lot of traveling.  I was constantly on a quest for a great turkey sandwich – and it was a hard thing to find!  I decided to go into the business and we still feature the all natural, hand-carved turkey breasts that I spent years carving in the window of our initial store location.

What is the biggest kick you get out of doing business in Newton? I grew up in Newton so it’s great to have seen a generation through various life events.  You cater a kid’s birthday and the next thing you know you’re catering their wedding!  I have employed a number of local Newton high school students over the years as well.  We feel like a part of the community, especially the Highlands’ community.

What is your biggest business challenge? Like most business, our people are the key to the service we provide.  Finding capable people with a passion for the food industry is an on-going challenge.

What do you do when your well is empty/you need to recharge your batteries? I like to exercise, especially swimming.  It gives me new energy and keeps me balanced.

What one piece of advice would you offer a new/prospective Newton business owner? Know your customer!  There is a strong sense of community in the villages of Newton and it is important to understand and appreciate the history of your area.

What do you want your customers to know about you? That we are as committed as ever to offering the highest quality food and service.  We feature all natural turkey and chicken and strive to buy local where we can.  We want our café to feel like home while you are having a great meal.  I truly enjoy seeing our clients and I’m still there regularly.  I love to see everyone a good experience and I’m there to hand out samples and cookies.  It’s great to hear parents tell me that their kid could choose anywhere they wanted to eat and they chose us.

Your favorite stops in Newton? Bernard’s has always been a favorite.  They have great food and we’ve been regulars for years.