Inspiring Conversations with Katharyn Cervantes of K&A Food Services Inc / K&A Cafe & Catering

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katharyn Cervantes.

Hi Katharyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We had a Baptism party for our youngest son and we ordered a Taco Bar. Presentation was very nice but the flavors just were not there. About a month later my friend asked me for the phone number of the taco vendor. My response was sorry I can not recommend them. Thought to myself, why don’t you do the party. I then asked my husband for some money to buy some equipment. I grew up watching my family for many years. My Tia did my wedding and she was a cater for Oscar De La Hoya. I had a great surrounding of support of family. After a successful event, the business went viral. I knew I had to find a kitchen fast so my dad found our location here in downtown Anaheim. And the rest is history 16 years later.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The struggles were and are real. In the beginning, I still had a lot to learn and it didn’t help that the economy went down about 9 months after buying. Had to sell my SUV and so much more to keep afloat. Eventually, things got better, just had to learn how to manage monies and price items correctly. Then like the rest of the world, Covid hit and man was that a struggle. The day we were allowed to re-open, the riot’s hit. We had to board up due to our location being right next to city hall. The year prior there were riots and business around us lots a lot and the damage to the buildings were too much. So we boarded up and sat in front to secure what we had left. You see we had to take out a very large loan from SBA to stay afloat. We were told like every other business out there that the loan would not be due for a couple of years. Well of course it just became due last October and it racked up over $13,000 in interest on top of it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Great Venue For Large Parties! Parklet On Lemon Street With Large Outdoor Patio!!

Outdoor & Indoor Sitting Also Available At Our Hall!

K&A Downtown Cafe & Cervantes Mexican Kitchen, located in Historic Downtown Anaheim, CA. Est 2006

Quickly became one of the Anaheim Promenade’s most popular spots.

Located Inside Anaheim’s First Food Hall. The Good Food Hall!

Know as two of the tastiest restaurants in Orange County.

Drawing upon our families vast experiences of owning restaurants in Santa Ana, Newport Beach and Garden Grove, Pismo Beach & Guadalupe.

K&A Downtown Cafe even boasts about a “secret menu” that includes well-known offerings but with a twist.

Contact Info:

• Website: ka-catering.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KAdowntowncafe